Why work in Cybersecurity?
Cybersecurity is one of the most exciting technological career fields right now. At the very cutting edge of both technology and risk management, today’s cyber professionals are more critical than ever to the success of many products, projects, and organizations.
Why is it so relevant now?
In prior decades, businesses would commonly relegate computer security duties to IT; however, as businesses evolve to adapt to modern computer risks, we now see cybersecurity increasingly becoming embedded into the very core of business strategy, with principle cybersecurity leaders in an organization reporting to the CEO, board, or even serving as Chief Information Security Officer (CISO).
With the rapid adoption of technology, organizations are encountering new security risks more than ever before. As businesses adopt more mature risk management, security compliance, and defensive processes into their overall strategy, the need for cybersecurity talent continues to grow.
Is cybersecurity the right career for me?
Before we explore how to transition into cybersecurity as a career, it is important to ask yourself, “Is this field a good fit for me?” Many cybersecurity professionals transition into the field from adjoining disciplines such as IT networking or software development. However, for a newcomer to a technology-based profession, determining whether a career in cybersecurity is a good fit can be challenging.
One way to get an idea of this profession is to ask someone you know about what their day to day duties are like. Internet research about careers in this field may also give you a better idea of what skills are used. Another approach is to try out some basic cybersecurity tasks firsthand to get a feel for whether this line of work clicks with you. At Code Fellows, our Ops 101 course is designed to do just that – allow you to get a taste of the cybersecurity profession in a single-day hands-on workshop.
How do I get into cybersecurity?
As with any profession, a successful career in cybersecurity is an accumulation of education, training, and real-world experience. However, cybersecurity is a broad and diverse discipline ranging from business roles to the most technical engineering roles. Formulating an actionable career strategy and getting started in this diverse, technical profession can be daunting.
Training either directly in cybersecurity or an adjoining discipline such as computer science will provide a strong academic foundation for you to build up your overall career, though this should only be one aspect of an overall career strategy.
Another important aspect of a successful cybersecurity career is continuous skill development; training in cybersecurity usually involves earning a certification that is appropriate to your level of experience in the field, of which there is an abundance in this profession. The sheer number of cybersecurity certifications can be intimidating, and many intermediate and senior certification bodies will require a minimum number of years of full-time experience before you may qualify.
The final and perhaps most important aspect of a successful cybersecurity career strategy is the acquisition of real-world experience.
At Code Fellows, we believe it is important to focus on the application of the concepts as much as the concepts themselves. Through our fast-paced, career-focused education, we are able to provide passionate learners the real-world, hands-on experience they need to land a job in cybersecurity.
More About Our Courses:
- Ops 101: Explore Cybersecurity Considering a career in cybersecurity? Start here! In this one-day workshop, you will experience the all-new Code Fellows cybersecurity program, learn how to protect yourself against cybercrime, and explore various cybersecurity career paths.
- Ops 102: Intro to Computer Operations If you’re new to configuring computers, complete Ops 102 to get an introduction to how computers work! Learn system interfaces, identify and install hardware components, and practice deploying Windows and Linux operating systems to build foundational skills that will kickstart your career in technical operations.
- Ops 201: Foundations of Computer Operations In this hands-on course, you will deploy and troubleshoot Windows and Linux operating systems in various virtual and cloud environments. Learn to support technology operations by resolving issues with hardware, software, and virtual or cloud systems.
- Ops 301: Networking and Systems Administration The course integrates practical network and systems administration operations such as network design and troubleshooting, server deployment and configuration, user identity management, scripting & automation, and system health monitoring with professional exercises in change management and project planning in a simulated on-the-job narrative.
- Ops 401: Cybersecurity Engineering In this intensive course, delve into critical cyber processes like risk assessment, data encryption, network security, threat modeling, code analysis, vulnerability scanning, and incident response. Gain valuable ethical hacker skills in penetration testing, and show off your awesome new abilities in two resume-enhancing projects!
We believe our new Ops sequence is the solution to providing the skills and hands-on experience necessary for new cyber professionals to land their first job in a highly competitive industry. Check it out, and best of luck in your exciting new career!
