4 answers
Tatiana
Student
Modesto, California
1
Question
Asked
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What would the roadmap be to become a cybersecurity analysis?
Hello, I'm currently a student and would like to start planning out my journey to become a cybersecurity analyst. I would prefer to start working early and work my way up. What jobs would be good to get my foot in the door and what certificates/education will I need to get that first job? Also, what certificates/education should I work on while working and where should I go from there?
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4 answers
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
528
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hello Tatiana,
Roadmap to Becoming a Cybersecurity Analyst
Early Career: Building Your Foundation
1. Education:
Bachelor's Degree: A degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field can provide a strong foundation. However, it's not always required for entry-level positions.
Certifications: While not mandatory, certifications can significantly boost your resume. Consider starting with:
CompTIA A+ (IT support fundamentals)
CompTIA Network+ (networking fundamentals)
CompTIA Security+ (entry-level cybersecurity)
2. Gain Practical Experience:
Internships: Look for internships in IT or cybersecurity to gain hands-on experience.
Freelance or Volunteer Work: Contribute to open-source projects, help small businesses with IT issues, or volunteer for cybersecurity awareness initiatives.
Personal Projects: Set up home labs to experiment with different operating systems, networks, and security tools.
3. Job Roles to Get Your Foot in the Door:
IT Support Technician: This role can provide valuable exposure to IT infrastructure and problem-solving skills.
Network Administrator: Understanding networks is crucial for cybersecurity, so this role can be a good stepping stone.
Help Desk Analyst: While not directly cybersecurity-related, it can develop strong customer service and troubleshooting skills.
Mid-Career: Specializing in Cybersecurity
1. Deepen Your Cybersecurity Knowledge:
Certifications: Focus on cybersecurity-specific certifications like:
Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
CyberSecurity Analyst (CSA)
Online Courses: Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and Cybrary offer a wide range of cybersecurity courses.
Certifications: Consider specializing in a specific area (e.g., cloud security, digital forensics, penetration testing) with relevant certifications.
2. Advance Your Career:
Cybersecurity Analyst: This is the core role where you'll apply your skills to protect systems and data.
Security Engineer: Design, implement, and maintain security solutions.
Incident Response Analyst: Respond to security incidents and breaches.
Digital Forensics Analyst: Investigate digital evidence for legal or corporate purposes.
Continuous Learning and Growth
Cybersecurity is a rapidly evolving field. To stay ahead, consistently:
Follow Cybersecurity News: Stay updated on the latest threats and trends.
Attend Conferences and Webinars: Network with professionals and learn about new technologies.
Contribute to the Cybersecurity Community: Share knowledge and participate in online forums.
Remember: Building a successful cybersecurity career takes time and dedication. Start with a strong foundation, gain practical experience, and continuously upskill to achieve your goals.
Best wishes!
Roadmap to Becoming a Cybersecurity Analyst
Early Career: Building Your Foundation
1. Education:
Bachelor's Degree: A degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field can provide a strong foundation. However, it's not always required for entry-level positions.
Certifications: While not mandatory, certifications can significantly boost your resume. Consider starting with:
CompTIA A+ (IT support fundamentals)
CompTIA Network+ (networking fundamentals)
CompTIA Security+ (entry-level cybersecurity)
2. Gain Practical Experience:
Internships: Look for internships in IT or cybersecurity to gain hands-on experience.
Freelance or Volunteer Work: Contribute to open-source projects, help small businesses with IT issues, or volunteer for cybersecurity awareness initiatives.
Personal Projects: Set up home labs to experiment with different operating systems, networks, and security tools.
3. Job Roles to Get Your Foot in the Door:
IT Support Technician: This role can provide valuable exposure to IT infrastructure and problem-solving skills.
Network Administrator: Understanding networks is crucial for cybersecurity, so this role can be a good stepping stone.
Help Desk Analyst: While not directly cybersecurity-related, it can develop strong customer service and troubleshooting skills.
Mid-Career: Specializing in Cybersecurity
1. Deepen Your Cybersecurity Knowledge:
Certifications: Focus on cybersecurity-specific certifications like:
Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
CyberSecurity Analyst (CSA)
Online Courses: Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and Cybrary offer a wide range of cybersecurity courses.
Certifications: Consider specializing in a specific area (e.g., cloud security, digital forensics, penetration testing) with relevant certifications.
2. Advance Your Career:
Cybersecurity Analyst: This is the core role where you'll apply your skills to protect systems and data.
Security Engineer: Design, implement, and maintain security solutions.
Incident Response Analyst: Respond to security incidents and breaches.
Digital Forensics Analyst: Investigate digital evidence for legal or corporate purposes.
Continuous Learning and Growth
Cybersecurity is a rapidly evolving field. To stay ahead, consistently:
Follow Cybersecurity News: Stay updated on the latest threats and trends.
Attend Conferences and Webinars: Network with professionals and learn about new technologies.
Contribute to the Cybersecurity Community: Share knowledge and participate in online forums.
Remember: Building a successful cybersecurity career takes time and dedication. Start with a strong foundation, gain practical experience, and continuously upskill to achieve your goals.
Best wishes!
Christina Williams
Technical Program Manager, Cybersecurity
2
Answers
San Diego, California
Updated
Christina’s Answer
I would encourage you to first find what type of a cybersecurity analyst interests you. Cybersecurity is multi-faceted and an analyst can be specialized in many different things. For example, you can be an analyst in governance, network security, detection and response, cloud security, data security etc. I would recommend taking the time to do your research to see what interests you and find jobs that are within that realm.
Edmond Momartin ☁️
Public Cloud Security & Compliance AT&T | MBA InfoSec | OWASP-LA Board
74
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Edmond’s Answer
Unless you've already done this, I'd encourage you to first find out that a cybersecurity analyst job is the best fit four skills and aptitude. The best U.S. CyberSecurity and Infrastructure Security Administration (CISA)'s page dedicated to student careers at 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 previous year Oct event https://www.nist.gov/blogs/cybersecurity-insights/student-insights-cybersecurity-careers.
Also check out meetings of local cybersecurity non-profits. They offer a great opportunity to ask questions in-person from professionals in the field and most are free for students. Major ones are issa.org, isc2.org, owasp.org, isaca.org, wisys.org, womenscyberjutsu.org, etc.
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 previous year Oct event https://www.nist.gov/blogs/cybersecurity-insights/student-insights-cybersecurity-careers.
Also check out meetings of local cybersecurity non-profits. They offer a great opportunity to ask questions in-person from professionals in the field and most are free for students. Major ones are issa.org, isc2.org, owasp.org, isaca.org, wisys.org, womenscyberjutsu.org, etc.
Biplab Panda
Engagement Director
50
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Biplab’s Answer
Consider an entry-level security analyst position (which may involve working shifts at odd hours, including perhaps nights or weekends) to get your foot in the door.
Building an understanding of basic cybersecurity concepts such as the MITRE ATT&CK framework, NIST/NICE, as well as computer science and networking concepts will also give you a foundation that you can leverage into a cybersecurity career.
If possible, pursue certifications such as CySA+ and Security+ .
Some colleges may offer an undergraduate cybersecurity program that also involves student SOC experience. This would be a great way for you to gain practical experience that you can leverage on your resume.
Building an understanding of basic cybersecurity concepts such as the MITRE ATT&CK framework, NIST/NICE, as well as computer science and networking concepts will also give you a foundation that you can leverage into a cybersecurity career.
If possible, pursue certifications such as CySA+ and Security+ .
Some colleges may offer an undergraduate cybersecurity program that also involves student SOC experience. This would be a great way for you to gain practical experience that you can leverage on your resume.