How Do I Start Learning Cybersecurity?
In a world of escalating digital threats, cybersecurity serves as our protective shield. This rapidly evolving field, which spans from network security to administrative aspects such as policy creation and project management, has become a hub of learning and professional opportunities. As it evolves, so will you. So, what does a cybersecurity professional do?
What Does a Cybersecurity Professional Do?
Cybersecurity professionals plan and carry out security measures to protect an organization’s computer networks and systems, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Cybersecurity professionals typically do the following:
- Monitor their organization’s network infrastructure for security breaches and investigate vulnerabilities
- Use and maintain software, such as firewalls and data encryption programs
- Check for threats and vulnerabilities in network systems using penetration testing
- Review the latest information technology (IT) security trends
- Prepare reports that document threats, attempted attacks, and security breaches
- Develop security standards, protocols, and best practices for employees
- Recommend security enhancements to management
- Help employees when they need to install or learn about new security products and procedures
The Value of Self-Learning in Cybersecurity
The internet presents an invaluable resource for self-learning in cybersecurity. Online platforms have democratized access to a diverse selection of cybersecurity courses, covering a broad spectrum of topics from rudimentary principles to advanced specialties.
Flexible and Customizable
Self-learning is a flexible, customizable mode of study, allowing learners to investigate various facets of cybersecurity at a pace that aligns with their timelines and commitments. This might encompass areas as technical as ethical hacking, cryptography, and network security, or it could pertain to the administrative realms, such as cybersecurity governance and risk management. The wider your exposure, the better you understand the landscape, allowing you to pinpoint your career trajectory based on your interests and aptitude.
Self-Discipline
However, self-learning’s merit extends beyond cost-free knowledge acquisition. It inculcates a crucial trait in the cybersecurity aspirant: the aptitude for autonomous research, learning, and adaptation. As digital threats continuously evolve, staying current with new developments, technologies, and strategies is vital, necessitating a degree of self-directed learning and investigation.
Yet, no learning journey is complete without hands-on practice. Much like a musician constantly fine-tuning their craft, aspiring cybersecurity professionals should engage in regular coding exercises, and cybersecurity simulations, and stay informed about the latest hacking methods. This frequent hands-on engagement familiarizes you with the tools and methodologies of the field, honing your proficiency.
How Do I Start Learning Cybersecurity?
Despite the value and accessibility of self-learning resources, earning a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity provides several distinct benefits.
Benefit #1: Structured and Comprehensive Curriculum
Formal education offers a structured and comprehensive curriculum that covers the essential areas of cybersecurity. Alongside this, you have the guidance of experienced instructors who not only provide mentorship but also facilitate hands-on training. Such practical experience, often delivered through labs and simulated environments, is crucial in honing the skills needed to tackle real-world cybersecurity challenges.
Benefit #2: Many Career Paths
Moreover, cybersecurity is not limited to technical roles. Many career paths within the field do not require in-depth technical skills. Jobs in areas such as cybersecurity policy development, risk management, and consulting require a foundational understanding of cybersecurity principles but also rely heavily on skills in leadership, problem-solving, and communication.
Benefit #3: A Recognized Credential
In addition to gaining knowledge, a degree is a recognized credential that attests to your expertise in the field. It can serve as a significant advantage when entering the job market or advancing your career. Similar to earning certifications from reputable organizations like CompTIA, a degree serves as proof of your knowledge and skills to prospective employers.
Benefit #4: Externships
When pursuing a formal degree in cybersecurity, there is a distinct advantage beyond classroom learning: externships. These opportunities allow you to apply theoretical knowledge in a real-world setting, sharpen your skills, and get a taste of what working in the field is genuinely like.
What Can You Expect from a Cybersecurity Program?
A formal cybersecurity program often involves diverse subjects, each essential for a comprehensive understanding of the field. For instance, a Programming for Security class introduces Python, a language widely used in cybersecurity applications. A+ hardware and software courses equip you with knowledge about device troubleshooting and system configuration.
Intro to Network Fundamentals
Network fundamentals introduce you to the basics of network operation and management, and LAN analysis and design instruct you on how to construct and maintain local area networks. Windows server and network infrastructure courses familiarize you with the workings of a Windows environment, while Security Fundamentals impart essential principles of cybersecurity.
Routing and Switching
Other core areas include routing and switching, which delve into network traffic management and virtualization, and cloud management. They teach you about running multiple systems and applications on a single machine, and cloud-based services, respectively. Linux Administration courses familiarize you with this popular operating system, and Cyber Laws and Compliance ensures you’re abreast of the legal and ethical landscape.
Your journey may also encompass courses in network hardening, cryptography, digital forensics, and ethical hacking, each adding unique perspectives and skills.
Getting Started in Cybersecurity
The field of cybersecurity is rich with opportunities for those willing to learn. From very technical roles like network security analyst or ethical hacker to more administrative positions such as cybersecurity policy developer or security project manager. There are diverse career paths to suit a variety of interests and skill sets.
Embarking on the journey into cybersecurity is simpler than ever. A commitment to continuous learning can pave the way toward a rewarding career in cybersecurity. However, the pursuit of a formal degree and professional certifications can provide a more structured learning pathway, invaluable practical experience, and recognizable credentials that could give you an edge in the competitive job market.
Learning cybersecurity requires curiosity to learn, adaptability to evolve, and a deep interest in securing the digital landscape from ever-present and evolving threats. However, the key is to remain driven, proactive, and enthusiastic about continuous learning in this dynamic field.
IT Programs with an Emphasis on Cybersecurity
The Bachelor Degree program in Information Technology with an emphasis on Cybersecurity introduces students to a variety of topics, such as assessing the security vulnerability of computer and network systems, various computer and network safeguarding solutions, and managing the implementation and maintenance of security devices, systems, procedures and countermeasures. As a graduate of the program, students will be prepared for a career as a developer of security design, information assurance expert, computer forensic investigator, ethical hacker, and/or any digital security-related jobs.
Ready to move from the classroom to a career? Florida Technical College is here to help. Contact us to learn more about completing a degree program at Florida Technical College.
NUC University (NUC) is an accredited institution and a member of the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) www.msche.org. NUC’s NUC University – IBC Technical Division (NUC-IBC), NUC University – Florida Technical College (NUC-FTC), and The Digital Animation & Visual Effects School (The DAVE School) are included in this accreditation. NUC’s accreditation status is Accreditation Reaffirmed. The Commission’s most recent action on the institution’s accreditation status in 2019 was to reaffirm accreditation. MSCHE is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
*These examples are intended to serve only as a general guide to possible employment opportunities. Many factors determine the job an individual may obtain and Florida Technical College cannot guarantee its graduates any particular job. Some positions may require a license, degree, experience, or other industry certifications. We encourage you to research the requirements for the particular position you desire