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How do I find out if the cyber security sector of technology is the right choice for me.?

I've been studying codes for the past year now and I'm pretty sure that I would love to get a career in the cyber security sector but I am uncertain if that would be the correct choice in this age

technology computer-science cyber-security
Thank you comment icon Embarking on a career in Cyber Security can be an exciting journey, filled with unique challenges but also abundant rewards. The world of Cyber Security is a thrilling game of cat and mouse, where you're constantly outsmarting the crafty wrongdoers who are always inventing new ways to outsmart the system. Yet, overcoming these challenges as a cyber-security engineer can be immensely satisfying and personally fulfilling. One of the great aspects of this career is the vast array of opportunities it offers. This field opens doors to work in various sectors, from federal and local government to corporate businesses, and even tech companies that specialize in cyber threat prevention services. Ultimately, the path you carve in this dynamic field will be guided by your personal goals and ambitions. Remember, this is a rapidly evolving field which necessitates ongoing learning, acquiring certifications, and honing your skills. So, gear up for a thrilling ride in the world of Cyber Security! Gabriel Badillo
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Sachin’s Answer

Few aspects of this

Find out if this is for you?
To determine if the cybersecurity sector is right for you,

- consider exploring introductory courses, - attending industry events (e.g. DEF CON has free channel on YouTube https://youtube.com/@DEFCONConference?si=Tn3E8q8VgiLyuFWf)
- and engaging with online communities to get a feel for the field. Assess your interest in problem-solving, attention to detail, and staying updated on evolving technologies and threats. Additionally, seek advice from professionals already working in cybersecurity for insights into the industry.

If you’re concerned about what is the future of cybersecurity?

The future of cybersecurity is likely to involve advancements in AI-driven threat detection, increased emphasis on proactive measures, such as threat hunting, and a growing focus on securing IoT devices. As technology evolves, so do cyber threats, leading to a continuous demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals and innovative solutions to safeguard digital assets. Additionally, the integration of blockchain, biometrics, and other emerging technologies is expected to play a role in enhancing security measures. Ongoing collaboration and information sharing within the cybersecurity community will also be crucial for staying ahead of evolving threats.

Would organizations still hire cyber security experts in future?

Yes, organizations are likely to continue hiring cybersecurity experts in the future. As technology advances, the complexity and frequency of cyber threats also increase. Skilled cybersecurity professionals are essential for protecting sensitive data, identifying vulnerabilities, and implementing robust security measures. With the evolving threat landscape, there will be an ongoing need for experts who can adapt to new challenges and develop innovative solutions to safeguard organizations from cyberattacks.

Sachin recommends the following next steps:

explore introductory course in cybersecurity
attend industry events - DEF CON
Engage in online community
Thank you comment icon Thank you for the advice, Sachin. Jesse
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Jo Ann’s Answer

Hi Jesse, it seems like you're already journeying down an exciting path of discovery! I'd love to see you keep up this momentum by diving into some hands-on activities in the cybersecurity field, and maybe even taking part in some competitions if you're up for it.

Here's a fantastic resource that can help you expand your knowledge and also earn some cool digital badges:
https://skillsbuild.org/students/course-catalog/cybersecurity

Keep going, you're doing great!
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Michael’s Answer

I've known several people in the cyber-security field.

To some, this field can be incredibly rewarding. It's often said that there is no finish line when it comes to cyber-security. Be prepared to keep current on security technology and stay connected to resources that describe past, present, and predictions about security.

Others I've known have found it to be stressful. You should do some research into long-term research and the overall happiness of people in the cyber-security field.

Understand that the degree of seriousness taken by different companies and different leaders will vary. Companies in high-regulated fields generally take security very seriously.
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Alex’s Answer

There are a lot of great answers here.

My main take on this is that it's a rapidly changing area. You're likely to get paid a lot of money if you are good at it, but you have to constantly keep learning and adapting to the security landscape. If you stop or become stagnant, you fall behind and have a lot of catch up to do. The scene changes every few months as new threats keep emerging all the time.

