4 answers
Faith
Student
Los Gatos, California
1
Question
Asked
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What road map do I need, and what and what do I need to learn to be a professional cyber security?
I'm currently studying a course (Chemistry), but I want to transition into Cyber security.
What road map do I need, and what and what do I need to learn to be a professional cyber security
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4 answers
Jon Erickson
Cybersecurity
4
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Jon’s Answer
It seems that you are fascinated by chemistry, and it's exciting to know that you can merge this passion with cybersecurity. Emphasizing your industry experience or passion to potential employers can significantly improve your chances of getting hired.
One crucial consideration for anyone in this field is the choice between a technical or managerial career path. You can certainly explore both, but as you climb higher on the career ladder, you'll need to specialize in either technical or managerial skills. It's also vital to identify which aspects of these career paths appeal to you the most (read further for more information).
I usually advise anyone starting in cybersecurity to focus on developing technical skills like managing firewalls, security engineering, or working as a security analyst. These skills are consistently in demand and can also help you develop problem-solving and decision-making abilities. You can demonstrate these skills by earning a certification or showcasing a portfolio of your projects. If you enjoy creating things, you might want to consider becoming a security or firewall engineer. If you prefer assisting others and have diverse interests, starting in a SOC could be a good fit. If you have a knack for detective work, then roles in forensics or incident response or working in a SOC might suit you.
If you're leaning towards a managerial career, a college degree is crucial, ideally coupled with a certification. Personality type and interests also play a significant role in this choice. For instance, if you are extroverted and enjoy negotiations, a sales role could be ideal. If you prefer educating others and influencing their behavior, marketing might be a good fit. If you enjoy sales but also have technical skills, you could excel in technical sales or consulting.
One crucial consideration for anyone in this field is the choice between a technical or managerial career path. You can certainly explore both, but as you climb higher on the career ladder, you'll need to specialize in either technical or managerial skills. It's also vital to identify which aspects of these career paths appeal to you the most (read further for more information).
I usually advise anyone starting in cybersecurity to focus on developing technical skills like managing firewalls, security engineering, or working as a security analyst. These skills are consistently in demand and can also help you develop problem-solving and decision-making abilities. You can demonstrate these skills by earning a certification or showcasing a portfolio of your projects. If you enjoy creating things, you might want to consider becoming a security or firewall engineer. If you prefer assisting others and have diverse interests, starting in a SOC could be a good fit. If you have a knack for detective work, then roles in forensics or incident response or working in a SOC might suit you.
If you're leaning towards a managerial career, a college degree is crucial, ideally coupled with a certification. Personality type and interests also play a significant role in this choice. For instance, if you are extroverted and enjoy negotiations, a sales role could be ideal. If you prefer educating others and influencing their behavior, marketing might be a good fit. If you enjoy sales but also have technical skills, you could excel in technical sales or consulting.
John Graham
Music Producer
55
Answers
Bremerton, Washington
Updated
John’s Answer
Hi Faith,
I'm not a CyberSecurity professional, but I've been working with my son on developing his skills for the career. I recently read a Quora post on this subject by a CS pro, here's what they said:
By "Prince Soni, Senior Risk and Compliance Lead at Everbridge (2021–present) - 8mo ago.
Yes, it is possible to get a good job in cybersecurity without a traditional degree, especially if you have strong self-learning skills and relevant certifications. Many employers in the cybersecurity field value practical skills, hands-on experience, and certifications over formal degrees. Here are some steps you can take to increase your chances of securing a cybersecurity job without a degree:
Focus on Skill Development: Build a strong foundation in cybersecurity concepts, networking, operating systems, programming, and other relevant areas. Hands-on experience and practical skills are highly valued in this field.
Obtain Certifications: Certifications demonstrate your expertise and commitment to the field. Some popular certifications in cybersecurity include CompTIA Security+, Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), and Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA).
Create a Portfolio: Develop a portfolio showcasing your practical skills. This could include personal projects, contributions to open-source security tools, or write-ups of security challenges you've tackled.
Participate in Capture The Flag (CTF) Competitions: CTF competitions provide hands-on experience in solving real-world security challenges. They are a great way to learn and demonstrate your skills to potential employers.
Networking: Attend cybersecurity meetups, conferences, and online communities to connect with professionals in the field. Networking can lead to job opportunities and valuable insights.
Internships and Entry-Level Positions: Look for entry-level positions, internships, or apprenticeships that allow you to gain practical experience and build your resume. These roles can serve as a stepping stone to more advanced positions.
Continuous Learning: Cybersecurity is a rapidly evolving field. Stay up-to-date with the latest trends, vulnerabilities, and tools by continuously learning and experimenting.
Soft Skills: Develop strong communication and problem-solving skills. These soft skills are crucial for effective collaboration and success in cybersecurity roles."
However, it's important to note that Management or top Technical Expert positions in Cybersecurity typically do require a degree. Also, they like to see experience in IT - programming and networks, especially.
Hope this helps, and good luck!
