Explore a Cyber Security Career Path
Cybersecurity is one of the hottest jobs on the market. It seems as though every company is looking to fill cybersecurity-related positions. Every day you hear about more cybersecurity attacks. One group of hackers takes down a website or finds a way to access an online store’s customer database, walking off with passwords, credit card numbers, and other pieces of private information. For these reasons alone, a career in cybersecurity is a great path for someone with the computer know-how and drive to keep companies’ computers safe for both their employees and their customers. Here’s how you can get started.
What Is Cyber Security?
Before you can get started in the field, you first have to understand what it is. A cybersecurity specialist doesn’t just keep hackers at bay. They also build secure databases, networks, and servers, as well as test this digital information infrastructure before it’s released and analyze any data that comes in. With so many different options, it’s clear that the cybersecurity career path consists of many different specializations.
Choose a Specialization
What do you want to do as a cybersecurity specialist? It’s common for many in this field to start out in some other IT role and work their way up the ladder. Some eventually become consultants, helping companies solve problems and rework their security infrastructure from the outside. You might want to become an engineer, literally designing the backend of company networks or an auditor who analyzes networks and websites to ensure that they are safe and secure. Other specializations include testers, trainers, and even compliance professionals who work to ensure that all of the security protocols are being properly met. With so many options, you have quite the choice to make!
Find a School and Degree Program
After you’ve decided on your specialty (or have a general idea in mind) and are dedicated to the idea of a career in cybersecurity, your next step is to enroll in a program. Dean College has several options, including a part-time cybersecurity certificate program and a Bachelor's Degree in Business with a concentration in Cybersecurity. Depending on where you’re at in your career, one of these will definitely work to fill in any knowledge gaps that you have and train you for your new career.
Gain an Industry Certification
In addition to IT, knowledge and either a degree or a certificate in cybersecurity, those who want to advance in the field need to have an industry certification. Taking the necessary courses, like those offered here at Dean College, cover some of the knowledge that you’ll need, although other details are learned on the job. If you are genuinely interested in working as a cybersecurity specialist, no matter the exact specialization, gaining these certifications is the key to a long, successful career.
The possibilities are endless, even if you’re just starting out and working your way up. Get started today at Dean College!