How To Get Into Cyber Security: Entry-Level Cyber Security Jobs 

Are you interested in a career in cyber security but don’t know where to start? Or maybe you’re already working in the industry but want to move up the ladder. In either case, this guide is for you. We’ll take a look at some unconventional ways to break into or move up in the world of cyber security, no matter what your level of experience or educational background is. So whether you’re a total beginner or an experienced professional, read on for some great tips on how to get ahead in cyber security.

How to Start a Career in Cyber Security 

Information Security Analyst 

A role as an Information Security Analyst is one of the best ways to get your foot in the door of a company’s cyber security department. It is an entry-level generalist role, so each company likely has its own definition of what exactly a person in this role is expected to do.

Generally, an information security analyst is tasked with identifying and protecting against potential threats to computer systems. This may involve responding to incidents (like ransomware or viruses), investigating breaches, and developing security policies. A few vulnerability assessment duties could be thrown into the mix of responsibilities, and you might have a hand in remedying the vulnerabilities you find and even putting into place a risk mitigation plan to protect against future issues.

In today’s job market – where there’s a critical lack of cyber security professionals – it’s entirely possible to get hired without either a college degree or IT certification. While a college degree may give you an edge over other applicants, it’s not strictly necessary. The most important thing for an information security analyst to have is an understanding of basic computer endpoint and network security. Due to the constant threat of ransomware attacks, many employers are willing to provide on-the-job training in specific security protocols and software or even pay for you to get security certifications.

So if you’re interested in a career in information security, don’t count yourself out if you don’t have a college degree or professional certification. We’ll discuss how to get hired without either of those conditions below.

SOC Analyst

Another job in cyber security with a low barrier to entry is as a SOC (Security Operations Center) Analyst. As the first line of defense against cyber threats, this job plays a vital role in protecting organizations from harm. With SOC Analysts as the boots-on-the-ground army infantry, SOC teams can be large, and as such, entry-level analyst roles are highly in-demand.

They are responsible for monitoring, detecting, and responding to security incidents. They use a variety of tools and techniques to do this, including SIEMs (Security Information and Event Management), threat intelligence feeds, and security analytics.

In addition to their technical skills, SOC analysts must also have strong communication and analytical skills. They need to be able to quickly understand and assess the potential impact of security incidents. They then need to be able to clearly communicate their findings to the rest of the SOC team and other stakeholders.

One facet of the life of a SOC analyst that is appealing to some and a drawback to others is the schedule. Analysts are often expected to work on a rotating schedule that includes weekends and evenings. The bad guys never sleep, so SOC analysts staff the security floor around the clock.

Because of the constant 24-hour nature of a SOC team’s need for analysts, requirements for college degrees and certifications for this role are often waived.

Cyber Security Consultant 

The role of a Cyber Security Consultant is where technical know-how and business acumen intersect. Consultants usually work for the security consulting arms of companies like Accenture, IBM, or Deloitte but can be hired in-house too. If you’re a college senior looking to get into consulting but are turned off by how boring it sounds, you’ll want to consider the more adventurous niche of security consulting.

This job is a perfect entry-level cyber security role for those who:

• want to work on security-focused projects for different companies
• have some IT experience and want to quickly hone their cyber security skills
• enjoy traveling to various types of on-site locations

Cyber security consultants identify risks and recommend/implement solutions that protect against those risks. A consultant typically works with an organization’s IT staff to ensure that all systems and networks are secure. They may also work with other consultants, such as auditors, to ensure that all compliance requirements are met.

This is a position that often lists at least a bachelor’s degree as a requirement, but that is mostly the case for huge global consulting companies. If you want to work at a smaller consulting company or even in-house at your current company, it could just be a matter of demonstrating what IT and security knowledge you already have and how dedicated you are to learning more on your own time.

How to Get into Cyber Security 

So knowing about these entry-level jobs is nice, but how do you go about actually snagging one? Conventional advice is to apply to openings on job boards, like Indeed, Glassdoor, or even more tech-focused boards like Dice. But – in addition to sending out resumes – let’s discuss strategies that work faster and have a higher success rate than just applying with the masses.

