4 Crucial Steps to Make a Lucrative Career in Cybersecurity

We live in a world of cyber espionage, which means that while your favorite websites are accessible in a few seconds, or you can connect with literally anyone worldwide, there is a risk of internet-related threats and increasingly sophisticated cyber-attacks. Due to the indispensable concerns related to online security, cybersecurity experts are in high demand. Security intelligence claims that cyber-security attacks rose to a whopping figure of 5.5 million in 2023 and are expected to increase even more in 2024. 

It simply implies that the world is now looking for determined professionals with a knack for saving the world (online!). If you are intrigued by the challenge of dealing with hackers and safeguarding critical information, a career in cybersecurity might be your calling. Consider it a career that lets you help people and get good money in return. 

Here are the most crucial steps to make a lucrative career in cybersecurity. 

• Build a Base and Specialize

To excel in cybersecurity, you need a solid foundation and textbook/practical knowledge of Information Technology. A recent report by Burning Glass Technologies claimed that almost 84% of cybersecurity jobs require a bachelor’s or higher to establish a growing career. 

A solid foundation in IT emphasizes that students should learn the basics of computer systems, networks, hardware, and software. You will also learn about operating systems like Windows, Linux, and macOS. At a bachelor’s level, students also gain proficiency in networking concepts and protocols such as HTTP, DNS, and TCP. A bachelor’s degree provides foundational knowledge so the graduates can at least secure an internship or a beginner-level job at a software house. 

Most people start their career and also opt for a master’s degree in their field of interest. For example, after completing your bachelor’s in IT, you can opt for a masters degree in intelligence and security studies to gain a deeper understanding of the field. 

Professionals also obtain industry-recognized and relevant certifications like the CISSP, CompTIA Security+, CEH, and others to further validate their skills and become desirable for the employer. 

• Network with Other Professionals 

Even if you are the “Sheldon Cooper” of your group, who likes to do and excel in everything by himself, it is still essential that you build connections during your education and practical experience. 

According to an Australian employment agency, networking helps job seekers raise their profile, find better references, and become a brand. Since you are in touch with career-oriented IT professionals across the globe, the chances of landing your dream job will be higher.

Apart from finding opportunities, networking allows you to coordinate and find solutions to technical and career-related problems. You can also be a source of information to many people interested in becoming cybersecurity professionals in the future. 

LinkedIn is one of the best online platforms for networking online. However, you can also opt for physical networking by attending seminars, meetings, and events nearby. Participation in campus events during studies also allows cybersecurity professionals to communicate with their colleagues, peers, and seniors, making professional life more meaningful. 

• Start Your Professional Experience 

There’s always a starting point for everyone. You can never achieve the perks that come with cybersecurity as a career unless you start somewhere. New graduates can look for internship openings in popular companies and government institutions where the chances of learning are much higher than in a company that is not that busy. These internships offer insight into the real professional world and are focused on cybersecurity. You might be very busy being the junior most person bombarded with menial tasks at the workplace but consider it a path towards a lucrative career in cybersecurity. 

After a couple of internships and entry-level jobs, it becomes easier to land an associate or executive-level job. As a matter of fact, most companies promote their internees to a permanent contract if they like the quality and consistency of their performance. 

Keep updated with certifications and practical exams to stay in touch with the industry and be an attractive candidate for recruiters. 

Building a career comes with patience and sacrifice. Always complete your contract with the company that you are becoming a part of. It will yield you good references and a valuable certificate of experience.

Staying consistent with your job and updating your hard skills as a cybersecurity professional will pay off in the long run. Network security, OS security, app security, cryptography, threat intelligence, incident detection and response, security tools and technology awareness, security architecture and design, cloud security, and penetration testing are some examples of hard cybersecurity skills.  

• Build Your Soft Skills 

Fact Check: As a professional, you cannot rely on your technical skills alone. Soft skills are equally important for cyber security experts as they enhance your ability to effectively communicate and maintain a reputable image at the workplace. 

Firstly, you must have clear communication skills in the native language of your workplace. It is vital for internal and external discussions. Cybersecurity jobs rely on internal discussions and meetings to discuss and solve problems. As an expert, you need precise attention to detail and practical problem-solving skills to participate in team meetings and foster a collective culture of growth and timely work submission. 

Since you are working with other professionals, it is essential to understand their behavior and nature to maintain good relations with your peers. Over time, consider working on your leadership and management skills so your workplace can consider you for senior roles. 

Professionals who work on both hard and soft skills have the potential to receive more opportunities for career advancement.

Conclusion 

Cybersecurity is one of the most in-demand professions in 2024. Building a lucrative and rewarding career in cybersecurity requires the person to work on a combination of hard and soft skills. 

To give yourself a kickstart, it is essential to complete a bachelor’s in IT or a similar field and top-up with a master’s program and advanced certifications. During your educational and professional journey, network with other professionals to get job opportunities and solutions to your problems. 

Since the digital world is consistently evolving, cyber threats are also increasing. This implies that cybersecurity professionals will stay in demand in the foreseeable future. 

If you think you have what it takes to professionally build a lucrative career in cybersecurity, go ahead and opt for it because it’s not going to perish anytime soon.