How to start career in cyber security?

Date: Jan 22, 2023

Cyber Security

Introduction
Our personal and professional lives have mostly moved online. Due to the epidemic, there has been a particularly dramatic transition in the workplace toward online environments, with hybrid workspaces and remote working becoming popular. We are more vulnerable to cyberattacks as we rely more heavily on the internet for every area of our lives.Online fraud, ransomware, phishing, and hacking have affected people, companies, and entire countries. The amount of cyberattacks across industries and regions has increased by 125% year over year, according to a report from Accenture Business, and it has become a major source of concern. In order to overcome the challenges posed by growing cyberattacks, 77% of organizations anticipate raising their cybersecurity spending, according to a Verizon survey. The number of ransomware attacks increased by 105% in 2017. The cost of cybercrime is projected to reach $10.5 trillion annually by 2025, and the cybersecurity market is projected to reach $478.68 billion by 2030.The demand for cybersecurity experts is high. As you can see, there is a daily rise in cybercrime. Both rewarding and hard, a career in cybersecurity. Due to the enormous disparity between the demand for cybersecurity specialists and the amount of cybersecurity difficulties encountered on a daily basis, these individuals are in high demand worldwide.The fact that cybersecurity experts are the ones who guard an organization's data against compromise is yet another factor contributing to the popularity of this field of work. You are in charge of maintaining the security and safety of the data for your company as a cybersecurity professional.

Career Options in Cybersecurity
Due to the significance of cybersecurity professionals in data security, every firm wants to hire them. There is a huge need for cybersecurity experts, and India offers more opportunities than other countries in the Asia-Pacific region. While the Asia Pacific cybersecurity market is predicted to develop at a CAGR of 18.3% between 2020 and 2025, there is a skill gap in the industry. Threat intelligence, application development security, cloud security risk management, and data privacy and security are some of the most in-demand skills in the area. There are far more opportunities for young Indians interested in a cybersecurity career because there are significantly less competent experts in India who can address the cybersecurity issue.

A career in cybersecurity requires the following skills.
With 3.1 million open positions worldwide, demand for cyber security positions is quite high. This is the ideal time to transition into a cybersecurity job because the average compensation is higher than other IT positions. Programming language knowledge (Java, Python, C++), familiarity with operating systems (Linux, Windows, macOS), network configuration and management, project management, data management, analytics, disaster recovery, risk assessment, intrusion detection, information systems, access control, security programme development, audits and compliance, cloud security implementation and management, and digital forensics are some of the most crucial technical skills for cybersecurity careers.There are various specialized certificates available for chances in cyber security, while a bachelor's or master's degree in computer science, cybersecurity, or a related discipline like mathematics or engineering is progressively useful.
The following are some of the most typical credentials or certifications needed for a job in cyber security:

• Lack of Cyber Security Experts: Cybersecurity experts from all around the world run the risk of being underprepared to deal with current problems in the field. Over 19,000 cyber security specialists are not enough workers, according to the Worldwide Information Security Workforce Study (GISWS), to solve the problem of cyber security. By 2022, India would need 1.8 million more cyber security specialists. Clearly, the nation's current shortage of cyber security experts will result in more job vacancies in the near future.

• Professionals with Limited Expertise: A responsive workforce and highly skilled employees are still needed by many firms. Security experts have acknowledged their challenges and inadequacies in addressing cyber security problems. Therefore, in order for professionals to effectively respond to cyber security risks and attacks, they must get certified and gain additional skills and competences.

• Worldwide demand: Expertise in operations and security management are highly sought after on a global scale. On the other hand, Latin America has the highest demand for incident and threat management positions, with a demand of 63%. The need for incident and threat management specialists is 65% higher in the Middle East and Africa than it is for some other professions.The existing pattern has persisted despite firms' ongoing efforts to fill a variety of positions, greatly increasing the pool of professionals who will have a positive impact on cyber security worldwide.

• The Future of Cyber Security Jobs: The chance to work on frameworks and improvements will be available to cyber security specialists. Robots, websites, and other industries will all benefit from cybersecurity. Cyber security will become a viable career option because these experts will be able to assist a huge number of clients in this way. These cyber security experts will always be in great demand due to their wide variety of skills in managing all contemporary security concerns.

What kind of Cyber Security scope does India have?

A cyber security professional's job is exceptionally demanding and always presenting new issues that need for creativity and innovation. A strong comprehension of these issues will enable applicants to surpass their own limitations and gain both local and international recognition. Choosing the right job route for oneself to start with is therefore equally vital. So, let's talk about some of the most sought-after and worthwhile career options in cyber security in 2022.

• CompTIA Security+, GIAC Security Essentials Certification (GSEC), Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), and Systems Security Certified Practitioner are entry-level or associate-level credentials (SSCP)

• Mid/Senior Level: CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+), Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), and Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC).

• Specializations: Certificate of Cloud Security Knowledge, Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), Certified Hacking Forensic Investigator (CHFI), and (CCSK).

A few soft skills will assist one advance in a cybersecurity job in addition to a college degree and a training certificate. We advise you to pursue some hands-on training in cybersecurity if you want to succeed in your work. You can gain a few soft skills necessary for a career in cybersecurity by observing the real-world application of cybersecurity.

• Problem solver: Be a problem solver if you've chosen to live in a world of issues. Cybersecurity issues cause global instability. Data security is extremely sensitive since it affects both an individual's and an organization's privacy. The cybersecurity expert must resolve the problem and protect the data. You'll excel as an emergency responder thanks to your capacity for critical thought.

