Cybersecurity is a fascinating profession. It requires technical skills and experience — mainly working with computer code, data structures, and network infrastructure. But it also requires other professional skills, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, the drive to constantly learn new technology, and the ability to communicate with co-workers about best practices and policies.
Another thing that makes cybersecurity so interesting is the pace at which the industry is moving. Both from an overall growth perspective (the industry is booming) but also from the scope and responsibility of what cybersecurity professionals are tasked with doing.
Digital security or information security is no longer a niche field. As more life unfolds across the digital landscape, so too does the need to keep data and information safe. Cybersecurity professionals are working in companies and organizations across all kinds of industry sectors and organizational size.
Here are a couple of resources that are designed to look at current cybersecurity topics in a little bit more depth. The following guides provide a broad overview of the subject, but also provide tactical and actionable information.
Getting the right industry certifications is critical in the cybersecurity industry. Industry certifications span all disciplines of cybersecurity and are suitable for all levels of experience. Most cybersecurity certifications are offered by professional organizations and societies. More recently, colleges and universities have also been offering certification programs with a similar goal of helping people enter or advance in the industry. LEARN MORE
Computer code is literally the foundation of everything that happens in the cybersecurity industry, so it makes sense to be as well-versed as possible in a wide variety of computer programming languages. Different facets of cybersecurity (both the offensive side of cybersecurity and the defensive side) employ different computer code languages so having coding experience in a particular system (or the willingness to learn other systems) might define opportunities within the cybersecurity field. LEARN MORE
A certified ethical hacker is a designation within the cybersecurity field for professionals that are well-versed in finding potential vulnerabilities in a company or organization’s computer infrastructure or data practices. The idea is that ethical hackers try to find weak spots before malicious hackers do. Ethical hacking, also called penetration testing, is an in-demand job in the field and this guide goes through all of the steps required to become certified. LEARN MORE
There are different levels of security clearances available, but they are only issued by the US government for the purposes of conducting business that is related to national security. Usually, military personnel or military contractors are eligible for a security clearance. A security clearance designation is important for some aspects of the cybersecurity industry so understanding what it is and the process for obtaining one is important. LEARN MORE
Internships in the technology industry are a great way to get some entry-level experience and start building a professional network of contacts. The cybersecurity industry is no different. There are a number of large companies and organizations looking for cybersecurity interns. This guide contains information on where to look for internships and what to do to help land that first position. LEARN MORE
A veteran’s guide to cybersecurity
Entering the cybersecurity field is a great option for veterans transitioning out of the military. There are a lot of overlaps between the cybersecurity profession and military operations. Job candidates in the cybersecurity space are particularly valuable if they already have security clearances or applicable intelligence/technology experience. Additionally, this guide outlines a number of resources, including financial aid and resources that are available specifically for veterans interested in pursuing a cybersecurity degree, certificate, or profession. LEARN MORE
Women are underrepresented in all tech fields. The same is true in cybersecurity. The shortage of women in the industry is such an issue that a number of professional organizations and scholarship-granting bodies are designing resources and opportunities to attract women to cybersecurity and provide resources to help them be successful. LEARN MORE
This guide is intended to provide an introduction to the field of cybersecurity. Beginning with a few of the relevant terms and expressions used in the industry, some important security principles, and providing a brief historical overview; the following will give those considering a career in this practice a bird’s-eye sketch of what to expect. LEARN MORE
This guide is all about the things that students can do to stay safe and secure on the internet. It is intended as a basic backgrounder for college-age students, but the suggestions and best practices on how to increase personal security will work for everyone. LEARN MORE
Cybersecurity scholarship guide
This guide is designed to help students and those interested in learning more about potential cybersecurity scholarships. The guide includes information related to the kinds of scholarships available to cybersecurity students, where to look for scholarships, and what is required to be eligible for scholarships. LEARN MORE
There is a severe shortage of qualified cybersecurity professionals. The demand for employees at every level is high, and every indication is that this need will continue to grow. Knowledge of how your skills, interests, experiences, and aptitudes align with those needed for success in cybersecurity can help figure out the best way to get started in the industry. Finding that perfect career is, at best, tricky. Cybersecurity is a technical field and one that at its core, requires strong quantitative skills. This guide is all about how math is used in cybersecurity and the best way to prepare for a math-driven cybersecurity career. LEARN MORE
This guide provides strategies and suggestions for keeping small businesses safe from the ever-growing catalog of cyber threats. It includes ideas for calculating risk, understanding threats, plugging vulnerabilities, and implementing mitigation steps. A list of useful resources is also included. LEARN MORE
This guide covers some of the emerging threats due to the mainstream adoption of remote work, school, and socializing following the worldwide stay-at-home orders. A number of new scams, phishing attacks, and misinformation campaigns have also launched to take advantage of the COVID-19 fallout. This guide contains information about how to stay safe and includes resources to take action and increase personal cybersecurity. LEARN MORE
Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) in Cybersecurity
The Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) in Cybersecurity designation is for college and university programs that meet the requirements of the National Security Agency (NSA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The CAE program was created by NSA and DHS in order to support higher education programs and to ultimately improve the nation’s cybersecurity infrastructure.
