How To Get Into Cybersecurity – Forbes Advisor
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Cybersecurity is a multifaceted industry, so it’s common for there to be confusion about how to get into the field. In this article, we’ll demystify cybersecurity, explore the industry’s employment outlook and detail how to get into cybersecurity (even if you have no experience).
What is Cybersecurity?
Cybersecurity involves the protection of digital assets and their owners from malicious actors. “Digital asset” is an umbrella term for anything that exists in digital form and has significant value. A digital asset could include personal data, documents, websites, servers and networks.
To be a great cybersecurity expert, you need technical skills such as risk assessment, intrusion detection, proficiency in programming languages and familiarity with Linux OS.
Cybersecurity Job Outlook
Though it is rightfully known as a lucrative field, the cybersecurity industry is fraught with talent gaps. There just aren’t enough cybersecurity professionals to go around in the job market.
As of 2021, the U.S. had over 1 million cybersecurity experts, yet 715,000 open jobs remained. As of April 2022, this skills gap hadn’t closed much, according to Cyberseek. The high demand for skilled professionals in this industry points to strong employment prospects for new cybersecurity specialists.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 35% employment growth for information security analysts from 2021 to 2031. This growth is about four times faster than the average projected growth rate for all jobs nationwide, making information security analyst the 14th fastest growing occupation in the country.
In 2021, Cybercrime Magazine projected that there would be 3.5 million open cybersecurity jobs by 2025.
Cybersecurity Salaries
One factor that sets cybersecurity apart from other fields is its high earning potential, available even to entry-level workers. The BLS reports that the median annual salary for information security analysts was $102,600 as of May 2021. That’s more than double the national median yearly wage for all occupations.
According to Cyberseek, the average salary range for entry-level cybersecurity workers falls between $88,230 and $110,000 per year. Note that cybersecurity salaries may vary by position and location.
How to Get Into Cybersecurity
Earn a Degree
About 90% of job postings in this field require a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity, computer science or a related field. A traditional degree remains the most popular path to launching a cybersecurity career.
You can earn a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity either online or in person. If you are not in a position to commit to a four-year degree, even an associate in cybersecurity or computer science can get your foot in the door in most cases.
Gain Experience
You might wonder how to gain experience in cybersecurity without first landing a job in the field. To start, consider internships. An internship equips you with the practical skills and experience that employers seek. It also gives you a competitive edge over other applicants when you finally start looking for jobs.
Cybersecurity internship opportunities may be paid or unpaid, depending on the company.
Other ways to gain relevant experience include working on solo cybersecurity projects and contributing to open-source projects.
Whichever path you take, make sure to document your progress and experience. Include these details in your coding portfolio to improve your chances of getting a job.
Obtain Certification
Cybersecurity certifications prove that your cybersecurity knowledge and experience meet stringent industry standards. These credentials can improve your marketability and earning potential as an employee.
There are numerous certifications available to cybersecurity professionals. Below are some of the most common options.
CISSP: The Certified Information Systems Security Professional certification is issued by the International Information System Security Certification Consortium (ISC)². This credential is ideal for cybersecurity professionals with at least five years of experience. This designation is a ticket to the senior role of chief information security officer (CISO).
CISA: The Certified Information Systems Auditor® certification, administered by the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA)®, demonstrates your ability to audit, monitor and control an organization’s information systems. Only professionals who have five years of experience and get a high score on the test are eligible for this designation.
CISM: The Certified Information Systems Manager® certification is reserved for experienced cybersecurity professionals who want to advance to leadership roles. This credential indicates expertise in information security governance and incident and risk management. ISACA administers this certification program as well.
Cybersecurity Bootcamps
If you want to kickstart your career in the shortest possible time frame, consider attending a cybersecurity bootcamp.
A bootcamp is an intensive study program that equips students with both the hard skills and the soft skills required to land jobs and excel in specific tech fields. Most bootcamps take about four to 20 weeks to complete. For part-time students, these programs can run for up to a year.
A cybersecurity bootcamp is a viable alternative to a traditional degree program because it allows you to acquire the necessary skills in less time and for a lower cost. Bootcamps cost about $11,900 on average. Some even offer financial aid and guarantees of employment.
Another upside to cybersecurity bootcamps is the availability of personalized programs. You can choose a bootcamp based on your current skill level and availability. Once you complete a cybersecurity bootcamp, you become eligible for entry-level positions like penetration tester, IT auditor, information security analyst and systems administrator.
Popular Cybersecurity Bootcamps
The right cybersecurity bootcamp depends on your price range, schedule and location. We highlight some of the most popular cybersecurity bootcamps below to give you an idea of what to expect.
Springboard Cybersecurity Career Track
Springboard’s bootcamp is a 100% online bootcamp that spans 380 hours. It teaches students cybersecurity fundamentals, including systems and network security, security operations and vulnerability assessments. With 15-20 hours of weekly study, students can complete this program and become Security+ certified in six months.
This program costs between $9,900 and $11,340.
Cybersecurity Analytics Bootcamp by Fullstack Academy
This program promises to take students from zero to job-ready in the span of 13 weeks (or 26 weeks for part-time students). Students can gain practical cybersecurity skills through various workshops and labs that mimic real-life scenarios.
Full-time and part-time students pay a flat tuition fee of $15,980. New York residents, women and veterans are eligible for financial aid.
Arizona State University offers a 24-week, in-person bootcamp for beginners. Students receive in-depth training in networking, web technologies and defensive and offensive cybersecurity. This bootcamp is ideal for part-time students who work or still attend college.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cybersecurity
How do I start a career in cybersecurity?
You can start a career in cybersecurity by enrolling in college, attending a bootcamp or pursuing self-education. Combining all three learning models can build a strong foundation in the field.
Is it easy to get into cybersecurity?
Getting into cybersecurity is relatively easy once you gain the education and experience. You can acquire significant experience in this field through internships and by contributing to open-source projects.
How do I start in cybersecurity with no experience?
The first step is getting an education via college or a reputable bootcamp. You can then apply for paid or unpaid internship positions to gain practical knowledge from senior cybersecurity specialists.
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