Meetups

Hands-down, one of the absolute best ways to get your first cyber security job or to move up and find a better role than you currently have are meetups. Meetups are informal gatherings of like-minded individuals who share a common interest. They’re typically free to attend, and they provide an opportunity to network with other professionals in the field. The most well-known website to find meetups of all kinds, and specifically for cyber security, is Meetup.com.

Most meetups offer educational resources, such as presentations and workshops (and sometimes free food and drinks!). What’s so great about cyber security meetups is that you end up building relationships with people who work at all different kinds of companies and in just about every area of cyber security. When you establish these personal connections in the flesh instead of by being another application number, you give yourself a greater chance of someone going to bat for you for a spot on their team.

One way to stand out at a meetup is to ask the organizer to let you give a short presentation. It doesn’t have to be on a complex topic – just something where you could demonstrate a particular area of cyber security, or even information security, that you truly care about and are confident to answer basic questions about.

If you’ve attended the meetup at least a couple of times and have met the organizer and pitched your presentation idea to them beforehand, the organizer will likely agree to let you present even as a newer member of the group. We’ve seen someone get an offer for a job interview on the spot right after giving a short presentation at a security meetup!

Along with personal relationship-building, another huge advantage of meetups is that some employers use these gatherings as a recruiting tool. So attending regularly can increase your chances of connecting with the right recruiter and landing the kind of cyber security role you’ve been daydreaming about.

Cyber Security Conferences

The next best way, besides meetups, to make inroads into a new cyber security role is by attending conferences. The main differences between meetups and conferences are the number of attendees and the frequency in which they’re held.

Though conferences are held less often than meetups, they have way more people in attendance. Since the main benefit of going to meetups is to make personal face-to-face connections, you can do so on an exponential scale at conferences. Cyber security conferences provide a great opportunity to meet with potential employers, network with other professionals, and learn about the latest industry trends.

Attending a conference can also help you stand out from the competition when applying for jobs. Many employers view conference attendance as evidence of commitment to the field, and being able to discuss what you’ve learned at a conference can give you a leg up in an interview. Plus, many conferences offer workshops and tutorials that can help you hone your skills and learn new techniques.

Conference tickets range in price from free to exorbitant. While the cost of attending paid conferences can be prohibitive for some, the investment is well worth it for others who end up landing their desired job in cyber security.

Some popular cyber security conferences are:

• WiCyS
• Cyberjutsu Con
• BSides (held in multiple cities)
• DEF CON

So if you’re looking to get ahead in the cyber security field, start researching more upcoming events and make plans to attend one asap!

LinkedIn

You can use LinkedIn to apply to good old-fashioned job listings, but an even better use of the platform is for online networking. With over 500 million members, LinkedIn is arguably the largest professional network in existence, and it can be a valuable tool for connecting with both potential employers and colleagues.

Just like with meetups and conferences, LinkedIn is all about building relationships, so don’t be afraid to reach out and connect with strangers. Connect with people on the site who work in cyber security or who may know someone hiring in the field.

Virtually introduce yourself and let them know that you’re interested in learning more about the kind of work they do. After establishing an online conversation, ask if they have any advice on how you can get into the industry or move up from where you currently are, such as through any openings in their company or at any other companies they know are hiring.

Even though you’re not meeting people in person like you would at a meetup or conference, LinkedIn networking can be just as powerful of a relationship-building tool. It’s an especially helpful platform if you’re shy or have social anxiety and feel more comfortable interacting with people online.

Cyber Security Courses 

In-Person

In-person courses can be a strategic way to get started in cyber security. The value of learning in a classroom with a qualified instructor is that you’ll have the opportunity to ask questions and get immediate feedback. So not only will you grow your knowledge and hands-on skills through a course, but you’ll get the chance to build a professional network with your fellow students and instructor, at least a few of whom likely will already be working at a company whose cyber security team is hiring.

