Becoming a Cybersecurity Expert: How to Start Your Career

Cybersecurity professionals are vital to modern businesses as they protect against cyberattacks. They identify and solve security issues, assess risks, and implement solutions to safeguard networks and systems. With technology evolving, threats like phishing, ransomware, and hacking have grown, and DDoS attacks are predicted to reach 15.4 million by 2023. If you enjoy problem-solving and technology, a career in cybersecurity could be exciting for you.

Cyber Security Consultant Job Description

The cybersecurity industry is growing quickly, with the US Bureau of Labor Statistics predicting a 32% job increase by 2032, much higher than the 8% average for all jobs. As of September 2023, information security analysts in the US earn an average total annual salary of $107,332, which includes $100,227 in base pay and $7,105 in additional pay like bonuses. Salaries vary based on education and experience, and many consultants also get benefits like paid training, remote work, sign-on bonuses, generous leave, and paid travel.

Job responsibilities

Cybersecurity consultants focus on preventing, detecting, and responding to risks. They might be called security consultants, computer security consultants, network security consultants, IT consultants, or database security consultants. Regardless of the title, their job involves handling various factors to assess security systems.

Their roles vary, from engineering to customer service to leadership. New cybersecurity professionals might set up devices or help customers, while those with advanced degrees and experience may develop security strategies for organizations. Key duties for cybersecurity consultants include:

• Enhancing system, network, data, software, and information system security to prevent attacks.
• Conducting vulnerability tests and security checks, and creating a schedule for threat analysis.
• Continuously researching cybersecurity standards and staying updated on security systems and new threats.
• Monitoring internet safety issues and collaborating with IT teams to develop effective solutions.
• Working with other security staff to ensure comprehensive client protection.
• Providing technical reports and test results with practical prevention recommendations.

Skills required

Cybersecurity demands both technical and interpersonal skills. Professionals need to update and upgrade security systems to keep up with technology. They also collaborate with different teams to educate the organization on technical issues and best practices, which requires strong communication and teamwork.

Technical skills

• Understanding ethical standards in hacking and coding
• Knowledge of threats like social engineering, phishing, and network access
• Ability to conduct penetration testing to find system vulnerabilities
• Familiarity with operating systems like Windows, UNIX, Linux, and new updates
• Proficiency in programming languages like Python and JavaScript
• Use of encryption techniques to reduce hacker risks

Workplace skills

• Good speaking and writing skills
• Leading and managing projects to put in new rules and ways of doing things
• Working well with all kinds of people in a company
• You want to learn new stuff because security and computer threats change fast

How to Become a Cybersecurity Consultant

You can start a cybersecurity career in different ways. Many people have a bachelor’s degree in computer science, cybersecurity, engineering, or related fields. They often begin as junior IT team members, gaining experience for one to three years before becoming consultants. Consultants can work for one company, multiple companies through consulting firms, or start their own business. However, a degree isn’t always needed. Some consultants have successful careers with on-the-job experience and certifications.

Earning a degree

Many computer support jobs, like cybersecurity consulting, ask for a bachelor’s degree, but not all need one. You can get a bachelor’s in cybersecurity or related fields like IT and computer science. A master’s in cybersecurity or digital forensics could help you get higher roles. However, some jobs don’t need a college degree anymore. Instead, you can join through cybersecurity bootcamps, which cost around $10,000 to $20,000. These boot camps are great for career changers who want to learn without committing to a full degree.

Gain Experience

Becoming a trustworthy cybersecurity consultant doesn’t happen overnight. First, you need to gain experience in the cybersecurity field from the beginning.

Start by getting a degree or finishing a bootcamp. Then, apply for entry-level jobs like:

• IT auditor
• Penetration tester
• Incident responder
• Information security analyst
• Digital forensic examiner

Working in one of these roles for three to five years helps you learn about cyberdefense and improve your people skills. Once you’ve honed these abilities, you can move up to more administrative positions.

Certifications

Cybersecurity professionals often get certifications to stay updated on important skills and practices. Some top ones are:

• CISSP
• CISA
• CISM
• Security+
• CEH
• GSEC

Job opportunities 

The field of cybersecurity is highly sought after. Being a cybersecurity consultant can lead to growth and open doors to many opportunities. Typically, consultants work in different roles in different places, gaining various skills and titles. The three main types of jobs are:

• In-house: Working full-time for a business, managing cybersecurity systems and finding solutions.
• Freelance: Offering services to different clients, sometimes focusing on specific cybersecurity areas.
• Consulting firms: assist companies with their security needs by providing outsourced employees to fill gaps.

The Booming Industry in Cybersecurity

Businesses are pouring resources into making their digital assets safe from cyber threats. The fact that cyberattacks have occurred even in developed countries shows how important cybersecurity professionals will always be. In the modern digital economy, this area is fundamental for every sector. The demand-supply imbalance in cybersecurity is an opportunity for those with the right set of abilities to advance their careers. Professionals in the cybersecurity industry may reap several benefits, and the field is already booming. Attend cybersecurity classes if you think this would be a good fit for your future job. You should jump on board this expanding industry right now.