How to Get into Cybersecurity

Given that the average data breach costs a business around $3.5 million, businesses are coming to the conclusion that they have to take security seriously.

Now that cybersecurity is in the news and has become center stage in every industry, it's a great time to get into the field. If you don't know how to get into cybersecurity, it's a fairly easy career path to enter with lots of high-paying jobs available.

Here are the first 4 steps you need to take if you want to become a cybersecurity professional in the next year or two.

1. Know More Than Security

While many cybersecurity experts know tons about the specific ins and outs of security, they also know more general things about technology. The key to understanding cybersecurity is to know a lot about data systems and data networks. If you don't understand networking, how will you know if a system is vulnerable or not?

You should start out by trying to master a few different operating systems. Get to know the ins and outs of how they function at the root level and you'll quickly start to get to know how and why they fail.

While there are millions of people working in the tech sector, only a select few understand the fundamentals of data networks. Even fewer understand how to write scripts in Python and Bash in order to test and to explore networks.

If you're already in the IT industry, you're in a good place. You can learn lots about cybersecurity based on what you already know. Get to know about endpoint hygiene and become the security guru in your office. Once you show that you know what you're talking about, you're sure to be asked for your help on a regular basis.

2. Get To Know People

Just like in any industry, sometimes it's good to know people in high places. Even if you're at a low-level appointment in your current department, you could quickly ascend if you prove yourself as valuable. Find something that very few people in your office know how to do and start learning how to do it.

You'll become helpful in your office and you'll be quickly known by supervisors and management. Once you start making those connections, you'll be able to know when a new job is opening up or if there's potential for promotion.

Networking is hard and doesn't come naturally to everyone, but know that if you work with someone, it's going to be easy for them to imagine you doing a job. If you show interested, a proven success record, and seem to get along with people, you'll be a natural candidate.

Make sure you make time to meet people in person. That's when people really get a feel for who you are and are able to imagine working with you.

3. It's Never Too Late

You might think you need to already have a degree in computer science to get involved with cybersecurity. Thankfully, that's not the case at all. If you're new to the world of IT, you just need to start getting to know the fundamentals.

Think of all of the people in the law enforcement industry who spend their days looking for frauds, terrorists, or scammers. They usually spend years learning the elements of policing and investigation long before they learn about tech. Thankfully, it's not hard to learn about these things if you're a diligent student.

Working in cybersecurity can be a great transition for someone who has worked with and around technology but never directly.

Technical schools and community colleges can help you to learn a lot of the basics. You can take night classes that can show you how to scan through a server or a network. You can get a basic understanding of the types of problems you run into in network technology and start working from there.

Take whatever courses you can. Every teacher has something valuable to share with you. If your hunger to learn is intense enough, you could breeze through your courses.

4. Then Get a Certification

Once you've learned the basics through courses, get some cybersecurity certifications to prove you've got the goods to do the job. While certifications might not seem that important in the long run, they do a lot to get your foot in the door. Even though you might easily pass the technical test and get through the technical questions that your interviewer might have, certifications back you up.

Getting yourself the Security+ certification will tell potential employers that you understand the basic responsibility of a cybersecurity professional. You'll know the basic terminology and be able to communicate with the rest of your team.

While you don't need extensive credentials, having something beyond your education is useful. The job market is competitive in the tech space and you don't want to be left out. If you can do the job of a cybersecurity professional, take every opportunity to prove it to your potential employers.

There's a lack of manpower in the industry right now making it a perfect time to get involved. So long as you can prove that you've got basic aptitude for the job, you're sure to do well in the industry.

Learning How To Get Into Cybersecurity Is Simple

Once you've gotten your certifications in cybersecurity, you'll have employers biting at your heels trying to win you over with jobs. Knowing how to get into cybersecurity is the first and simplest step to starting a lucrative career in the IT industry. If you've got a knack for networking and tech, you shouldn't wait any longer.

Security+ Training and Certification: Its Value for Cybersecurity Professionals

The field of cybersecurity is evolving rapidly. It offers both lucrative and engaging opportunities for current and rising information technology professionals. A great way to get ahead in this promising field is to secure a credential. One of the most popular is the CompTIA Security+ certification. Don't be intimidated by the thought of the test! There are ways to prepare and it is actually a very approachable credential for a beginning professional. Here are the answers to a few FAQ's that candidates often have.

