Pursuing a Cyber Security Career
The following is a guest post by Erin Palmer, a contributor to U.S. News University Directory. The following represents the views and opinions of the source and does not necessarily reflect the views of Careers Done Write.
Cyber security is a field that has seen tremendous growth in the last few years. With the level of Internet espionage and terrorism rising around the globe, the demand for cyber security experts is also on the rise.
Why Cyber Security is a Smart Career Choice
Due to the increased complexity of cybercrime, the training required to enter the field is becoming more stringent as the number of cyber security jobs available continues growing. Recent high-profile hacks of government and private sector websites have been an impetus for the training and certification of new security staff.
The commitment to beefing up cyber security is growing in governments and corporations across the globe. For example, the most recent proposed Department of Defense budget includes increased spending for cyber security even as it proposes slashing other programs.
Cyber Security Training and Education
Working as an information security professional requires an interesting blend of knowledge, ethics and the ability to think like a hacker. Some individuals enter the field straight out of college, with degrees in computer science and other technical programs, while others cross over from previous careers such as law enforcement.
No matter how you enter the field, it is recommended that you become certified through the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) and Cisco Certified Security Professional (CCSP). Becoming certified shows prospective employers you are serious about your career and that you have attained the skills necessary to do the job efficiently and effectively.
If you are just entering college and are interested in pursuing a profession in cyber security, you may want to familiarize yourself with the typical course schedule of core courses. The core cyber security degree requirements include:
- Access Control Systems and Methodology
- Applications and Systems Development
- Business Continuity Planning
- Cryptography, Law, Investigation and Ethics
- Operations and Physical Security
- Security Architecture and Models
- Security Management Practices
- Telecommunications
Cyber Security Career Path
Developing a career path and preparing a plan of action is essential in obtaining your professional goals. Here is a common career path for a cyber security professional entering the field.
Role titles vary by experience. You can expect to enter as a security administrator or analyst, and progress through middle management to potentially a senior leadership as a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) over time.
A successful cyber security professional may then be assigned the role of chief IS manager who is responsible for the design and development of the information security policy, as well as any regulatory compliance and information security governance. Those who excel at this position may advance to the level of Security Advisors and Auditors whose responsibilities are to advise on policy design, risk assessment, and compliance to global and industry standards.
The top level position in the field is the chief information officer who oversees the cost of ongoing and future investments to alleviate information risks and align business objectives with a concise security strategy.
Tips for Pursuing a Career in Cyber Security
Don’t be discouraged if you’re not particularly technical and unable to write security programs, as there are ‘hybrid’ jobs such as auditors and activity regulators. There are other ways in which to get yourself noticed in the field.
Get to know people in the security industry and volunteer your time to help them. Also, join local security-related organizations and attend meetings. You might also think about performing free vulnerability assessments for companies in your local area. This is a great way to get hands-on experience. Additionally, you can find a way to differentiate yourself through additional areas of focus and learning, such as risk assessment or even psychology. The more interdisciplinary approaches you have to offer a potential supervisor, the better.
The Cyber security profession is in its infancy, but it is becoming a booming industry during a time when many other job sectors are shedding jobs. As cyber crimes are on the rise, an increasing need for qualified security and computer forensics professionals is expected.
Erin Palmer is a contributor to U.S. News University Directory, a leading resource for computer programming degrees and computer networking degree programs. The directory includes a wide variety of programs and courses for IT professionals from accredited colleges, as well as, a growing collection of education articles and career videos. For more information please visit http://www.usnewsuniversitydirectory.com/technology.aspx
Figure 1 Cyber Security Careers are In-demand
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