Cybersecurity Training and How to Work in the Field

If you’re looking to get into cybersecurity training, it’s important to know what it entails, what kind of job opportunities there are, and how to get your foot in the door.

Cybersecurity is a rapidly growing field. With our increasing reliance on technology, the need for cybersecurity training is rising. 

With 3.5 million job openings forecast through 2025, cybersecurity is shaping up to be one of the top 10 fastest growing occupations.

But what exactly do professionals do with their cybersecurity training? 

Cybersecurity analysts are responsible for analyzing data to identify security threats and vulnerabilities. They work to protect computer networks and systems from attacks and unauthorized access.

To be successful in this field, you’ll need to have strong analytical and problem-solving skills. You’ll also need to be able to communicate effectively, as you’ll be working with a variety of stakeholders.

If you’re interested in a career in cybersecurity, now is a great time to get started. 

To help, we’re breaking down in this post the types of cybersecurity analysts, the necessary skills for a successful cybersecurity career, and where to find your first job. 

What Kinds of Cybersecurity Analysts Are There?

Cybersecurity analysts play an important role in keeping computer networks and systems safe from intrusion and attack. 

Most commonly, these analysts will have a specialty in intrusion detection, incident response, virus protection, auditing of source code, or penetration testing. We’ve broken down the roles for each below.

1. Intrusion detection specialists monitor networks for signs of unauthorized activity and take action to prevent or mitigate attacks.
   
2. Incident response specialists are responsible for investigating and responding to computer security incidents. They may also be involved in developing incident response plans and procedures.
   
3. Virus specialists work to protect computer networks and systems from malware and other malicious software as well as implementing antivirus and antimalware programs.
   
4. Auditors of source code review software programs and applications for security vulnerabilities, including developing and implementing security testing procedures.
   
5. Penetration testers attempt to gain unauthorized access to computer networks and systems in order to assess their security. They may also design, develop, and implement security controls.

What Skills Are Required to be a Cybersecurity Professional?

In order to be a successful cybersecurity professional, there are a combination of technical skills and soft skills that should be developed.

Technical Skills for Cybersecurity Professionals

As a predominantly technical profession, cybersecurity hopefuls are advised to learn and master the following skills.

• Encryption – To protect sensitive data throughout its entire lifecycle — from creation to storage to transfer and beyond — you’ll need to understand how encryption functions.
  
• Risk Analysis and Management – Be knowledgeable about operating systems, encryption, network security, handling and responding to security incidents, and programming languages in order to identify risk and make wise judgments about minimizing it.
  
• Knowledge of Operating Systems – This involves being aware of how various operating systems (OSs), such as Windows or Linux, operate as well as how they communicate with one another.
  
• Network Security – Knowing the components of a network-based system will enable you to identify potential vulnerabilities and efficiently defend against them.
  
• Security Incident Handling and Response – Responding to incidents, gathering proof, and determining the cause are all part of this. It’s critical that you can think quickly and solve problems quickly.
  
• Programming Languages – Programming languages like Python, JavaScript, and Java are essential knowledge for cybersecurity workers.

Soft Skills for Cybersecurity Professionals

Though cybersecurity invariably deals with highly technical domains, soft skills are essential for thriving in a cybersecurity environment.

• Adaptable – Be able to modify your approach as necessary because technology advances so quickly and frequently; this calls for flexibility and open-mindedness.
  
• Analytical – Solve challenges more quickly and simply by breaking them up into smaller pieces.
  
• Collaborative – As the cybersecurity industry becomes more collaborative, thus it’s crucial to have the soft skills necessary to function successfully in groups.
  
• Problem Solver – An essential mindset for cybersecurity. If there is a problem with your system, you must identify the issue and resolve it.

How To Start Working In Cybersecurity

Looking for ways to find your first job in cybersecurity? Here are a few trusted sources:

1. Traditional Job Boards – Job boards like Indeed, AngelList, and Glassdoor – and even LinkedIn — are a good place to start. This will help you search by region, industry, and experience level.
   
2. Industry-Specific Job Boards – Sites like cybersecurityjobboards.com are a great place to find your first cybersecurity job. They often have a focus on a niche like particular technologies or careers (e.g. Women in Cybersecurity).
   
3. LinkedIn – The most popular professional social network, LinkedIn, is a terrific location to grow your cybersecurity network. You can connect with others in your industry or cybersecurity businesses using this platform, learn about opportunities and internships, and even exchange details about local events.
   
4. Online Communities – There are several online groups where cybersecurity professionals can communicate if you’re searching for a more personal setting. These often include helpful  articles or blogs, and may have forums where users may interact in real-time discussions.

Start Your Cybersecurity Career with ASEC

Another way to get your cybersecurity career started is with ASEC. As an employee-owned, family-oriented company, we provide our team with the freedom and resources to grow personally and professionally.

We’re also focused on providing services to our government customers with the highest standards of integrity and respect.
If that sounds like a mission you’d like to be involved in, click here to see our job openings and join the ASEC team.