This is in contrast to straight business programming. What I studied 12 years ago is largely still relevant today. New versions of databases may come out or new programming language features or frameworks, and you take a quick course or learn on the job and you're already up to speed. It's a more stable and therefore less competitive arena now than it was last decade (more people, less pay for newcomers).

Cybersecurity on the other hand is at the cutting-edge all the time. What they taught 12 years ago became obsolete 11 years ago. Well rather it became the "new norm" or the new baseline. Similarly today, you could study cybersecurity, but unless you apply it and evolve with it, what's the point. Visual Basic applications or ASP web applications can live for 20 years but cybersecurity has to look at current (and emerging) technologies.
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Sahida’s Answer

Dear Jesse ,
That's fantastic that you've been studying coding and are considering a career in cybersecurity! Here are a few steps you might consider to help you determine if the cybersecurity sector is the right choice for you:

Research the Field: Learn more about what cybersecurity involves. It's a vast field that covers a wide range of areas, from network security to ethical hacking. Understand the different roles within cybersecurity and what each entails.

Online Courses and Tutorials: Take some online courses or tutorials specifically related to cybersecurity. Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, or Cybrary offer introductory courses that can give you a taste of what working in cybersecurity might involve.

Networking and Informational Interviews: Connect with professionals currently working in cybersecurity. Reach out on platforms like LinkedIn or attend industry events and conferences. Conduct informational interviews to understand their day-to-day tasks, the skills required, and the challenges they face.

Internship or Entry-Level Job: Consider seeking an internship or entry-level position in a cybersecurity-related role. This hands-on experience can give you a better understanding of whether you enjoy the work and if it aligns with your skills and interests.

Self-Assessment: Reflect on your interests and skills. Are you naturally curious about technology and how it can be exploited? Are you detail-oriented and enjoy problem-solving? These qualities often align well with careers in cybersecurity.

Stay Updated: Cybersecurity is an ever-evolving field. Stay updated with the latest trends, threats, and technologies by reading blogs, following industry leaders on social media, and staying engaged with relevant news.

Remember, there's no definitive way to know for sure if a career path is the perfect fit until you've experienced it to some extent. Keep exploring, learning, and gaining practical experience to make an informed decision. The demand for cybersecurity professionals is high, so it can be a rewarding field to pursue if it aligns with your interests and skills.
Kind Regards,
Sahida
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Jerome’s Answer

Cybersecurity is a huge -- and growing -- technology sector. Professionals are in demand and will continue to be, as new threats evolve daily and organizations depend more and more on the security of their information. Entry-level jobs tend to be more on the monitoring and base remediation end, and it'll take a few years before you're ready to tackle the code/analysis and policy side.

The best source of information is simply asking if you can talk to one or more practitioners in the section of cybersecurity that grabs your interest. Taking a course or two isn't a bad idea, especially if you want to go for a certification such as the CISSP. And general research into jobs, etc. won't hurt either.

However, be aware that a security professional is generally expected to be available 24x7x365 and will spend a LOT of time keeping up with the state of the art and the malicious actors who are trying to get at your data and/or infrastructure. It's not a job to be taken lightly as an organization's very existence can rest on the performance of the security team. You may want to think about whether you might want to go into system administration or something similar first so that you can get some experience with the field as a whole before committing to cybersecurity.

Good luck in your research!
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Rakesh’s Answer

Hey Jesse,

Choosing a career, especially one in cybersecurity, can be a big decision. It's all about finding what fits you best, and that takes some thought and a little bit of self-discovery. Here's a friendly guide to help you figure out if cybersecurity is your cup of tea:

1. Dive into the field - Get a feel for what cybersecurity is all about. You can do this by reading books, checking out articles on LinkedIn, or exploring other online resources. Stay updated with the latest trends and challenges in the industry.

2. Check your skills and interests - Take a good look at what you're good at and what you enjoy doing. See if these align with the skills needed in cybersecurity or if you're excited about developing these skills.

3. Try out an online course or certification - There are plenty of online courses and certifications that offer a beginner's guide to cybersecurity. These can help you understand the basics and see if you find the subject interesting or mentally engaging.

