Charting Your Cybersecurity Journey: A Step-by-Step Guide to Start Today
The Cybersecurity Challenge
Have you ever asked someone, “How do I get into Cybersecurity?” If so, let me share with you how I would go about doing it. I get asked this question a lot, and the short answer is “It depends.” It depends on what? It depends on what you are looking for, the skills you currently have, your ability to learn, and your commitment to this journey. I remember my struggle to land my first IT job without a degree or certifications. If I had to do it all over again, this is what I would do.
Recommendations
Step 1: Define Your Career Goals
Begin by researching and discovering your interests. SANS offers an excellent training roadmap that can give you insights into potential career paths in cybersecurity. Even if you can’t afford SANS courses, you can access their free information. Recommended Resources:
Step 2: Job Search and Resume Preparation
Take your research and use it to find potential job opportunities. Explore websites like Indeed, Glassdoor, LinkedIn, and Google to search for entry-level security positions. Review job descriptions to identify the required skills, responsibilities, and technologies. Aim to align yourself with about 80-90% of the job requirements before applying.
Recommended Job Search Websites:
Step 3: Build a Strong Foundation
Based on your research and job goals, determine your educational needs. There are various ways to acquire knowledge, such as formal education, training courses, certifications, books, or building a home lab. Many job postings specify preferred or required certifications, so consider acquiring certifications like CompTIA Security+ and CompTIA Network+ to align with job requirements. If you lack a technical background, start by building a simple home lab and pursuing entry-level certifications.
Recommended Certifications:
- CC – Certified in Cybersecurity
- CompTIA Security+
- Microsoft Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals
Recommended Courses:
- Google IT Support Professional Certificate
- IBM Cybersecurity Analyst Professional Certificate
- Cybrary’s IT and Cybersecurity Foundations
- Cybrary’s SOC Analyst Level 1
Recommended Training Programs
Recommended Degree Programs:
- Chattahoochee Technical College - Cybersecurity
- Atlanta Technical College - Cybersecurity and Computer Information Systems
- Kennesaw State University - Bachelor’s in Cybersecurity
Recommended Home Lab Resource:
Step 4: Join Cyber Security Communities
Start by finding local information security meetups to join. Networking with professionals can be a game-changer in your cybersecurity career. Look for local DefCon and 2600 groups, join them, and engage with like-minded individuals to learn and grow.
Recommended Resource:
Step 5: Continue Learning and Networking
Continue learning and networking to reinforce your knowledge. After obtaining certifications like CompTIA Security+, consider circulating your resume and inform your network that you are actively seeking entry-level cybersecurity positions.
Closing Thoughts
Entering the cybersecurity field might seem challenging, but it’s not impossible. Building a solid foundation, establishing a strong network, and actively pursuing entry-level jobs are the keys to success. Remember, it’s a journey that requires dedication and ongoing learning.
Other Sources
General Learning
- https://skillbuilder.aws
- https://www.coursera.org/
- https://www.pluralsight.com/
- https://www.udemy.com/
- https://www.cybrary.it/
Offensive Security Learning
- https://portswigger.net/web-security
- https://www.hackthebox.com/
- https://tryhackme.com/
- https://pentesterlab.com/
- https://skillsforall.com/course/ethical-hacker
Security Tools
- https://www.qualys.com/training/
- https://training.snyk.io/