How to Become a Cyber Security Professional?

Cyber security is a major concern for many organizations, and it's no wonder why. As more businesses are becoming reliant on technology, the number of cyberattacks is increasing exponentially. Interpol recently reported that “in one four-month period (January to April) some 907,000 spam messages, 737 incidents related to malware and 48,000 malicious URLs – all related to COVID-19 – were detected.” With organizations deploying remote systems and networks, criminals are also taking advantage of increased security vulnerabilities to steal data. Therefore, the demand for cyber security experts has never been higher. And also Pursue your education with NIOS Course in Dubai.

How to Become a Cyber Security Professional? 

Cyber security professionals work hard to protect the safety of individuals and businesses from hackers who may try to steal information or bring down networks with malware attacks. Here are the critical steps toward becoming a cybersecurity specialist.

  • Complete your education 
  • Obtain certifications to enhance your career            
  • Acquire relevant experience
  • Specialize in a field according to your expertise
  • Refine your hard and soft skills
  • Build a resume that stands out
  • Apply for jobs and get one 
  • Get certified to upskill (if required)

Many people are thinking about cyber security, but not everyone knows where to start. Here are the steps for anyone interested in becoming a certified cybersecurity professional:

Step1:Complete Your Education

Formal educational requirements for cybersecurity specialists vary depending on the state or organization where you intend to work. To start a career in Cybersecurity, one must primarily meet the educational qualifications and attain the required certifications. If you are a candidate wanting to pursue a cyber career, 

  • Get a Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Information Technology or Cybersecurity

                       or

  • Get an Associate's Degree 

Step2: Obtain Certifications to Enhance Your Career            

Industry certifications can enhance your resume and advance your career. There is a range of certifications offered by professional organizations in the field. It includes both foundational cyber security certifications and advanced cyber security certifications.

     1. Foundational Cyber Security Certification

A foundational cyber security certification will start with the strategies and management of cybersecurity. This course is designed to help learners identify,  hack and implement security systems. If you wish to understand cyber suites to secure any business's data and digital security plan, you can pursue the following foundational cyber security certification:

  • Certified Ethical Hacking Certification: 

Certified Ethical Hacking Certification Course: CEH course is the perfect way to build your knowledge and understanding of IT security, its tools and techniques used by hackers. This course will teach you how to use and understand hacking tools. Learning how malicious attackers use these tools allows you to secure your networks, applications, and other assets better. 

      2. Advanced Cyber Security Certification

The Advanced cyber security certifications will help you gain practical knowledge and learn new strategies that are relevant for your career development. If you have the foundational knowledge and expertise on cybersecurity and want to learn more about security awareness and critical infrastructure risk management, you can choose advanced cyber security certifications. Whether you are an IT professional seeking to specialize in cybersecurity projects or an individual with basic cybersecurity knowledge, these advanced certifications will help you:

  • CISSP Course Certification
  • Certified Information Security Manager Course Certification
  • Certified Cloud Security Professional Course Certification
  • Certified Information Systems Auditor Course Certification
  • Certified Network Defender
  • Certified Secure Computer User Certification
  • CISSP Course Certification: The course provides knowledge on solving primary security problems such as application development security, mobile security, cloud computing, and more. This course will help candidates learn the fundamentals of communication and network security and know the elements that can minimize security threats, techniques for identifying network-based attacks. 
  • Certified Information Security Manager Course Certification: This course will help in gaining in-depth skills in 4 domains which are security program development and management, security governance, security incident management, and risk management and compliance. The course covers an in-depth understanding of the relation between the extensive goals of a company and information security programs.
  • Certified Cloud Security Professional Course Certification: The course focuses on everything from identifying strategies for categorizing data, supervising agencies, making sure privacy is established, and protecting the data effectively. Data security experts with a minimum of 5 years of IT experience can pursue the course. 
  • Certified Information Systems Auditor Course Certification: The certification course will enhance your understanding of the information system audit process and get CISA certified.  This course is specifically for consultants, audit managers, and IT auditors.
  • Certified Network Defender: The Certified Network Defender (CND) program lays emphasis on building Network Administrators who are given skilful training on detecting, safeguarding, and reacting to network threats. The course is specifically designed for Network Administrators, Network Defense Technicians, Security Analysts, Network Security Administrators and Network Security Engineers. 
  • Certified Secure Computer User Certification: This program focuses on providing the necessary knowledge and skills to protect cloud, email security, internet security and other information assets. This course is designed for today’s computer users who use the internet extensively to work, study and play.