4. Find a mentor and build your network - This can be a great way to gain insights and advice from people who are already in the field.

5. Get your hands dirty - If you can, try to get some real-world experience. This could be through internships, part-time jobs, or even volunteering.

Remember, picking a career is a personal journey. It's all about taking your time, exploring different paths, and gathering as much information as you can before you make your final decision.

Best of luck on your journey!
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Maneet’s Answer

To figure out if cybersecurity is the perfect career path for you, delve into its different facets such as coding, networking, and systems administration. Also, aim to grasp the changing dynamics of cybersecurity threats and their countermeasures. Get your hands dirty with real-world experiences via internships, online classes, or capture-the-flag contests to acquire practical skills and gain an understanding of cybersecurity procedures. Don't hesitate to ask for advice from experts in the field, join cybersecurity communities, and keep up with the latest industry trends and advancements to evaluate your enthusiasm and capability. By committing to exploration and learning, you'll be able to decide if a career in cybersecurity matches your abilities, passions, and career aspirations in this fast-paced digital era. Best wishes, Maneet!
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Phil’s Answer

Hi Jesse!

Embarking on a journey in the Cyber Security field for over two decades has been quite the thrill! The industry is thriving, and as the saying goes, there are more villains than heroes. Your initiative and drive to further your skills at this stage is commendable. By investing time and effort in learning, reading, and experimenting with tools like Kali and Security Onion, and grasping the underlying logic, you're already halfway through the battle.

A crucial insight I always share with my team is the importance of understanding a Hacker's mindset! Comprehending their motives, methods, and goals can guide you towards the sector that will shape your future, be it coding, malware detection, risk management, IoT, Ethical hacking, Pen Testing, and so on.

Starting early with a solid understanding of networking and coding will set the stage for you. Supplement this with insights from videos from Black Hat, Defcon, Bsides, and then put that knowledge to the test. Remember to do this in a controlled environment, not on someone else's network where you could land in hot water. Platforms like Hack the Box are great for honing your skills.

Remember, Cyber Security is as unpredictable as the weather, constantly evolving. While it's impossible to master everything, you can certainly become highly skilled in numerous aspects of the job.

Hope you find this advice useful!

Phil recommends the following next steps:

Reading and staying up with the Cyber Security trends, breaches, incidents, etc
School - information technology, computer science,
Cyber Security specific classes, CISSP, OWASP, OCSP, IoTSH
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Tasha’s Answer

Jesse,

To me, your question *seems* to be asking "is cybersecurity a good career to pursue given all the changes happening with technology" so that is how I will reply. Yes, technology is changing quickly, especially with generative AI today and quantum computing on the horizon. Given that, cybersecurity will look different a decade from now, but cybersecurity will always be important. As the other answers suggested, taking an introductory course will help you discern if this might be a good choice for you. Good luck!

Tasha
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Mark’s Answer

If you are interested in computers, and the Internet, that's a great starting point in knowing if Cyber Security is right for you as a career. From there, having a desire to understand how to secure your computer from being hacked is also a good start.

Cyber Security is a wide career and there are many areas that you can explore such as network security, computer security, and then even more specific areas such as credit card security, penetration testing, vulnerability scanning etc.

I would suggest checking out a few Google searches on tools to use for security assessments and try to secure your own computer at home. If that is fun, you may have a career in the future!
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Atul’s Answer

Once you've earned your Bachelor's in Computer Science or Engineering, Cybersecurity is one exciting path to consider. It's often not until you dive in and give it a try that you discover if it's really your cup of tea.

I remember, many years ago, when I first dipped my toes into the world of software engineering. I was tasked with hardware programming, a challenge that was as tough as it was rewarding. There's nothing quite like the satisfaction of seeing your hard work pay off when you finally get the system to work.

