How to get into Cyber Security?

How to get into Cyber Security? As with most things in life, there are several ways to achieve the same objective or end goal … or as my Dad mentioned at one point, “There’s more than one way to skin a cat, son!”. Crude but i got the idea…

People have different interests and their own unique way of learning, thinking and working, what works for you may not work for others and vice versa. If you have enough curiosity to go out into the world and look for something you want, you’ll eventually find your own way. My goal is to try and point you in the right direction based on my own experiences and path.

As a youngster I was quite keen on the ‘Transformers’ robots and other toys that could change and morph from one thing, into something else. This type of design I think lit a spark in me and I started looking at things in a different manner. Sure, it’s a toy right, and probably a lot of people wouldn’t really think any more of it. However, I remember thinking to myself, ‘How did they make that, could I make my own transformer?’ Ahhh I miss those days, it was a very uncomplicated world…

That spark of trying to understand how something as simple as a toy, was in fact more complicated in its design and workings than I had considered. The design process still fascinates me to this day! This spark grew inside me and before I knew it, I was quite keen on opening up anything I could get my hands on to see what was inside or try and understand how it worked.

My brothers and sister today will still ask me to look at their Xbox pads and phones for example. “Bro, can you take a look at this, this doesn’t work“. I’m the tech guru in my family.

I think the first couple of questions you need to ask yourself, if you’re interested in breaking into cyber security:

  • Do you have a passion for technology (Hardware or Software) ?
    • Maybe you like to build small scripts, applications or web sites.
    • Maybe you enjoy building your own computers, working on Single Board Computers.
    • Maybe you enjoy learning how various types of technologies communicate with one another.
    • or perhaps you’re interested in more advanced topics, such as the inner workings of hardware and software, networking, package designs or blockchain.
  • Do you like to dig deep into an issue to identify the root cause?
  • Are you a security focused individual, at home and at work?
  • Are you agile, can you adapt and are you capable of holding your own in stressful situations?
  • Are you a champion for all things good and fair?

If you are in heading to college or university and have an interest in Computing or Technology, there are several avenues open to you. Regardless as to whether you find working with Software or Hardware interesting and challenging, security of software and hardware (Or a combination of both) is paramount.

Even if you’re changing from a non-technical job or career and find Cyber Security Interesting, you can do it. All you need is a little time, lots of coffee, a Raspberry Pi and a great community. There are plenty of great people on LinkedIn.

There are a lot of Cyber Security courses being offered now by Colleges, Universities and Online Training Platforms such as udemy.com. All of which offer introductory courses for Cyber Security. I’ll create a list of the most popular places for study, including certifications, and add them to a new section.

So… onto the basics…

What skills do i need to learn and develop?

I’ve been reviewing a lot of entry level positions across the web and the list below is the most common requirements for entry level Cyber positions. As the jobs are quite varied, and its really depends on what the business offering these positions need, some or all of these skills are required.

Don’t be put off with the long list, if you have a technical education background, I.e formal education, you are probably already developing these skills in College or University.

If you are coming from a non-technical education, you can find plenty of resources online to give you an overview on each of these topics, at least focus on the general understanding and basics concepts. You will improve these skills day by day with ever site you visit or document you download and read.

  • Studying for Information Security, Computer Science, Computer Engineering or Cyber Security courses.
  • or
  • Studying for basic industry certification, for example CompTIA Network+ or Security+
    • If you come from a non-technical education or experience background, i would recommend looking into courses like the CompTIA IT Fundamentals Course and branch out from there.

Entry level Cyber Security positions, ‘Security Analyst’ or ‘Security Operations Centre Analyst’ tend to have the follow requirements, at least one of the above and then the following:

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