By DeVry University
December 14, 2021
4 min read
December 14, 2021
4 min read
Cyber security is the information security discipline crucial to safeguarding the data systems that many public and private-sector organizations depend on. It also represents an opportunity for those who want to build a career in this specialized area of information technology.
You may have wondered: Is cyber security hard to learn? Rest assured that with the right training and hands-on education, you can certainly learn the skills you need to prepare to enter this field.
In this article, you'll have the chance to explore some of the prerequisites for a career in cyber security, get a sense of the skills you may need to work in this field and explore the different ways to pursue a cyber security career as we move through the following sections:
Organizations will need information security analysts to secure new technologies from cyberattacks as part of an effort to strengthen their focus on cyber security and minimize data security risks.
The need for enhanced security has been heightened due to the rise of e-commerce and a shift by many employers from an on-site work environment to remote work.
Cyber attacks involving theft of critical information or ransomware have grown in frequency.
The fields of digital health services and telehealth have experienced strong growth and this is expected to increase data security risks for healthcare providers who need to safeguard patients’ healthcare data.
Programming: While you may not have to be a coding wizard to perform most cyber security jobs, a basic knowledge of programming is essential. A good eye for programming can help you identify issues with software and can even help you pinpoint cyber threats in incoming files by observing their code.
Software comprehension: A large part of cyber security is choosing and deploying the correct software. To do this, you'll need to have a clear comprehension of how different software work and interact with one another.
Network security: This is a must-have cyber security skill because of the need to understand how networks and their components operate and how to defend them.
Firewalls: Firewalls are among the most important technologies used by cyber security professionals. They analyze data that goes in and out of a network in order to secure it from a potential attack.
Communication skills: As much as cyber security is a technology field, clear communication skills are essential to the job. You may need to do a lot of writing or give presentations to company leaders. In higher-level cyber security jobs, you'll need to clearly communicate with an entire team.
Analytical skills: Much of cyber security deals with analysis more than action. You'll have to continually look over your own work and networks to ensure that you do not have any areas of weakness in the security that you have developed. You'll also need to research new technologies and analyze the ways that they might improve your existing security.
Attention to detail: Attention to detail is useful in any profession but especially in cyber security. By paying attention to the ever-changing world of technology, as well as close attention to your own systems, you'll be able to better identify threats and potential improvements.
CompTIA Security+: This certification verifies the skills and knowledge to install and configure systems used to secure networks, applications and mobile devices. Cyber security professionals with this credential have demonstrated the ability to assess the security posture of a network and recommend and implement appropriate security solutions. They can also identify and respond to security events.
CompTIA A+: This basic certification verifies skills in troubleshooting, hardware and operating systems.
Certified Ethical Hacker (ECH): This certification from EC Council is based on 5 phases of penetration testing. Candidates build skills and gain experience with more than 500 unique attack techniques and hands-on labs.
CompTIA PenTest+: This intermediate-level certification measures skills in vulnerability assessment and network penetration testing.
CompTIA CySA+: This intermediate-level certification is for cyber security analysts, and measures proficiency in analytics, intrusion detection and response to threats.
CompTIA Network+: Network+ certifies your knowledge and proficiency with emerging technologies such as cloud computing and the Internet of Things.
The technologies related to cyber security and safeguarding networks, applications, devices and more are always evolving. Your skills in programming, firewalls, penetration testing and other technical areas must evolve to keep pace with these changes.
Most certifications require continuing professional education (CPE) to maintain your credential. You will have to comply with testing and renewal requirements to keep these credentials on your resume.
Don’t forget about your soft skills. Continue to develop skills like written and verbal communication, analytical thinking and attention to detail right along with your technical skills as you move up in your career.
1 https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/information-security-analysts.htm#tab-1
2 Not including breaks. Assumes year-round, full-time enrollment.
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