In the realm of cybersecurity, one of the most fulfilling aspects is the ability to protect others. You have the chance to defend against rogue nations causing harm to others through cyberattacks, like what we're seeing with Russia and Ukraine. You can also safeguard seniors who depend on Social Security from hackers looking to steal their hard-earned money. There's a deep sense of satisfaction in preventing such harm. But remember, it's crucial to find joy in what you do.
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Gregory’s Answer

Cybersecurity is an ever-evolving field that grows more crucial with each passing day. It's projected to expand even further in the coming years. If you have a knack for technology and are seeking a dynamic career path, cybersecurity is an excellent choice. Businesses are increasingly allocating more funds to cybersecurity, recognizing its significant influence on their operations. Assisting businesses in safeguarding their Intellectual Property and digital assets is a task that will persistently require skilled cybersecurity professionals. The demand in this sector is high and shows no signs of slowing down.
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much! Jesse
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Thank you comment icon I'm excited to put your great advice to good use! Jesse
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Ritwik’s Answer

Cyber Security is a booming sector. With the proliferation in attack vectors the demand for cyber security professionals is increasing .You already have the inclination so formulating a success path to achieve your desired outcome is critical. To start off you can look at fundamental certifications such as CompTIA+.Also you can look at the JD for publicized job posts in the public domain to see what skills are needed to land a role in the space . You can accordingly further explore the keywords or JD requirements to understand the pathway for those skills . If the pathway & the efforts looks interesting to you then you have an answer.

Ritwik recommends the following next steps:

Check JD of security jobs in the public domain
Look at certification pathways
Thank you comment icon Note: JD = job description Sharyn Grose, Admin
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Kristin’s Answer

The current demand for expertise in cyber security is extremely high and continues to grow as businesses and organizations everywhere are experiencing threats from many different areas. I would recommend taking some certifications in the subject and seeing how you do and this could lead to a very promising career path as there will be a growing market for security positions for many years to come. Also, verizon issues a Data Breach Investigations report that would provide some great insight as an industry leader in cybersecurity.
Thank you comment icon Thank you! Jesse
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James’s Answer

Every one of these answers so far is excellent. I'd just like to add one piece of advice which is if you're excited about it, if you get butterflies in your stomach when you think about becoming a cybersec expert, you already have your answer. The field itself is one of the most evergreen areas of computing as it will be in-demand forever and it is a continual arms race between the protectors and the exploiters so it will never become stagnant, boring, or fully automated.
Also keep in mind that there is no wrong answer for what to study when you're so early on. A background in cyber security will be helpful for any kind of computing professional, so any effort you put into this track will not be wasted no matter what you decide to do.
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Doreen’s Answer

My favorite way to determine if a job or project is the right one for me is to first create a list of the SPECIFIC activities I love and loathe. In other words, don't just say "I love troubleshooting problems" - dig deeper - what kind of problems? in what platforms or situations? for whom or with whom? for what purpose or objective?

After you create your list of let's say 8-10 loves and 3-5 loathes, use them to ask questions of people who are doing jobs that you think you might be interested in. Ask them, "how many of THESE activities do you do in your work and how often?" This can then help you to compare jobs to each other, in the hopes of finding the one that will have the MOST of your loves, and the LEAST of your loathes.

Hope that helps!
Thank you comment icon Thank you, Doreen! Jesse
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Mike’s Answer

Excellent inquiry! This, or similar questions, are ones that I receive frequently.

Discovering if cybersecurity is your calling can be achieved in various ways. You might want to explore numerous enlightening sessions available at https://www.brighttalk.com/, or delve into the vast array of videos and tutorials on YouTube. Additionally, you can connect with professionals at organizations and participate in local ISC(2), ISACA or ISSA chapter meetings (which you can usually locate through a simple Google search). Here, you'll encounter a diverse group of cybersecurity experts who are generally eager to discuss the multifaceted world of technology, how cybersecurity integrates into these sectors, and offer advice on how to embark on your journey.

What makes cybersecurity truly fascinating, in my years of experience, is its dynamic nature. It's a field where continuous learning is the norm, keeping up with both new and existing technologies, and understanding how to safeguard and defend these systems. This ensures that you won't find yourself stuck in a monotonous "same thing, different day" kind of job.

-Mike
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