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When looking to go into a career in Cyber Security, what colleges and majors do you recommend? Are there certain experiences or backgrounds that companies look for when hiring?
I'm currently going into my junior year in high school and plan on looking more into opportunities to expand my Cyber Security knowledge this upcoming summer!
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Atul’s Answer
Having dedicated a decade of my life to the field of cybersecurity, I've noticed that most professionals in this area typically have a foundation in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or Electrical Engineering. These fields provide the necessary skills to develop effective software. In today's world, Machine Learning has become a significant aspect of cybersecurity.
I'd recommend exploring universities, whether public or private, that offer cybersecurity as a major or as part of the curriculum in the aforementioned fields. You can pursue your education without the burden of student loans.
As you further your studies in any of these majors, consider obtaining a certification as a "Certified Hacker". This is an ever-evolving field, and such a certification can only boost your career prospects. To increase your marketability, take the time to research major cybersecurity companies. Understand what programming languages they value in potential candidates. This will help you tailor your skills to meet the industry's demands and make you a sought-after professional in this exciting field.
I'd recommend exploring universities, whether public or private, that offer cybersecurity as a major or as part of the curriculum in the aforementioned fields. You can pursue your education without the burden of student loans.
As you further your studies in any of these majors, consider obtaining a certification as a "Certified Hacker". This is an ever-evolving field, and such a certification can only boost your career prospects. To increase your marketability, take the time to research major cybersecurity companies. Understand what programming languages they value in potential candidates. This will help you tailor your skills to meet the industry's demands and make you a sought-after professional in this exciting field.
Thank you for the response! This is super helpful and informative.
Mia
Updated
Jo Ann’s Answer
Hello Mia, although Cybersecurity is not my area of expertise or background, I do know that it's a great field and there are many opportunities that would be available to you within various industries.
I would like to direct you to a great free resource portal for students for you to explore some cybersecurity courses, as well as hear from some individuals who work within the cybersecurity field.
Learn cybersecurity basics like: terminology, roles, and concepts such as encryption, cryptography, and a variety of tactics used by cyber attackers.
Here's the link: ==> https://skillsbuild.org/students/course-catalog/cybersecurity
I wish you much success!
I would like to direct you to a great free resource portal for students for you to explore some cybersecurity courses, as well as hear from some individuals who work within the cybersecurity field.
Learn cybersecurity basics like: terminology, roles, and concepts such as encryption, cryptography, and a variety of tactics used by cyber attackers.
Here's the link: ==> https://skillsbuild.org/students/course-catalog/cybersecurity
I wish you much success!
Thank you so much!
Mia
Edmond Momartin ☁️
Public Cloud Security & Compliance AT&T | MBA InfoSec | OWASP-LA Board
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Edmond’s Answer
It all depends which area of cybersecurity is a best fit for your talent and aptitude. You might like the hands-on technical deep-in-the-weeds pen-tester role, a Security Operations Center (SOC) analyst, or cybersecurity governance, policy, privacy and law. You might prefer forensic or law enforcement.
I'd therefore encourage you to find local chapters of cybersecurity non-profits in your area and attend their in-person meetings. Most are free and/or free for students. That would give you an opportunity to meet professionals in the field and learn first hand about their individual fields. These are ISSA (issa.org), OWASP (owasp.org), ISC2 (isc2.org) and ISACA (isaca.org). Some also organize conferences that might let you attend at little or no cost. In my experience these communities are welcoming and everyone is eager to share what they know.
In online resources, the one below in particular is very informative, and in general cisa.gov is a very good resource; explore the site.
https://niccs.cisa.gov/education-training/cybersecurity-students
October (cybersecurity month) is around the corner, find and attend events. Your local colleges and high schools would definitely offer events, some are posted here https://staysafeonline.org/events-programs/ and https://staysafeonline.org/programs/cybersecurity-awareness-month.
Read through insights offered by student from last year Oct event https://www.nist.gov/blogs/cybersecurity-insights/student-insights-cybersecurity-careers.
I'd therefore encourage you to find local chapters of cybersecurity non-profits in your area and attend their in-person meetings. Most are free and/or free for students. That would give you an opportunity to meet professionals in the field and learn first hand about their individual fields. These are ISSA (issa.org), OWASP (owasp.org), ISC2 (isc2.org) and ISACA (isaca.org). Some also organize conferences that might let you attend at little or no cost. In my experience these communities are welcoming and everyone is eager to share what they know.
In online resources, the one below in particular is very informative, and in general cisa.gov is a very good resource; explore the site.
https://niccs.cisa.gov/education-training/cybersecurity-students
October (cybersecurity month) is around the corner, find and attend events. Your local colleges and high schools would definitely offer events, some are posted here https://staysafeonline.org/events-programs/ and https://staysafeonline.org/programs/cybersecurity-awareness-month.
Read through insights offered by student from last year Oct event https://www.nist.gov/blogs/cybersecurity-insights/student-insights-cybersecurity-careers.
Thank you!
Chidiebere
Updated
JOHN’s Answer
Hello:
"Courses for cyber security are offered through various platforms and formats, such as Coursera, Udemy, colleges, and training courses. They cover topics such as information- and system- protection technology and methods, types of cyberattacks, operating system and database vulnerabilities, cryptography, digital forensics, security protocols, business impact analysis, and disaster recovery testing. The courses are taught by professors, experts, and professionals in the field, and involve video lectures, interviews, readings, quizzes, practical exams, and projects. The duration and prerequisites of the courses may vary depending on the level and certification of the cyber security specialization.".
- Learn more: coursera.org, codespaces.com, careers360.com, udemy.com
Thank you for your steps.
God Bless,
John German
"Courses for cyber security are offered through various platforms and formats, such as Coursera, Udemy, colleges, and training courses. They cover topics such as information- and system- protection technology and methods, types of cyberattacks, operating system and database vulnerabilities, cryptography, digital forensics, security protocols, business impact analysis, and disaster recovery testing. The courses are taught by professors, experts, and professionals in the field, and involve video lectures, interviews, readings, quizzes, practical exams, and projects. The duration and prerequisites of the courses may vary depending on the level and certification of the cyber security specialization.".
- Learn more: coursera.org, codespaces.com, careers360.com, udemy.com
Thank you for your steps.
God Bless,
John German
Thank you!
Mia