Marcel
What do I need to do to be able to work in Cyber Security?
My name is Marcel and I´m 17 years old. I have thought about what I want to be in life and that is a couple of different things. I have thought about doing something in cybersecurity, gaming, social media, application designer, or something in the technology field relate to those categories. I would like to attend college at the University of Maryland but am willing to hear other options helping me get my goals in life. Thanks for your time! - Marcel #technology #cyber-security #cybersecurity #gaming #gaming-industry #mobile-applications #career-goals #social-media
6 answers
Victoria German
Victoria’s Answer
This is a great question and this is a super time to be looking at all the fields that you mentioned: cyber security, gaming, social media, application designer, and related technology fields. All of these fields fall into the area of STEM careers in general - so google STEM because there may be many more careers that you would be interested in pursuing. There are 4 million STEM jobs right now that need to be filled in the US by professionals in science, technology, engineering, and math.
All of the areas you mentioned have a common denominator: security. Security is evolving rapidly, mostly because of the Internet of Things (IoT). We are moving from computers that took up rooms the size of baseball fields to miniaturized computers that are the size of a pencil eraser. These sensors are in everything: cars, drones, your frig, clothing, fitbits - you name it. Securing these new devices is going to be a very exciting field.
If you choose gaming or application design you will need to ensure that you design code and devices with security baked into the device. So to learn more about all these areas, I think you would really enjoy becoming a student member of groups like ISC2.org or ISSA.org. These are security groups that have members and mentors in all different industries trying to solve a bunch of amazing new challenges. Student memberships are reasonable and often there are volunteer opportunities. By networking and volunteering with one of these organizations, you will start to learn about new technologies and applied security. This will start to guide you to topics and experts that will make your path more clear.
Another thing you might consider is cooperative education, look for schools that let you work and go to school at the same time. You will have some experience before you graduate and many times the employer will help pay the cost of college. Also google cyber security scholarships to see opportunities to help pay for school.
The really great thing about technology careers is that many times you can get amazing training at a community college and get certified in needed fields like Cisco networking, programming, web design, and so many other things - community college teachers are applied technologists and you will work on real world problems.
There are also great online options for cyber security or information technology certifications and/or degrees. You can work toward a college degree and certifications at the same time. Check out WGU.edu for an example of this type of program. California has many amazing IT and cyber opportunities right in your backyard but it's also good to try college out of state too.
Make sure you read as much as you can every day about new trends and technical news from a variety of news feeds. Every time you see something you really like, bookmark it. After a couple of weeks, go back and look at all the topics you liked. This will guide you toward the areas that are most interesting to you. Remember that most technologists have 5 - 10 different jobs throughout their careers and these fields are advancing so fast there are new jobs created all the time.
We really need good people in cyber security and really in all technical professions. Whatever path you take, please make sure you always consider secure coding and secure design as your number one requirement.
I think you will really like this career path!
stem , cyber-security, internet-of-things
Samuel Cameron
Samuel’s Answer
I love answering questions like this. Being in Cyber security for seven years now, I've seen a lot of different types of people in the field. For example, we have tons of Coding guys that work with me now in threat analytics. In my old job, we had tons of system administrators and vulnerability analyst. Regardless of your speciality (whether it be coding, gaming, networking, etc) there is a place for you in cyber security. Get yourself out there by finding meetups (Theres an app called "MeetUp" that i really like) and network with other people that share your passions. To get into Cyber security, make sure you have great attention to detail, composure under pressure, and most of all, make sure you're doing something you are truly passionate about.
Samuel recommends the following next steps:
Jim Mcconnell
Jim’s Answer
Marcel, (Cyber) Security is a great field, a very wide variety of sub-areas you can do under this field, from development to system administration, to security administration, to forensics, to investigations, to threat management, to ________. I would suggest you look into the certification called Security+ and also study job postings on LinkedIn to get an idea of the latest needs in this industry. Budget your time/finances for training, don't just depend on your employer/high school/college to being your only training source. Learn soft skills like presentation / speaking skills. Learn how to do interviews. Also consider internships in technology and industries that peak your interest.
Faraaz Syed
Faraaz’s Answer
You could find yourself assessing risks and advising on the best course of action. You might be involved in reviewing plans for connecting different applications, whether they're based on-site or in the cloud. It's an incredibly diverse field, and it's great that you're thinking about how your interests can play a part. Essentially, it's a game of good versus evil, and you're on the front line, helping to keep the bad guys at bay.
Think about how some people hack games or use bots to assist with targeting - well, you could be the one reviewing the security tests of an application and identifying any weak spots. You can take pride in ensuring a fair playing field and keeping the cheaters at bay!
On a more serious note, it's a fulfilling career, but you'll need to put in the hard work to reap the rewards. Start by taking courses that will help you develop analytical skills. For example, studying Computer Science is a great way to understand how apps are developed and where vulnerabilities might arise. Get a solid understanding of the basics of SDLC and the OSI model to understand network structures.
Once you've got the basics down, consider getting certifications like CompTia Security Plus. You could even challenge yourself by experimenting with Kali Linux. Remember, some certifications like CISSP have prerequisites, so keep that in mind for your future development plan.
Above all, take your time to educate yourself as much as possible. Use resources like YouTube for basic knowledge and supplement this with reading materials from your course. Consider getting an internship while you study. Starting from a help desk is nothing to be ashamed of - it's a great way to gain practical knowledge and understand how different real-world situations can be from textbook scenarios.
The good news is, as long as there are bad actors trying to get their hands on valuable data, there will always be opportunities in cybersecurity. Keep working hard, and you'll see the payoff. Once you've got your foot in the door, don't stop learning. Technology is always evolving, and you'll need to keep up with the challenges. This is a career that offers lifelong learning and plenty of benefits.
Michael Zoladz
Michael’s Answer
I am currently in school for my Bachelors in Cyber Security. You should focus on getting a degree in Cyber Security as well as certifications as they prove you have the hands on knowledge to do the skills necessary to work in the field. I am working on Security + and will be working on CISSP. There are a lot of certifications out there related so do a google search and see which others you would like to get also. I attend Western Governors University and the degree program for Cyber Security includes a lot of certifications with your tuition so you may want to look into their program. I wish you the best of luck!
Lirio Delgado
Lirio’s Answer
While in college, consider taking courses specifically related to cybersecurity, such as network security, ethical hacking, and information assurance. Getting hands-on experience through internships is also valuable, as it helps you apply what you learn in real-world situations.
You should also look into earning relevant certifications, like CompTIA Security+, Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), or Cisco's CCNA Security, as these can enhance your job prospects.
Networking is important too, so join student organizations related to technology and cybersecurity. Attending workshops, conferences, or local meetups can help you connect with professionals in the field.
Lastly, stay updated on the latest cybersecurity trends and threats by following relevant blogs, podcasts, and online courses. This continuous learning will keep you competitive in the field.