How to Become a Cyber Security Expert

How to Become a Cyber Security Expert

Information security plays a key role in both private and public organizations. Its importance is spurred by an increase in cyber attacks. The success of these attacks has financial and operational ramifications for governments and businesses alike. As such, entities require the services of highly-educated and skilled cyber security professionals.

The professionals are tasked with the responsibility to implement security measures in data storage devices, applications, and networks. This is aimed at preventing hackers from modifying, stealing, destroying, or exposing sensitive information. In addition, security experts test and monitor existing information systems for vulnerabilities to prevent attackers from exploiting them. Organizations rely heavily on cyber security experts to respond to any incidents.

Requirements to become a Cyber Security Expert

The majority of computer security positions require a bachelor's degree. Employers also prefer candidates with various certifications, depending on the job’s specific duties. Fortunately, many educational institutions are responding to the growing demand for skills by offering well-formulated degree programs and certification incentives. Enrolling in these courses is a sure-fire way to gain entry-level, intermediate, and advanced knowledge of cyber security. Breaking into the information assurance field needs a combination of computer experience and relevant qualifications.

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Some of the degree options on offer include:

  • Bachelor’s degree – acquiring a bachelor's degree in cyber security is the best way to improve chances of securing a well-paid position.
  • Master’s degree – this qualification opens doors in mid- and high-level positions. The combination of a master's degree, cyber security certification, and relevant work experience allows you to gain an advantage over other candidates. It is also a practical way to improve career advancement opportunities.

On the other hand, the majority of government and military employers require mandatory security clearances and industry certifications. Some employers are willing to provide tuition assistance to talented prospective employees. This enables you to pursue an advanced degree or other specialization options.

Qualities of a Competent Cyber Security Expert

While training plays an integral role in preparing you for a career in information security, there are a number of innate qualities that bolster your skills set. Success in this field requires strong analytical skills, good verbal and communication skills, integrity, and more. Additional qualities include:

  • Creativity – not all cyber security problems are textbook cases, hence the need for innovative approaches. In many cases, you have to devise effective solutions fast.
  • Dedication – cyber threats occur at any time without prior warning. You should be prepared to handle midnight or even weekend emergency callouts.
  • Embrace collaboration – IT security experts need to collaborate with colleagues to ensure smooth and effective workflow.
  • Detail orientation – cyber security breaches can be extremely difficult to detect, you need to scrutinize and identify minor signs of irregular activities.
  • Advanced problem-solving skills - information security specialists are tasked with the responsibility to devise complex solutions to security vulnerabilities.

Experience Needed to become a Cyber Security Expert

Information security analysts are generally required to have prior experience in a computer-related field. For this reason, many experts recommend obtaining experience as an intern when starting out. Some educational institutions offer professional externships for students pursuing degree programs. This allows you to gain much-needed hands-on experience in your area of specialization. Also, participating in externship programs provides networking opportunities, which can be useful after graduation.

While some employers seek candidates with experience in specific cyber security areas, you can still succeed with experience in general IT fields. Most analysts start out as network or systems administrators before advancing to security-related positions. Having experience as a database administrator is a practical way to advance towards database security.

Certifications can help Boost your Qualifications as a Cyber Security Expert

As a security expert, you can advance your career by obtaining relevant certification. The credentials include vendor and non-vendor specific options which you can choose based on your interests and job needs. The certifications make it easy for prospective employers to validate your skills.

They also entail on-going education, which allows you to remain certified. The wide variety of certifications available to IT professionals includes general security and specialized credentials. Some of the common options include Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP) and Certified Information Security Manager (CISM).

Education and Training is Crucial to being a Cyber Security Expert

The degree programs offered by a wide array of schools cover different aspects of information security. They are designed to teach you how to evaluate security issues in addition to designing and implementing security-related plans. As a graduate, you could be able to identify client needs and provide effective security solutions. The courses also cover areas, such as troubleshooting, disaster recovery, system self-assessment, risk management, and customer service.

ECPI University offers degree programs in cyber security to meet real world workforce demands.  Whether you’re interested in a bachelor’s, or master’s, there is a program path for you. With an accelerated schedule and year-round classes you could graduate sooner and get to work faster. Contact ECPI University today to discuss your options.

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