What is Cyber Security?

Cyber security involves protecting networks, systems, and data from cyber attacks using various technologies, controls, and processes. These attacks typically aim to access, alter, or destroy sensitive information. Some of the most common types of cyber attacks include malware, ransomware, and phishing. An effective cyber security strategy includes multiple layers of protection over potential targets, which cyber security professionals manage.

How to Get Into Cyber Security?

There is no single path to a career in cyber security, so people get into it from many different angles. A cyber security degree is not always required, but qualifications in computer science or related areas will go a long way. What’s most important is that you have a profound interest in how technology works, as well as a deep insight into what needs protecting and why exactly things are unsecure.

Here are a few suggested ways to gain this understanding:

Train in IT

Starting in an IT role unrelated to cyber security will help you learn the fundamentals needed for a future security role. Learning coding, database management and system configuration will all come in handy.

Narrow your focus

Focusing on one area of cyber security will help you hone the skills you need to get there. For example, if you wanted to go into web security, look at web developer jobs first.

Be a self-directed learner

Gain as much knowledge and experience in your chosen field as you can. Investing in training courses, teaching yourself to code and joining local security groups are just some of the ways you can build your skillset. Formal qualifications from reputable examining bodies will also stand you in good stead.

Opportunity

With hackers launching increasingly sophisticated attacks at a rapid pace, the demand for cyber security professionals is growing. The industry is experiencing a global talent shortage, making it one of the sectors with the “largest human capital gaps.” Businesses struggle to handle today’s threat landscape, creating opportunities for those with the right skills.

While efforts are underway to make cyber security a more popular career choice, the talent shortage is expected to persist due to the escalating complexity of threats. For professionals considering a career in cyber security, this means long-term demand and opportunities for advancement.

• Popular Industries for Cyber Security Jobs

  There are a few core industries which regularly employ cyber security specialists. Among these are the information technology, engineering, military industries, as well as the government and the security sector itself.

  The number of job opportunities for the various cyber security job roles vary between different industries. Most security consultant roles, for example, are offered within the information technology sector, whilst the majority of CISSP experts are demanded by the government.
  Cyber security firms themselves are also always on the hunt for new talent. Some of the leading firms in the world include Herjavec Group, IBM Security and Raytheon, and they are an obvious source of cyber security opportunities.

• Recent Changes in the Cyber Security Industry

  Another significant shift is the rise of Internet of Things (IoT) threats and ransomware attacks. Ransomware is especially dangerous, as it encrypts sensitive data and demands a ransom to unlock it. Disaster Recovery as a Service (DRaaS) solutions are becoming essential in defending against such attacks, making familiarity with these systems highly valuable for cyber security roles.

• Future Prospects

  With the talent shortage in cyber security, professionals in this field have promising career prospects. Salaries are expected to rise, and flexible working arrangements, including remote work, are becoming more common. Cyber security specialists will also benefit from opportunities to work with cutting-edge technologies in a dynamic environment.

• Salt’s advice for getting a job in cyber security

  Employers’ Requirements

  Cyber security roles require a mix of both hard and soft skills. In terms of hard skills, you’ll need to be well-versed in cyber security fundamentals like carrying out risk assessments, developing functional security requirements and using security technologies such as IDaaS.

  When it comes to soft skills, effective communication is highly sought-after as cyber security professionals often need to explain complex concepts both to clients and colleagues. You will also need to be very detail-driven in order to examine technical issues from all angles, and problem-solving and analytical skills are a must.

  Resume Requirements

  It is important to show your understanding of the latest information security principles and the best practices for software development and database security, as well as demonstrate excellent knowledge of different open source applications. It should also be clear that you can conduct vulnerability assessments (including penetration testing), wireless security assessment and infrastructure solution implementation.

  Make sure to talk about some of the most significant projects you have worked on, detailing what they were looking to achieve, what technologies you used and how you succeeded with these different projects.

  Interview Preparation

  The employers’ expectations of cyber security specialists are extremely high, so you’ll need to come well-prepared for job interviews. One suggestion is to anticipate the type of cyber security problems a business might face and the solutions you’d come up with. You should also make sure you get to know your interviewers’ backgrounds before meeting them as it might reveal which types of questions they are likely to ask.

  Finally, be sure to check out the various online resources documenting typical cyber security interview questions as these can invaluable to your preparation.

  Educational Requirements

  The educational requirements for cyber security jobs vary. Generally speaking, it is advisable to have a degree in cyber security, mathematics, computer engineering, computer science or something similar. For more senior positions, it is beneficial to also have a master’s degree with focus on information technology security. That said, some employers may still hire you if you only have a few years experience in the cyber security field in lieu of a degree.