With almost everything online, from banking to clothes shopping, it is no wonder that cybersecurity is one of the most fast-paced and exciting careers. Information security analysts and cybersecurity professionals have a wide range of responsibilities. However, the main bulk of their work is to protect online data from being compromised.
Getting Into It
To get into cybersecurity, it helps if you already have a passion and some level of computer knowledge. There is a range of degrees, like that from the University of Nevada Reno, that will give you the qualifications you need.
Much of the practical side will come from learning on the job, though.
Great job options for getting into cybersecurity include:
Vulnerability analyst: For this role, you will use a range of security tools to find critical flaws in systems, applications, and networks. This is about staying on top of the latest malware and other vulnerabilities. When identified, you will be required to mitigate the impact on the company.
Cyber policy analyst: For this role, you will be required to develop strategies, requirements, and procedures for both public, private, and government companies. Assisting on the implementation of the policies for the clients is a vital part of this role.
Network administrator: This role comes with many duties, amongst them is making sure the company’s network is secure and provides access to only those that should have it. You will have first-hand knowledge of the company network topology, and this is a role that can lead to very complex cybersecurity positions later down the line.
SOC analyst: SOC stands for the security operations center. This is a 24/7 role and requires the reporting of cyber incidents that threaten various areas of the government. You will be required to conduct vulnerability analysis and make appropriate recommendations to mitigate these threats.
Research
In order to ensure you have the right qualifications, it pays to do your research on cybersecurity companies. Searching through LinkedIn profiles and company pages can give you an overview of the qualifications that people in certain roles have. You can also contact recruiters who will be able to tell you what they are looking for specific roles.
In order to get some practice at home, you can set up a lab. This will consist of a range of virtual operating systems on the same computer. You can also set up the lab on Amazon’s AWS.
The cybersecurity industry posts regularly and often, which gives you the opportunity to read plenty about the topic and bolsters your knowledge as you learn. Set up some Google Alerts about the cybersecurity industry so that you can stay on top of new threats, tools, and positions.
The cybersecurity industry is the front line of protection when it comes to keeping valuable data safe. Protecting all businesses from attacks, hack, and various software that can compromise the safety of the network, and/or the people who use it.
“It takes 20 years to build a reputation and a few minutes of cyber-incident to ruin it.” – Stephane Nappo.
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