1. Security+ Training 101: What is the CompTIA Security+ certification?

The CompTIA Security+ certification is the foundational credential for information technology professionals who want to specialize in cybersecurity. By passing the test, you show your ability to install and work with systems that secure devices, applications, and full networks. You must demonstrate the capacity to evaluate and mitigate system threats and show a strong working knowledge of current cybersecurity policy.

2. Who should pursue the certification?

As an entry-level examination, the CompTIA Security+ certification is an approachable one for the beginning cybersecurity professional. The CompTIA organization recommends that candidates have a CompTIA Network+ certification and two years of experience in IT security, but don't be intimidated if you're not there yet. A number of individuals with minimal prior IT knowledge have passed the examination, given the completion of such thorough preparation courses as the Alpine Security's Security+ bootcamp.

3. What opportunities does CompTIA Security+ provide for a career in cybersecurity?

The Security+ certification can qualify you for systems, network, and security administration as well as in junior IT auditor and penetration tester positions. The latter is newly covered under the SYO-501 examination, as compared to its prior incarnation. 

Work in the Defense Contracting Industry

A Security+ certification can also provide you with opportunities in defense and defense contracting. According to the DoD 8570 Directive, commonly called the Information Assurance (IA) Workforce Improvement Program, all IA professionals who have access to DoD data must obtain an accredited certification. For this reason, hiring companies often look for the Security+ certification in order to ensure compliance. By completing the exam, you can qualify for IA Technical Level II and IA Management Level I positions.

4. How can a Security+ credential help me to build foundational career knowledge?

By studying for and completing the CompTIA Security+ exam, you gain exposure to all of the basic principles for risk management and network security professionals. You will cover these skills not only from a theoretical standpoint but also from a practical perspective since the Security+ exam focuses on the demonstration of skills. In this regard, it offers a more comprehensive exposure to cybersecurity concepts as compared to other certification exams.

5. What can I expect from the recently released exam version, the SYO-501?

The SYO-501 launched in October of 2017, in response to the evolving cybersecurity industry. Like its predecessor, the SYO-401, it is scored on a scale of 100 to 900 points. To pass, you must complete the exam with a score of at least 750. 

What to Expect on Test Day

When you sit the exam, you will complete a maximum of 90 questions, including both multiple-choice and performance-based questions. The performance-based questions allow you to demonstrate, in a simulated environment, how you would use your knowledge of tested cybersecurity concepts to solve real-world problems. The SYO-501 contains more of this practical and hands-on work as compared to the SYO-401. 

The new exam also focuses more intently on the skills that are most in demand among security analysts and other specialized positions, which are becoming more prevalent within the industry. Because the test itself has responded to these changes in the industry, receipt of the certification will demonstrate your current knowledge.

6. What is the hiring outlook for job seekers with Security+ certification?

As the IT industry becomes more specialized, companies are seeking professionals with cybersecurity credentials. At last count, there were more than 32,000 available positions that list CompTIA Security+ as a requested certification. 

As a certified professional, your options will include organizations in both the public and private sectors.  There are opportunities to work with the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Army, as well as with such government contractors as Lockheed Martin and Booz Allen Hamilton.

7. Where can I find a Comp TIA Security+ course or Security+ bootcamp?

As with many standardized exams, there are a number of training programs, from simple practice tests to instructor-facilitated classes.  You may find that the best way to pursue CompTIA Security+ training is often to complete a targeted Security+ class. 

Alpine Security provides both in-person and live online certification courses, all taught by certified practitioners in the field of cybersecurity.

The Alpine Security Guarantee

Participants in the Security+ class receive digital and print test preparation materials. All course fees include a complimentary voucher that allows candidates to sit the exam. The CompTIA Security+ course also includes an exam pass guarantee, which allows any candidates who do not successfully complete the examination to attend the company's next Security+ bootcamp for free. You may re-take the course as many times as you wish before the exam, whether or not you have taken it before.

Best of luck with your cybersecurity career!