Also, most schools or organizations that host cyber security courses have their own network of alumni and companies, which they funnel top students to for jobs. So if you excel in a course, the organization may help you get your foot in the door with one of their partner companies.

Online

An online course or boot camp just may be the ticket to getting your cyber security career started or moving up faster. One of the benefits of taking an online class is that, like an in-person course, you’ll still have the opportunity to network with other students and your instructor, but without having to leave your house or change out of your pajamas.

In the course’s online forums, you can ask questions, get advice, and learn about job opportunities. You might even meet someone who can give you a referral for a job. Plus, by taking a cyber security course, you’ll show potential employers that you’re serious about your career goals.

Some popular places to find cyber security courses are:

• Cybrary
• (ISC)² 
• Digital Crafts
• Online courses through your local library system

So What Now?

If you’re looking to begin a career in cyber security, your best bet is to start by getting an entry-level job. Information security analyst, cyber security consultant, and soc analyst are all great positions to aim for. Attending meetups and conferences will put you in front of people who can connect you with these positions. And don’t forget to network with professionals on LinkedIn. Combine all of that with online or in-person cyber security courses, and pretty much no one can stop you from getting a job.

Have you tried any of the above strategies we mentioned and did they work for you? Let us know in the comments!

Quick FAQ on How to Start a Career in Cyber Security

What are the best entry-level cyber security jobs?

Cyber security is one of the hottest industries around, and there are a variety of entry-level jobs available for those with the right skills and training.

Information security analysts help to protect organizations from cyber attacks by monitoring networks and systems for signs of intrusion. Cyber security consultants work with businesses to assess their vulnerability to attack and recommend steps to improve their defenses. SOC analysts play a key role in incident response, working to contain and resolve security breaches.

These are just a few of the many entry-level jobs available in cyber security. By proving your dedication to keeping people safe, you can start building a successful career in this exciting field.

How do I start cyber security with no experience? 

Many people believe that they need years of experience in the field of cyber security before they can begin to make a difference. However, this simply is not the case. There are many ways for people with no experience in the field to get started in cyber security.

One way is to begin by brushing up on basic endpoint and computer networking skills. This will ensure that you have a strong foundation on which to build more specific cyber security knowledge.

Additionally, many online resources can help you learn about cyber security fundamentals.

Finally, consider volunteering with or joining a local organization that focuses on cyber security. This will allow you to gain experience and knowledge while also networking with other professionals in the field.

No matter your background, there are many ways for you to get started in the world of cyber security.

How do you land entry-level cyber security jobs? 

There are a few different ways to land entry-level cyber security jobs. The conventional way is to get a degree in cyber security or related computer science or IT areas of study, and then apply for jobs or internships with companies that have cyber security positions available.

Alternatively, many people who are interested in cyber security also get certified through programs offered by organizations like CompTIA, Cisco, or the International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium (ISC)².

Finally, another way to land entry-level cyber security jobs is to simply have a strong background in programming or computer networking, as many of the skills needed for cyber security positions can be self-taught.

Regardless of which route you take, landing an entry-level cyber security job can be a great way to start your career in a field that will grow rapidly for decades to come.

Is cyber security easy to get a job in? 

A lot of people shy away from considering a career in cyber security because they think that you need to be good at math to get a job in cyber security. While it certainly doesn’t hurt, being good at math is not the only skill you need for a successful career in cyber security. Many of the most important skills for cyber security professionals have nothing to do with math.

For example, being able to think like a hacker is essential for understanding how to defend against attacks. Good problem-solving skills are also essential, as is the ability to stay calm under pressure. If you can point to specific projects you’ve worked on where you’ve successfully prevented or resolved security issues, you’ll be at a big advantage.

In addition to your technical skills, you’ll also need soft skills as cyber security is as much about people as it is about technology. You’ll need to be able to work collaboratively with other team members and effectively communicate complex technical concepts to non-technical staff. And when problems do arise, you’ll need to be able to think quickly on your feet and come up with creative solutions.

So if you’re interested in a career in cyber security, don’t be discouraged if math isn’t your best subject. There are plenty of other skills that are just as important for success in this field.

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