Requirements To Become A Cyber Security Expert

Cybersecurity is a field that keeps increasing in popularity. And interestingly, there is the maintenance of high global demand for cybersecurity professionals. Cybersecurity may, at first, seem like a challenging career to get into, but it is a very lucrative career choice.

Cybersecurity experts can also be called cybersecurity specialists, and they are an essential part of organizations that are responsible for protecting the information systems and network of the organization. This is usually made possible by detecting, analyzing, managing, presenting, and responding to cyberattacks, security threats, as well as other evil acts.

Cybersecurity experts often top up their skills with cyber security certifications to ensure their skill set remains highly sought after by employers. Considering the high demand rate of cybersecurity experts and their roles in organizations, what does it then take to become a cybersecurity expert?

Requirements to Become a Cyber Security Expert

In order to become an expert in the field of cybersecurity, there is a set of criteria needed for you to meet, with respect to skills, educational qualifications, and experience. These criteria will be explained in detail.

Skills Qualifications

• Proficiency skills in several programming languages and tools such as Java, Go, Python, C++, Ruby, Node, and Powershell.
• Current knowledge and skills in the latest advancements, tricks, and trends made use of by attackers.
• Skill to stay focused on the security threats and rectify system vulnerabilities so as to protect them from the same danger.
• The skill of command over the several operations and functionalities of firewalls, including other endpoint security.
• Excellent knowledge of telecommunications.
• Exceptional abilities in mathematics.
• Solid knowledge of computer operating systems, including software and hardware.
• Determination coupled with persistence.
• Top-notch skills in problem-solving.
• Ability to pay thorough attention to details.

Experience Qualifications

Prior working experience for at least two years in cybersecurity roles like forensic, SOC, or incident discovery and response.

Educational Qualifications

A bachelor’s degree in a field related to cybersecurity which could be in either computer science or information technology (IT) systems engineering, to mention a few.

Before now, most companies did not always request for a candidate to have such a degree as long as they are skilled enough, but such is not the case anymore. The rise in competition has led to more organizations using this requirement.

If by chance, you are already a graduate in a different field entirely, you can choose to continue your education by bagging a master’s degree in cybersecurity.

Cyber Security Certifications

Certification makes you get additional skills and knowledge and also presents verifiable proof that you are well-trained for the position you are applying for. Below are some of the certifications that you can choose from which will function as a bonus in your resume, as well as give you an edge over other competitors while applying for jobs:

• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
• Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)
• Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
• Certified Network Defender Course (CMD)
• Control Objectives for Information and Related Technologies (COBIT 5)
• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
• Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator Certification (CHFI)

Other requirements to become an expert in cybersecurity include the purchase or obtaining of certain books that will build your knowledge in the field.

Cyber Security Books For Beginners

Apart from obtaining cybersecurity certifications, beginners can also make their journey to becoming an expert in cybersecurity easier by engaging themselves in some independent studies through taking up some suitable reading materials. Let us examine some of those books:

Cyber Security for Dummies

This book covers the fundamentals of cybersecurity. For example, ethical hacking and cybersecurity threats.

Hacking: A Beginner’s Guide

Here is a book where you will find everything needed to get the basics of hacking, with the different types and methods.

Cybersecurity for Beginners

Perhaps, you lack fluency in tech-speaking? This is a book that helps to deal with readers who do not have a technical background. It is a book that defines cyber-related terms in simple English while eschewing the technobabble.

Practical Malware Analysis

Here is a book that serves as a guide to everything related to malware, which can as well help you to find, analyze, and even debug malicious applications.

AWS Penetration Testing

This gives you a chance to learn about the principles involved in penetration testing, with concepts such as workload security, encryption, and vulnerability exploitation security assessment.

Practical Paranoia macOS 11 Security Essentials

For cyber security-minded Mac users, this is a helpful resource for you, as it is the best training manual for protecting a home or work macOS system.

Roles of a Cyber Security Expert

As a cybersecurity specialist, it is no longer news that you will have several roles and responsibilities in your organization. Highlighted below are some of the functions:

• Examine the security requirements of the company and create standards with best practices.
• Effectively respond to the several security breaches in the systems of networks.
• Scan and test run networks and systems in search of vulnerabilities.
• Plan, design, integrate, manage, and upgrade the various security systems in order to protect the data, systems, and even the networks of the organization.
• Carry out penetration testing.
• Produce technical reports per time.
• Educate other departments or units on the importance of cybersecurity, as well as preventive measures to be frequently taken on their part.

Get a Degree in Cyber Security!

As the world continues to be dependent on the internet and mobile method of computing to accomplish a lot of our daily tasks, so is the issue of security getting more urgent. As a result, it boosts the demand for more cybersecurity experts in the job market worldwide.

Obtaining a career in cybersecurity may be stressful, but it is evident how much the career path is rewarding, not even to mention the encouraging salary cybersecurity experts earn. So, you should sign up for a cybersecurity course today and commence your journey in the cybersecurity field!