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.
Cybersecurity certification guide
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
Coding for cybersecurity
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
Certified ethical hacker
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
Getting a security clearance
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
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 in cybersecurity
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