Hey buddy, want to get started in cyber security? You’ve come to the right place.
How do I get started? This is the most common question one asks before venturing into a domain. At times, it is difficult to give an exact answer to an inquisitive person so, I am writing this article to help you.
Good news is, Cyber Security is a sector with vast career paths, and it is ranked high on the list of the best careers (the best if you ask me).
Normally, when Cyber Security is mentioned, the first thing that crosses one’s mind is hacking, but there is more than hacking involved, so let me introduce you to some steps you can follow to succeed in this field.
A. Offensive Security, commonly known as Red Teaming puts to test the strength of the organization’s system. Offensive Security professionals take the role of an adversary and mimic an attacker to find vulnerabilities and avoid cyber security defenses.
B. Defensive Security, commonly known as Blue Teaming put the Cyber defenses of the organization to the test and makes sure the Cyberspace of the organization stays secure.
In other cases, there is a mixture of the two paths, commonly known as Purple Teaming.
Now let’s get started:
Understand the Operating system basics: It is important to have a base understanding of the concepts related to operating systems and how they work before venturing into the Cyber Security field. The common operating systems used are Linux(with multiple distributions) and Windows.
Understand Networking essentials: Before venturing into the field, you need an understanding of networking from a security point of view.
Get Programming skills: Programming skills are key in some roles in Cyber Security, especially in malware analysis and penetration testing. The list of programming languages is endless but the most commonly used ones are; Python, JavaScript, Java, C and Ruby among others.
Learn the art of Cryptography: This plays a big role in information as a security tactic used to protect the organization’s information and communication from cyber threats through the use of codes.
Get a Degree: This is not important in this age, but when aiming at a high position, the employer requires a Degree or a Master’s Degree
Get Cyber Security Certifications:
Certifications can give a big boost in your journey. They prove that you have
skills and knowledge to employers. Here is a list of popular certifications:
-CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker)
- CompTIA Security+
- CompTIA PenTest+
- CySA+(CompTIA CyberSecurity Analyst)
- OSCP(Offensive Security Certified Professional)
- CASP(CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner)
- CISSP(Certified Information Systems Security Professional)
- CISM(Certified Information Security Manager)
- Among others…
Keep Practicing to gain experience: Participate in hackathons and Capture the Flags(CTFs) and do daily challenges to sharpen your skill. You can also build a lab at home to simulate real-world security experiences.
Stay updated with the latest CyberSecurity trends and news: CyberSecurity and the digital world at large are constantly evolving.
Congratulations!
Now you are ready to specialize: Cyber Security has a wide range of career paths to choose and as of now, you are ready to choose a field that interests you and this could catapult you into higher positions.
Also, don’t forget to Network. Remember, Your Network Is Your NET WORTH.
Other skills (soft/medium) needed to thrive in the industry are:
- Leadership
- Risk management
- Time management
- Collaboration
- Flexibility and adaptability to new Tech and trends
- Good communication skills
- Critical thinking
PARTING SHOT:
- Never ignore the basics (I learnt this the hard way).
- Consistency is the key.
- Don’t give up so easily, CyberSecurity could be challenging, but NEVER GIVE UP!!, keep trying harder, and things will fall into place.
- Follow the right people and pages on social media for current trends.
- Mindset is KEY!!!
Thank you, and may you enjoy the thrill of CyberSecurity and above all, Let's Munch Tech.
Sayonara.
UNTIL NEXT TIME
