Cyber security is one of the toughest skills to acquire. Every organization needs cybersecurity specialists to guard their data, systems, and applications against cyber threats. Cybersecurity training programs are in high demand, as organizations constantly face cyber threats and need experts to detect them and prevent them from happening.
Here we’re providing you with information on technical certifications that you can get to develop cybersecurity skills, nontechnical backgrounds you can have to learn cybersecurity skills faster, and challenges that come with learning cybersecurity.
Who needs cybersecurity training?
It’s no longer a question of if you should learn cybersecurity but how. Cyberattacks occur every 14 seconds and can cost up to $6 trillion in 2021. It’s only prudent to make cybersecurity one of your professional goals.
Cybersecurity professionals are in high demand, with a median annual salary of $99,730 annually. Organizations that don’t have cybersecurity professionals on board cannot manage their digital assets effectively. Also, people employed in jobs requiring access to sensitive information often need a security clearance to access it.
With cybersecurity becoming an integral part of the digital ecosystem, it helps organizations secure their systems and data from cyber threats.
Technical Certifications and Skills to Pick Up
Technical certifications are an important step in becoming a cybersecurity expert. They provide valuable skills and knowledge to help you become proficient in the field.
For example, getting a certification such as CompTIA Security certification can help you understand the technical aspects of cyber security and build skills to become a cybersecurity professional. Though it takes time and patience, it’s worth it as it can help you stand out from the crowd and get high-paying jobs in the cybersecurity industry.
Conversely, having technical certifications to pursue a cybersecurity career is not essential. However, it doesn’t hurt if you do so. Earning a college degree in cyber security can help you launch a successful career in the industry.
Besides, there are ample online resources such as New Horizon to inform and guide decision-making for those seeking to pursue a cyber security career.
Common Nontechnical Backgrounds
Several non-technical backgrounds can be pursued to gain a competitive edge in cyber security. Non-technical learners can gain experience through boot camps or self-guided learning, which provides a hands-on introduction to cybersecurity topics. Entry-level roles in cyber security can be achieved with a high school diploma or GED and four to seven years of relevant experience. Cyber security engineer roles require knowledge of technical skills such as networking, data sharing, intrusion detection systems, and firewalls. In addition, experience in IT is a valuable asset for aspiring cybersecurity professionals. This background has the technical skills and knowledge to understand cybersecurity concepts and policies and develop solutions to cybersecurity issues. Overall, non-technical career paths offer plenty of opportunities for individuals interested in cybersecurity.
Common Challenges When Learning Cyber Security
Cyber security is an important function in today’s organizations, but it can be a challenging field to learn. When you start out in a cybersecurity role, it’s important to have a high-level strategy and be well-versed in information systems, information security, network security, and data security. These skills will help you to understand the technical aspects of cybersecurity and help you recognize vulnerabilities.
The cybersecurity field is dynamic and constantly evolving, so your skills must also keep pace. Cyber attacks can expose sensitive information to malicious actors, resulting in severe consequences. Staying up-to-date with new cybersecurity trends and technologies can help you stay ahead of the game and protect your organization from cyber threats.
The Best Resources for Learning Cyber Security
Various free resources are available to help you learn cyber security, including tutorials, videos, articles, books, and online forums and communities. You can start by researching the field online, reading articles and books on cybersecurity, watching video tutorials, or participating in online cybersecurity certification programs or online courses.
Mastering the basics of managing cybersecurity can be achieved with an online course, such as “Managing Cybersecurity.” If you don’t have a technical background, you can consider a career in cybersecurity. You can research the field online, understand the basics of cyber security, and build a network of professionals to guide you through your career path. By embracing cybersecurity as a career path, you can develop skills to help protect critical systems and data from threats throughout the world.
Conclusion
With cyber security threats increasing daily, it is important to learn how to protect yourself and your data from cyber-attacks. While cybersecurity training can be lengthy, it is essential to start small. If you can begin with simple cybersecurity practices, such as creating strong passwords and using security software, you will be on the path to learning cybersecurity skills that will help safeguard your personal information and business data. Comment below if we have inspired you to learn more about cybersecurity skills!