Step 3: Get Industry Experience

One of the best ways to get started is by networking with other professionals in the industry. This will help you create relationships and learn more about what it's like to work in cybersecurity. In addition, interning or volunteering can give you valuable experience that will help you stand out from the crowd. You can look for local groups or events, or connect with people online through social media and LinkedIn.

Here are some tips to build a Professional LinkedIn Profile:

  • Connect with new people
  • Engage your audience by posting relevant and engaging content in cyber security
  • Search for fresh groups within your industry and join them

Step 4: Choose a Specialization 

With a good knowledge of the industry, you must be able to choose a specialization according to your expertise. You will be more career-oriented if you are aware of industry requirements. The types of jobs for which you will be eligible in the future will be determined by the area you specialize in. 

Step5: Refine Your Hard and Soft Skills

Refining your hard skills and soft skills is the next step. A cyber security professional requires a set of hard skills and soft skills. The soft skills needed for a cybersecurity professional are:

  • Research & commitment to learning
  • Verbal & written communication  
  • Leadership & networking

The technical skills required by a Cyber security professional are:

  • Ability to build and manage operating systems
  • Solid understanding of computer networking and cloud computing
  • Ability to build and evaluate network architecture 
  • Proficiency in programming languages like Java, Python, and C++
  • Firm understanding of basic antivirus principles, VPNs, and firewalls

To stay ahead of the curve, you need to be constantly refining your hard and soft skills. Cybersecurity professionals aim to protect and defend against continuously strengthening malicious threats. With programming skills, technical skills, cloud security skills and computer forensic skills, a candidate can become a cybersecurity professional.

Step 6: Build a Resume 

To advance your Cybersecurity Career, you need to build your resume. However, many people don't realize just how important it is to have a great resume. The resume needs to be clear and concise, and it should highlight your skills and experience. It shows potential employers that you have the skills and experience necessary to do the job. 

Here is what a cyber security resume must include:

  • Contact information
  • Career objectives
  • Work experience
  • Education
  • Soft skills and technical skills
  • Certifications and professional memberships
  • Achievements and awards
  • References
  • Contact information
  • Career objectives

A career objective is a personal statement that specifies what you hope to accomplish through your career. For example, if you are a certified cyber security professional, you could put it like this:

“Looking for a position as a Cyber Security Specialist with ABC Company, which encourages learning and growth to become a skilled employee”

  • Work experience

If you are a candidate with previous experience working at any of the cyber security companies, you can add it to your work experience. Check the below example: 

“ Cyber Security Analyst

January 2015–December 2018

Hackers With Ethics, New York, NY”

  • Education

Add your educational qualifications including your school, college, certification or training programs you have completed. 

“BS in Cyber Forensics and Information Security

XYZ University. Ithaca, NY

2014- 2018

 

De Paul High School, NY

2012- 2014”

  • Soft skills and technical skills

This section is very important as the recruiter will make an impression of the candidate based on their skillset. If you possess the right skills, you will have a better opportunity to get hired. 

An example of how you can present your Cyber Security skills for a resume is:

Cyber Security Hard Skills Cyber Security Soft Skills
Malware Analysis Creative Thinking
Risk Analysis Communication Skills
Python Scripting Attention to Detail
Intrusion Detection Problem Solving
Data Analytics Programming Collaboration & Teamwork
  • Certifications and professional memberships
  • Achievements and awards
  • References

Step 7: Apply For a Job 

Applying for jobs shows your interest in the position and shows that you are serious about becoming a professional in the field. By applying for job openings, you will gain experience in the field and develop your skills. You will also be able to network with other professionals and learn from their experiences. Start working in an organization to gain the experience and knowledge that you need to succeed in your career. 

Step 8: Get Certified to Upskill

Getting a job is just the beginning of your professional journey. Once you have a job, it's time to think about ways to improve your skills and upskill yourself. One great way to do this is by getting certifications in relevant areas. Once you have a position secured, it's time to think about ways to upskill and improve your career. One great way to do this is by earning certifications in various areas of expertise. Certifications can show your employer that you are serious about continuing your education and expanding your skillset.

Conclusion

Becoming a Cyber security professional is a step by step process. It starts from attaining the right certification and then building your skills to become competent in the industry. Learning is a never-ending process for a cyber security professional. Even after landing a job, it is important that you keep learning and upskilling yourselves to meet the changing cyber security industry demands.