Cybersecurity is a fascinating domain where you are in the forefront to build defenses and secure your network from external threats. Professionals in this domain are from different backgrounds, but the mere interest in cybersecurity is what drives them towards these careers.
There are many people who have joined this career from Maths, Mechanical, Science, Accounts, and other backgrounds. So moving from a general IT background to cybersecurity should be an easy switch.
In this article, we'll look at the primary checklist that you have to do to make this transition smooth and neat.
Reinforcing basic IT knowledge
Considering you are already from the IT and have a decent knowledge around this space, it's always good to reassure you have learned them the right way and are up-to-date with trends. Topics like network management, exchange management, endpoint security, remote assistance, database management along with coding could be a decent start for your preparations.
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Deciding your cybersecurity category
There is a number of categories in cybersecurity, becoming an expert in everything could be an irrational thought, and that' why deciding your category and role plays a key role. For example, roles like system administrator, exchange administrator, network administrator, web developer, etc.
Developing practical knowledge
Engage yourselves in activities that are in line with the category you have picked. Let's say you have chosen system administration, you must get your practical knowledge in deploying software, taking care of software updates, OS updates, hardware and software management. This experience in handling user devices can help you establish a promising career in cybersecurity.
IT skills and specialization to concentrate
There are number IT skills that can come in handy when you are making this switch, limiting to one or two will not help, so here's a list of skills which you can cultivate during this transition.
- Windows, Mac & Linux/Unix operating systems
- MySQL/SQLite environments
- Python, C, C++, C#, and Java
- TCP/IP,
- Networking
- Switching
- PHP
- CSS
- JavaScript
- Shell
- Network protocols
- VPNs
- Load balancing
These skills can help you prepare and be on the trend with the current cybersecurity industry. However, that's not all you also need to define your specialization and expertise in software and domains.
- Microsoft technologies
- Cisco networks
- Wireless
- Active Directory
- Database modeling
- Cryptography
- Blockchain
- Enterprise mobility
- Identity access management
- Detection and response
- Cognitive computing
- Cloud computing
Certifications for an extra boost
Apart from the knowledge and experience, certifications could be a key-value addition to your profile.
- Cisco certifications on network management
- Information technology infrastructure library foundation
- Service Now certification for help desk management
- VMware certifications of EMM
- Microsoft certifications for expertise
- Microsoft MVP certification
- Red hat certifications
- Kaspersky detection and response certifications
The above-mentioned certifications are only a handful of them, you can find more such certifications by interacting with IT security pros in forums and communities.
Building your cybersecurity resume
Cybersecurity though required perfect technical background, soft skills also do come into consideration. Since we have already mentioned about technical skills, we'll see the soft skills now. Communication, Logical understanding, business process analysis, and analytical skills.
Below are the checklists to be included in your resume,
- Degree
- Experience
- IT skills
- IT certifications
- IT achievements
- IT real-time use cases
Along with all this, unless one puts in all his interest and effort, the journey could take time. Building oneself with proper self-education using the internet is one key way to the transition, then they find a mentor for their growth in the selected category by identifying their mentors via Linkedin or IT communities.
Simple projects, volunteering for service and more could strengthen their core knowledge by experiencing real-time scenarios.
This Journey towards cybersecurity solely depends on the effort and passion, that drives the individual. Skills and Certification will be additional perks.
