How to get into Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity professionals protect digital assets like networks, devices, programs, and data from unauthorized access and changes. They prevent cyber attacks that could steal or damage important information. Most cybersecurity experts work full time, but some work remotely or freelance.
There are different types of cybersecurity jobs, each focusing on a specific aspect of information security
- Security Operations: Analysts monitor for and investigate suspicious activity to protect systems.
- Network Security: Professionals protect computer networks from threats and manage user access.
- Cloud Security: Engineers secure cloud-based tools and services to prevent data leaks.
- Application Security: Experts protect applications and web services from data breaches.
- Security Architecture: Architects design systems to protect an organization’s IT infrastructure from threats.
You can start a cybersecurity career with different degrees
- Associate Degree: Entry-level program for jobs like security auditor or cybersecurity analyst, usually taking two years.
- Bachelor’s Degree: Comprehensive four-year program for roles like cybersecurity engineer or information security analyst.
- Master’s Degree: Advanced program focusing on areas like cryptology and cyber threat analysis.
- Doctorate: Doctoral degrees for high-level positions in academia or IT.
If you’re a professional looking to switch to cybersecurity or don’t have time for a full degree, consider a cybersecurity bootcamp. Bootcamps offer intensive training to quickly prepare you for a cybersecurity career. The cybersecurity job outlook is strong, with a growing workforce gap and high demand for professionals. With a cybersecurity degree, you can work as a malware analyst, security architect, penetration tester, or other roles, even outside of IT, like teaching or research.