How to Learn Cyber Security for Beginners?
Introduction
Cyber security is one of the fastest-growing industries right now and will continue to grow in the coming years. The need for qualified professionals and experts in this field is critical. If you are interested in pursuing a career in cyber security and don’t know where to start, you are at the right place. This article will not only introduce you to the world of cyber security but also provides you with some useful tips on how to become a cyber security expert. If you have a passion for technology, problem-solving, and like exploring digital systems, then becoming a cyber security expert may be the right career path for you. Checkout some best online cyber security courses, to land jobs from entry-level positions in cyber security to advanced certification programs.
Understanding Cyber Security
Cyber security is the protection of computers, networks, programs, and data from all types of cyber threats like cyber attacks, unauthorized access, data theft, and more. It involves protecting computers, networks, programs, data, and devices from damage or unauthorized access. It is a field that deals with the security of data in computers and networks. Cyber security is becoming increasingly important as businesses rely more heavily on computers and the internet to store data, handle transactions, and exchange information. Cyber security experts are responsible for protecting the integrity and confidentiality of data, and protecting computers and networks from cyber attacks. The security of the internet relies on a “system of systems” comprising many layers and components, including the devices connecting to the internet.
Certification Programs for Beginners
If you are a beginner in the field of cyber security, then you should first choose a certification program that will help you gain the skills and knowledge needed to excel in this field. You can start by choosing between three certification programs that provide a good foundation in cyber security.
The CompTIA Cyber Security Certification
If you are just starting out and want to pursue a career in cyber security, then this program may be a great fit for you. This certification program only requires that you have a high school diploma or GED (General Education Development test). It consists of two exams, one covering cyber security concepts and the other exam covering risk management.
The SANS Institute's Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
This certification is one of the most recognized certifications in the cyber security industry. This certification requires a minimum of five years of related work experience. In addition to passing the exam, you will need to submit a written application and undergo a background check.
The GIAC Security Fundamentals Certification
This certification is designed for beginners and those who want to shift from another profession into cyber security. The exam is offered online and is divided into two sections, one on cyber security fundamentals and the other on critical thinking and decision-making.
What to Choose: Bootcamp or Course?
Cyber security boot camps and courses are great ways to get a jump start on your career in cyber security. They provide you with a structured learning program and offer a faster way to gain the knowledge, skills, and expertise needed in this field. Most of these programs are designed for beginners and provide you with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the field of cyber security.
These programs are designed to teach you everything you need to know about cyber security in a short amount of time. They usually include a combination of online learning and in-classroom training. Most cyber security boot camps and courses can be completed in a few months and are offered at various locations around the country. A good boot camp will also provide you with job assistance and help you find a job in the cyber security field.
Events to Attend
Attending events and conferences related to cyber security will help you make connections with other professionals in the field and learn more about the latest technologies and threats. It will also provide you with ample opportunity to network with industry experts and find out about various internship and job opportunities in the field. Some of the events and conferences related to cyber security are
Black Hat
This is one of the most popular conferences related to cyber security. It is held every year and is attended by some of the biggest names in the cyber security industry.
DEFCON (Defense Ready Condition)
Another great event related to cyber security is the DEFCON convention. It is a convention where people discuss computer security and hacking.
Organizations to Join
Joining cyber security-related organizations will allow you to meet like-minded individuals, get updated with the latest threats and technology, and find out about job and internship opportunities in the field. Some of the organizations related to cyber security are:
- International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium (ISC): This organization certifies information security professionals around the world.
- Internet Society: This non-profit organization is dedicated to the open internet.
- The Computer and Communications Industry Association (CCIA): This organization represents the information and communications technology companies.
Universities for Cyber Security Experts
If you are looking to pursue a career in cyber security and are interested in making a long-term career change, then you may want to consider earning a degree in this field. Earning a degree in cyber security will provide you with a wide range of job opportunities and will make you more marketable in the field. Here are a few universities that offer degrees in cyber security:
University of Central Florida: This university offers an online Bachelor’s degree in cyber security with a specialization in Computer Network Defense. This degree is designed for those who want to go into government work or law enforcement.
Indiana University: This university offers a Bachelor’s degree in Computer and Information Sciences with a specialization in Cyber Security and Forensics. This degree can be completed either online or on campus.
