“Cybersecurity Career Path: How to Begin and Excel”

If you’re a college student or a graduate with technical or non-technical background or an employee who want to switch into cybersecurity! this article is for you.

In today’s Information Technology world, Everything is connected to internet and anything which is connected to internet may be vulnerable to cyberattacks, So it is important learn about cybersecurity.

Here is the step-by-step path to pursue a career in cybersecurity as a beginner.

1. Get a Bachelor’s degree : It is important have a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or Information technology related field will be a advantage, also non-technical degree is also fine.
2. Learning Basics : Understanding basics of Computer Networking and learning about different Operating systems like Windows and Linux are the building blocks, without these the next steps in learning can be complex.
3. Programming : learning how to code can be advantageous, in the future you may dealing with different exploits which are written in Java, Python, Javascript, So inorder to understand them, I suggest learn atleast one programming language.
4. Choose a Domain: Cybersecurity is a vast field, It is important to choose a domain of your choice, whether it could be Offensive or Defensive Security, at this point you need to make a choice of your interest.
5. Specialize: Cybersecurity is a broad field. You can specialize in areas like Network security, Cloud security, Penetration testing, Digital forensics, or Security auditing. Identify your interests and focus your learning accordingly.
6. Enroll for a course: Certifications play a major role to get a job in cybersecurity, but only few of them are recognized like Security+, CEH, eJPT, they may be bit costly but worth to have in your resume as a entry level jobseeker.
7. Build a Home Lab: Set up a home lab to experiment with different cybersecurity tools and techniques. You can use virtualization software like VirtualBox or VMware to create a safe testing environment.
8. Capture The Flag (CTF): Participate in cybersecurity challenges and Capture The Flag (CTF) competitions. These practical exercises allow you to apply your knowledge in real-world scenarios and improve your problem-solving skills.
9. Stay Updated: with the latest cybersecurity news, read blogs, attend conferences and events. follow creators on social media preferably Twitter, Youtube, Discord, Reddit etc.
10. Online Communities: Join online cybersecurity communities and forums. Participate in discussions, ask questions, and share your knowledge.
11. Networking and Building a Portfolio: Create a LinkedIn profile to connect with professionals in the field. Building a portfolio showcasing your skills and projects will be crucial in impressing potential employers.
12. Internships and Entry-Level Jobs: Seek out internships or entry-level positions in IT or cybersecurity. These roles might not pay much initially, but they offer essential experience and networking opportunities.

There are other things to note like learning soft skills like Problem solving and strong communication required to build a strong career in cybersecurity.

Remember that cybersecurity is a constantly changing field, and staying adaptable and continuously learning is essential to a successful career in this industry. Thank you for reading.