Top 10 Reasons Why CompTIA Security+ Training is Right for You

There is no shortage of certifications for people who want to pursue a career in cybersecurity; in fact, there are so many that it can be overwhelming for someone trying to figure out where to start. One of the most widely accepted and highly regarded accreditations is the CompTIA Security+ Certification. 

From financial benefits to career pathways to instant industry recognition, the CompTIA Security+ Certification is the smart choice for anyone who is serious about getting ahead. Here are ten reasons why the CompTIA+ Training is worth serious consideration:

1. Get Paid

A professional with CompTIA Security+ certification can expect an average salary range of a network engineer between $42,128 – $95,829. The accreditation, coupled with your experience, will dictate your salary. Within five years, you can expect to earn a salary around $66,887 a year.

2. Your Services Will be in Demand

Organizations in both the public and private sectors seek out CompTIA Security+ certified professionals to handle network administration and security tasks. The range of services in demand often include Compliance and Operational Security, Threats and Vulnerabilities, Application, Data and Host Security, Access Control and Identity Management, and Cryptography.

3. CompTIA Security+ is the Industry Standard

The CompTIA Security+ certification is widely considered one of the essential foundational security certifications in the cybersecurity industry today. Created by Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA), the Security+ certification is also accredited by ANSI demonstrating the ability to apply knowledge, skills, and attributes necessary to be compliant with the ISO 17024 Standard. 

4. No Prerequisites or Experience Required

One of the reasons many people decide not to obtain certifications that would significantly elevate their careers is a list of conditions required to enter the training and obtain the certification. Unlike many other cybersecurity certifications, Security+ does not have any requirements regarding mandatory prerequisites or experience. CompTIA does recommend candidates to have approximately two years of work experience in the networking and security fields to increase the likelihood of being hired faster and passing the certification. 

5. Work Anywhere in America

One of the most significant advantages of the CompTIA Security+ Certification Training is the fact that it is recognized and accepted anywhere in the United States. It is not only approved by the U.S. Department of Defense but is their mandated network cybersecurity certification as well. 

6. Vendor-Neutral Approach Gives You Options

The CompTIA Security+ Certification is vendor-neutral, which means you are not required to focus on security and technology of a specific vendor; instead, you can focus on the general aspect of cybersecurity. The broad knowledge and skills gained by completing the program make network administrators and security consultants with this certification more in demand in the marketplace, giving you options when looking for opportunities.

7. Perfect for Government Work

The CompTIA Security+ Certification training is the ideal starting point for anyone seeking a networking or cybersecurity position within a government agency. The certification also meets the standards of DOD 8570, which is a compliance standard used for citing various requirements relevant to contractors and government employees at different work levels throughout the information technology field. In fact, the CompTIA Security+ Certification meets the required DOD 8570 compliance standards for both Management Level-1 and Technical Level-2 positions.

8. Forces You to Stay Current

The CompTIA Security + Certification is one IT certification that gives you the advantage of offering for continuous updates and enhancement of your skills in the field of cybersecurity. This is because anyone with the CompTIA Security + Certification must renew their credentials every three years. The process, which offers multiple methods of renewal, provides a regular opportunity (and requirement) to maintain and enhance your professional level and knowledge base.

9. Educational Providers Committed to your Success

One of the benefits of obtaining the CompTIA Security+ Certification is the ability to find educational providers to help you succeed. For example, Alpine Security's CompTIA Security+ Bootcamp includes an Exam Voucher, expert training by working cybersecurity professionals, lunch, snacks, beverages, and networking opportunities, plus digital and print materials. The program is offered both live in person and live online to meet the demands of even the most difficult schedule.

10. Exam Pass Guarantee

Alpine Security also provides an Exam Pass Guarantee, which means If you do not pass the certification exam, you can resit their next offering of the certification boot camp / exam preparation course for free. They will also allow you to resit the CompTIA Security+ Class again before you take the certification exam to ensure you are comfortable and ready for the test. 

With all of these benefits, there is no better time for taking that all-important first step to obtaining your CompTIA Security+ Certification today. If you are serious about a career in cybersecurity, the CompTIA Security+  certification is a critical rung on the ladder of career success. 

For more information about the CompTIA Security+ Course, or any of their other Cybersecurity Training, Assessment, Testing, and Audit Services, contact Alpine Security at www.alpinesecurity.com for more information.