Why is There a Growing Demand for Cyber Security Experts?
In our increasingly connected world, cyber security has become a top priority for businesses and individuals alike. As the number of devices and platforms we use continues to grow, so does the potential for cyber attacks. Here are few reasons why there is a growing demand for cyber security experts:
- The number of cyber attacks is on the rise. In 2018, there were more than 1,000 recorded data breaches, exposing over 446 million records. This represented a 126% increase from the previous year.
- The cost of cybercrime is also on the rise. In 2018, the average cost of a data breach was $3.86 million. This figure is expected to reach $6 million by 2021.
- The types of attacks are becoming more sophisticated. Cyber criminals are using more advanced techniques, such as ransomware and phishing, to gain access to sensitive data.
- The stakes are getting higher. With the advent of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), businesses face stiffer penalties for data breaches. In some cases, these can reach up to 4% of a company’s global annual revenue.
- Businesses are becoming more aware of the threat posed by cybercrime. In 2018, 43% of businesses experienced a cyber attack, up from 37% the year before. This increasing awareness is leading to greater investment in cyber security measures.
- Individuals are also becoming more aware of the importance of cyber security. In 2018, 66% of adults said they were concerned about their online privacy, up from 63% the year before.
With the increasing frequency and cost of cyber attacks, it’s no wonder that there is a growing demand for experts who can help protect businesses and individuals from these threats.
Skills You Need to Become a Cyber Security Expert
Cyber security is a growing field that is full of opportunity. However, it is also a highly technical field that requires a deep understanding of computer systems and networks. As a result, those interested in becoming a cyber security expert need to possess a number of skills.
- First, they need to have a strong technical background. This includes being able to code and having a solid understanding of networking concepts.
- Second, they need to be able to think like a hacker. This means being able to identify weaknesses in systems and finding creative ways to exploit them.
- Finally, they need to have strong communication skills. This is essential for effectively conveying the results of their work to both technical and non-technical audiences. Those who possess these skills will find themselves in high demand in the ever-growing field of cyber security.
The Types of Cyber Security Jobs
The cyber security field is one of the fastest-growing fields in the US, and it is expected to grow by almost 20% over the next few years. This growth is mainly due to the increasing threat of cyber attacks and growing dependence on technology in our daily lives. There are many types of cyber security jobs that you can pursue. Here are a few of them:
Incident Response
This type of job involves investigating computer security incidents and network breaches. It usually involves neutralizing threats, recovering and securing data, and maintaining operations.
Network Security
This job involves protecting networks and devices from malicious attacks, preventing data theft, and dealing with data breaches.
Risk and Compliance
This job involves identifying, assessing, and managing risks to the organization to meet compliance requirements.
Computer Forensic
This job involves collecting, analyzing, and preserving evidence from computers and digital devices.
Conclusion
Cyber security is one of the most in-demand career fields in the US, and there are many types of cyber security jobs that you can pursue. If you are interested in this field, then it is important to start preparing early and know what you need to do to become an expert. This article provides you with all the information you need to know about cyber security and how to become an expert in this field. You can also check the best online cyber security courses, and learn the skills required to advance a career in cyber security.
FAQs
- Is cyber security harder than coding?
Cyber security might be more complex than programming as it involves various elements, with programming itself. As a cyber security analyst , you should know how to code, prevent infiltration, and infiltrate code.
- Is it easy to get a job in cyber security?
Yes, it is easy to get a cyber security job. Cybersecurity jobs are in high demand, and there are plenty of opportunities for career growth. In fact, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the field is expected to expand by more than 30% by 2030.
- How do I start learning cyber security?
While developing the skills you'll need in the field of cybersecurity, remember to:
- Build a base with an introductory training program
- Evaluate your passion for technology
- Learn a little every day
- Become an ethical hacker
- Practice in simulated environments
Reference Links
https://www.comparitech.com/blog/information-security/cybersecurity-course-online/
https://medium.com/javarevisited/5-best-free-cyber-security-courses-for-beginners-a4abec9d5e6c
https://www.springboard.com/blog/cybersecurity/how-to-learn-cybersecurity/
https://intellipaat.com/blog/tutorial/ethical-hacking-cyber-security-tutorial/