Cybersecurity for K-12 students
Across both the public and private sectors, people with background and experience in the cybersecurity field are in short supply. One of the issues identified to solve the shortage is to build a more robust pipeline of students entering universities with the skills and experience to get more advanced training. Building a better cybersecurity education pipeline has inspired the creation of many of the programs and opportunities for elementary and high school students outlined in this guide. LEARN MORE
Cybersecurity career networking guide
Cybersecurity is a massive industry. In the industry, where all voices are needed to drive the development of cybersecurity strategies, security product design, or the deployment of secure infrastructures, diversity acts as a positive catalyst. Although entry and growth in this industry may seem overwhelming, you can have a successful cybersecurity career by utilizing the proper resources. This article discusses some of the essential resources for new entrants in the cybersecurity domain. LEARN MORE
A cyber range is a controlled, interactive technology environment where up-and-coming cybersecurity professionals can learn how to detect and mitigate cyber attacks using the same kind of equipment they will have on the job. The range simulates the worst possible attacks on IT infrastructure, networks, software platforms and applications. The setup encompasses technology that is able to operationalize and monitor a trainee’s progress and performance as they grow and learn through simulated experiences. Used the right way a cyber range can instill confidence in cybersecurity workers. LEARN MORE
Cybersecurity experts aren’t developers, and, despite having some similar skill sets, they can have very different focuses. A developer’s focus is writing code that does its job, is efficient, and is shipped on schedule. A security expert’s goal is making sure that the code is secure and doesn’t expose the company or its customers to unnecessary risk. That said, while hackers aren’t developers, having familiarity with a language or two is a huge asset for a hacker. A large part of cybersecurity is either breaking code or finding ways to fix it, so understanding how to read and write a program is a necessary skill. LEARN MORE
What to do if you have been hacked
In best case scenarios, victims of cybersecurity attacks react fast to secure accounts. That’s why understanding (and taking action) on the first signs of cyber incidents is a good way to protect personal data and other critical information. This guide covers some steps to take to make sure you are following cybersecurity best practices. LEARN MORE
Cyber defense is a big part of the cybersecurity industry. But it often gets overlooked in the media and elsewhere because when cyber defenders are successful, digital properties remain secure. On the flip-side, when hackers are successful and cause data breaches, the results are often headline-worthy. This introductory guide takes a look at what it takes to become a cyber defender. LEARN MORE
There are a number of really beneficial online cybersecurity training courses available. This guide is a deeper look at some of the options out there for both entry-level cybersecurity operators and seasoned pros looking to get an edge. The guide is broken down into different cybersecurity disciplines and walks through some of the training options available for each. LEARN MORE
If you find yourself looking for the next great cybersecurity book to read, or podcast to check out — this guide is for you! We talked to more than two-dozen experts in the field and asked their recommendations for security-related resources. The result is a fascinating list that covers history, current events, and even some speculative fiction. LEARN MORE