I'm not a CyberSecurity professional, but I've been working with my son on developing his skills for the career. I recently read a Quora post on this subject by a CS pro, here's what they said:
By "Prince Soni, Senior Risk and Compliance Lead at Everbridge (2021–present) - 8mo ago.
Yes, it is possible to get a good job in cybersecurity without a traditional degree, especially if you have strong self-learning skills and relevant certifications. Many employers in the cybersecurity field value practical skills, hands-on experience, and certifications over formal degrees. Here are some steps you can take to increase your chances of securing a cybersecurity job without a degree:
Focus on Skill Development: Build a strong foundation in cybersecurity concepts, networking, operating systems, programming, and other relevant areas. Hands-on experience and practical skills are highly valued in this field.
Obtain Certifications: Certifications demonstrate your expertise and commitment to the field. Some popular certifications in cybersecurity include CompTIA Security+, Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), and Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA).
Create a Portfolio: Develop a portfolio showcasing your practical skills. This could include personal projects, contributions to open-source security tools, or write-ups of security challenges you've tackled.
Participate in Capture The Flag (CTF) Competitions: CTF competitions provide hands-on experience in solving real-world security challenges. They are a great way to learn and demonstrate your skills to potential employers.
Networking: Attend cybersecurity meetups, conferences, and online communities to connect with professionals in the field. Networking can lead to job opportunities and valuable insights.
Internships and Entry-Level Positions: Look for entry-level positions, internships, or apprenticeships that allow you to gain practical experience and build your resume. These roles can serve as a stepping stone to more advanced positions.
Continuous Learning: Cybersecurity is a rapidly evolving field. Stay up-to-date with the latest trends, vulnerabilities, and tools by continuously learning and experimenting.
Soft Skills: Develop strong communication and problem-solving skills. These soft skills are crucial for effective collaboration and success in cybersecurity roles."
However, it's important to note that Management or top Technical Expert positions in Cybersecurity typically do require a degree. Also, they like to see experience in IT - programming and networks, especially.
Hope this helps, and good luck!
Edmond Momartin ☁️
Public Cloud Security & Compliance AT&T | MBA InfoSec | OWASP-LA Board
75
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Edmond’s Answer
Hi Faith,
Cybersecurity is a vast field, try to see which area of cybersecurity is a best fit for your current skills, talents and aptitude. Most of what you've learned are transferable skills so my suggestion is to start with the "Career Options" section of https://niccs.cisa.gov/education-training/cybersecurity-students
The certification I'd recommend regardless of specialty you pick is ICS2's CC "Certified in Cybersecurity" (https://www.isc2.org/certifications/cc). It's free, it would give you a good idea whether cybersecurity is really a good alternate for you, plus it's a stepping stone to get your "CISSP Associate" and ultimately CISSP.
Good luck!
Cybersecurity is a vast field, try to see which area of cybersecurity is a best fit for your current skills, talents and aptitude. Most of what you've learned are transferable skills so my suggestion is to start with the "Career Options" section of https://niccs.cisa.gov/education-training/cybersecurity-students
The certification I'd recommend regardless of specialty you pick is ICS2's CC "Certified in Cybersecurity" (https://www.isc2.org/certifications/cc). It's free, it would give you a good idea whether cybersecurity is really a good alternate for you, plus it's a stepping stone to get your "CISSP Associate" and ultimately CISSP.
Good luck!
David Allen
Consultant
30
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
David’s Answer
Transitioning from a background in Chemistry to a career in cybersecurity is definitely feasible with the right roadmap and dedication. Firstly, familiarize yourself with foundational concepts in computer science and information technology, including operating systems, networks, and databases. Online courses or self-study resources like textbooks can help you gain this foundational knowledge. Next, focus on learning about cybersecurity-specific topics such as cryptography, network security, ethical hacking, and digital forensics. There are numerous online courses, certifications, and resources available that cover these areas in depth, such as CompTIA Security+, Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), and courses on platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and Cybrary.
After acquiring foundational knowledge, gaining hands-on experience is crucial. Consider participating in Capture The Flag (CTF) competitions, which provide practical cybersecurity challenges to solve. Additionally, building a home lab environment where you can practice setting up and securing networks, conducting penetration testing, and analyzing malware will greatly enhance your skills. Networking with professionals in the cybersecurity field through online forums, meetups, and industry events can also provide valuable insights and opportunities for mentorship. Finally, pursue relevant certifications like Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), or Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) to demonstrate your expertise and enhance your career prospects in cybersecurity. With dedication, continuous learning, and practical experience, you can successfully transition into a professional cybersecurity role.
After acquiring foundational knowledge, gaining hands-on experience is crucial. Consider participating in Capture The Flag (CTF) competitions, which provide practical cybersecurity challenges to solve. Additionally, building a home lab environment where you can practice setting up and securing networks, conducting penetration testing, and analyzing malware will greatly enhance your skills. Networking with professionals in the cybersecurity field through online forums, meetups, and industry events can also provide valuable insights and opportunities for mentorship. Finally, pursue relevant certifications like Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), or Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) to demonstrate your expertise and enhance your career prospects in cybersecurity. With dedication, continuous learning, and practical experience, you can successfully transition into a professional cybersecurity role.