Hey students! Professor Simon here. I just want to make a quick video to share some feedback and input on a question that comes up a lot: “How do I get started in cybersecurity?” With over 20 years of IT experience, half of which is in information security and cybersecurity, and about eight years of teaching, I have a good understanding of where students are coming from and where they want to go.
Right now, cybersecurity is a hot topic and a lucrative career with high demand and a shortage of professionals. Companies are urgently trying to fill these roles due to consistently changing threats and challenges. Knowing how to get started, what to secure, and what controls to put in place is more important than ever. The key factors are your experience and the knowledge required to excel in this career.
So, whether you’re trying to get into IT or cybersecurity, I recommend three certifications, especially if you currently don’t have any experience or certifications in either field. Certifications are a great starting point because they don’t require a four-year degree and are relatively affordable, considering the long-term benefits. Pursuing these certifications is an investment in yourself and your career.
The three basic certifications to consider are:
- CompTIA A+ – This certification covers hardware and software fundamentals.
- CompTIA Network+ – This certification focuses on networking concepts.
- CompTIA Security+ – This certification centers on security principles.
These certifications provide a solid foundation in IT. While you won’t become an expert in any of these areas just by earning them, you will gain essential knowledge to help you springboard into the next phase of your career. As you study for and earn these certifications, you may discover specific areas about which you’re particularly passionate, like infrastructure, hardware, data center roles, system administration, security, networking, or compliance, to name a few.
I often tell students that while you can skip directly to Security+ without A+ and Network+, you might miss out on important foundational knowledge if you do so. Understanding the basics of hardware, software, and networking makes you a better cybersecurity professional in the long run. Skipping these foundational steps might save time initially, but it can leave gaps in your knowledge that may cause problems later.
Think of these certifications as a package. You don’t need to take them in any specific order, but together they provide a comprehensive base of knowledge. If you have questions, feel free to reach out to me.
Once you’ve earned Security+, you can explore different areas within cybersecurity, like infrastructure, application security, network security, compliance, and governance. Cybersecurity offers many paths; you aren’t limited to one.
Job titles in cybersecurity can be confusing, with roles like engineer, specialist, admin, and architect. So, when you’re looking for a job, focus on the job requirements rather than the title. Great job search sites include Indeed.com and FlexJobs.com. FlexJobs requires a small fee, but it offers high-quality, vetted job postings.
Questions?
If you have questions, feel free to email me at info@professorsimon.com or fill out the form on the Contact page. Also, check out the services I offer on the Services page and sign up for a FREE 30-minute consultation call.
