Getting Started in Cybersecurity with a Non-Technical Background

With the rise of cyber-attacks every year, the demand for cybersecurity professionals is ever-growing. Between 2020 and 2021, the average number of cybersecurity attacks rose 31% according to Accenture’s State of Cybersecurity Report 2021. Out of the 270 attacks registered, 29 were successful.

Evidently, adequate cybersecurity measures are becoming unavoidable for companies of all shapes and sizes. There’s a growing demand for talents to be trained in cybersecurity, a highlight dynamic field that just last year reported approximately 3.5 million unfulfilled security positions according to Security Magazine (2021).

With a wide spectrum of specialties to choose from, don’t let your background hold you back from getting started in cybersecurity! Here are a few things to consider to kick start your future career.

You don’t need a Cybersecurity or Computer Science Degree to Succeed in this field

Many successful cybersecurity professionals have non-technical degrees, considering that cybersecurity professionals do so much more than hacking into computer systems. It is a field where professionals learn to protect technology and digital assets. A technical background will not determine your success in this field, but your willingness and curiosity to learn how technology works, sure will.

Various fields in cybersecurity do not require a vast array of technical skills. Some only require professionals to develop softer skills, such as policy development, security awareness, governance, security communications, privacy or cyber law, and ethics. Not possessing a degree in Cybersecurity or Computer Science is no excuse to becoming a successful cybersecurity professional.

Getting Started is Not as Hard as it Seems

As overwhelming as it may seem, starting a career in cyber shouldn’t be difficult. There are so many paths you can take depending on the skills and interests you are willing to explore. A good place to start checking possible career paths is in the NICE Framework. This initiative from The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has a listing of all the different jobs and opportunities in cybersecurity. By having a clear career path in mind, finding the relevant training opportunities for your career is a piece of cake.

Get Trained and Certified

After choosing the career path that best fits your interests, it’s time to get certified! Completing formal security education in undergraduate programs like the Certificate in Applied Cybersecurity at the SANS Technology Institute offer a pathway for those who want to enter the cybersecurity workforce. No prior cybersecurity experience is required for that program and students gain the fundamental skills needed to enter the workforce in less than 18 months. Asides from completing the right courses for your career path, earning well-known credentials such as the CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker) training, the CSX Cybersecurity Fundamentals Certificate, and the CompTIA Security+ certification can help you stand out, enhance your career, and earn a rightful place in this industry.

Let’s Break it Down

If you ever consider a career in cyber, keep in mind that opportunities are waiting around the corner. Don’t let your education or background limit your options, there are many career paths that might be the right match for your skills. With passion and desire to learn, and the right education and certifications along the way, you’re ready to succeed!

Sources:

https://www.accenture.com/_acnmedia/PDF-165/Accenture-State-Of-Cybersecurity-2021.pdf

https://www.securitymagazine.com/articles/95647-getting-started-in-cybersecurity-6-essential-skills-to-consider

https://www.sans.org/blog/getting-started-in-cybersecurity-with-a-non-technical-background/

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