Cybersecurity Career Paths: How to Start a Career in Cyber Security

According to Digital Guardian , cybersecurity is defined as the entire sphere of technologies, systems, processes, and strategies designed ...

According to Digital Guardian, cybersecurity is defined as the entire sphere of technologies, systems, processes, and strategies designed to safeguard the digital networks, programs, and data of any individual or organization from damage, attack, and unauthorized entry. Learning about cybersecurity online includes understanding the methods that hackers and cybercriminals employ to get into the systems, and the best cybersecurity practices that can be used to deter them and build defenses.

If this sounds like something you might be interested in, there are several options available to you. The folks at PocketPrep suggest that you sign up for various programs and online classes where you can train in the different facets of cybersecurity and get the necessary certification to work as a consultant.

Cybersecurity Career Paths: How to Start a Career in Cyber Security

But, Why Cybersecurity?

The modern-day world that we live in is characterized by an increasing dependence on the internet and staying connected. Every aspect of human lives is tracked digitally including health records, power usage, financial data, work schedules, shopping, and so much more. But, with increasing dependence comes a higher threat to cybersecurity.

Not just government organizations but businesses and individuals need to protect themselves from the possibility of data reaching the wrong hands. Any entity affected by a breach in their security systems will likely have to deal with significant losses in terms of financial setbacks and reputation.

Training in Cybersecurity Online - Lucrative Career Option

In the coming years, data breaches and hacking incidents are expected to grow exponentially. The demand for trained professionals who can assist people with security solutions is also estimated to grow by 62%, as reported by the ISC Cybersecurity Workforce Study. The information and training that you attain can lead to well-paying jobs. Companies welcome experts who know how to build and maintain their virtual defenses.

Since IT professionals have the option of working remotely, you could fill any of the 3.5 million job openings that are likely to become available by 2021 across the world. As for the expected salary, expect to earn anywhere upward of $112,974 each year. This figure can depend on your experience levels, location, talents and skills, and the particular category of services you provide.

Different Categories of Cybersecurity Online

The field of cybersecurity is vast with a whole range of skills that you can train in. Here’s a quick overview of your options:

• Check out online learning platforms, that explains how white hat ethical hacking involves understanding the thought processes of cybercriminals and identifying potential breaks that they can use to access company systems.

• Information Security is about protecting the privacy and integrity of data stored and used by the company.

• Application Security involves preventing threats and attacks on company software and the devices used on its networks.

• Disaster Recovery and business continuity are about creating a plan of action in case of a cybersecurity incident where the company loses data or regular operations are interrupted.

• Operational Security is about instituting the processes for collecting, handling, and protecting data. This sphere includes the procedures that stakeholders must follow when accessing the company network and determining how and where the data is stored.

• End-User Training involves teaching proper program usage to a company’s employees. Considering that human error is recognized as one of the biggest weaknesses in a company’s security systems, it has become critical to train employees. They need to understand the dangers of phishing and of malicious emails that they might accidentally open and download.

As an IT professional looking for career options that consistently challenge your skills and reward you with great salaries, you should consider training in cybersecurity online.