• Avenger: Cybercrime causes worldwide losses of around $6 trillion. Additionally, it endangers a great number of lives. A cybersecurity expert must protect the earth from falling victim to such cybercrimes like an Avenger. If you have sympathy for the victims, a job as a security engineer would be appropriate for you.

• Enthusiast: Increase your level of accountability for addressing cybersecurity issues. Get motivated by the tales of those who have escaped online scammers. If you enjoy problem-solving and are an enthusiast, becoming a penetration tester may be the right career choice for you.

• Rapid learner: Be intrigued about the cutting-edge innovations being used to address cybersecurity issues. Find out about the tools created to help security professionals. Be quick to recognize the issue and use the appropriate approach to resolve it. Because of your interest in finding solutions, you could have a successful career as a security architect.

• Tutor: Continue to gain knowledge about the issues facing the industry and to offer workable solutions. Make an effort to help someone rather than treating it like a regular job. A position as a cyber security consultant might be ideal for you if you have strong listening and empathy skills.

Why opt for Cyber Security?

• High rates of employment: The assurance of job openings in the field of cyber security is one of the main benefits of choosing it as a career. As different industries fight the ongoing rise in data breaches, there is still a high demand for positions in cyber security. In 2016, the unemployment rate for this profession fell to 0%, where it has stayed ever since. You will acquire a skill set as a result of preparing for this vocation that will make it simple and reliable for you to get employment.

• Flexible career options: You can select the job path that best suits your interests in cyber security, which offers a variety of options. If you appreciate thinking strategically and solving problems, becoming a cyber security architect would be the perfect career choice for you. Or you might take the route of become a chief information security officer if you want to guide people and assist in securing systems. There are many other job titles available, including cryptographer, engineer, consultant, information security analyst, and many more. Although each profession has a different career path, they all contribute to cyber security.

• Competitive salary: Experts in cyber security are a priceless resource for any company. Consequently, their salaries are higher than those of most occupations in terms of financial remuneration. In the US, the average yearly pay for cyber security specialists is reported to be $76,808.

• Contentment at work: In addition to financial gains, cyber security provides career fulfilment. In fact, workforce research found that Americans have high levels of job satisfaction. 36% of respondents who said they were very satisfied with their cyber security employment said they were 71% satisfied or more with it. In addition, 84% of the respondents said that, given their experience and skills, they are where they expected to be in their career.

How to Enter the Field of Cyber Security?
You can pursue a successful career in cyber security in a variety of ways. While some people transfer from other IT professions, others may start their preparations early and seek undergraduate degrees in cyber security. So,what steps may you take to get into the field of cyber security? Let me now go over some actions you can take. Regardless of when and where you begin your career in cyber security, if you are determined, you may find ways to be successful in this field.

• Acquire a degree: Obtaining a degree is the route that most people take in order to pursue a career in cyber security. These individuals typically register in undergraduate cyber security, IT, computer science, or information assurance programmes. Some firms could also require a master's degree if you're aiming for a higher job.

• Enrol in online courses on cyber security: Enrolling in online courses would be a great option if you don't want to pursue formal education in cyber security. All students, including those changing their major or career, first-time students, have access to these programmes. Because they are more economical than other alternatives while still providing you with the fundamental knowledge needed for the job, online cyber security courses are an excellent substitute.

• Acquire a number of certifications in cyber security: Your approach toward cyber security can benefit greatly from certifications. They demonstrate to employers your commitment to enhancing your job-specific skill set. The following are some excellent certification choices with few or no requirements:

• CCNP Security

• CompTIA Pen Test+ CASP+: CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner CySA+: CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst

• SANS GIAC Security Essentials is GSEC.

• Defending Security Certified Professional, or OSCP

• Get practical experience: How can you begin a career in cyber security if you have no prior experience and are unable to find employment as a result? You can engage in a variety of alternative cyber security operations besides the conventional ones to hone your abilities and gain experience. The initial stage is to learn as much as you can about IT and cyber security, after which you can:

• Develop a little technology project for you or another person.

• Offer your services as a volunteer to organizations needing cyber security.

• Participate in cyber security contests.

What Can You Do if You Have a Cybersecurity Background?

Cybersecurity occupations are growing more common in organizations of all sizes as cybercrimes become more prominent. In a nutshell, the cyber security roles involve preventing cyberattacks on the organization's computer networks and systems.Cybercrimes are evolving and getting more specialized, targeted, and sophisticated. In order to deal with specific areas of ensuring the safety and security of computer networks and digital data, responsibilities and job titles linked with a profession in cyber security are becoming more diverse and specialized. There are experts in cyber security working in all industries and in a variety of positions. You may be qualified for a wide range of positions if you have experience in cyber security, including:

• Information Security Analyst

• Computer Systems Analyst

• Security Management Specialist

• Cyber Crime Analyst

• Cyber Security Software Developer

• Cyber Security Architect

• Computer and Information Systems Managers

Most frequently, these positions—as well as numerous others—are found in:

• financial divisions

• departments of law enforcement

• healthcare divisions

• education divisions

• Government institutions

If you are interested in pursuing a career in cyber security now that you are aware of the steps to take, do not let your present educational background or chosen professional route restrict your alternatives. Opportunities will present themselves as long as you hone your cyber security abilities. Working hard is the only way to succeed in cyber security, or any other subject, for that matter.