Is a career in cyber security right for me?

Cyber security professionals can’t simply react when things go wrong. They need to be a step ahead of hackers constantly, and to do that, they need to be creative thinkers and strong problem-solvers. These are two really important traits for this career path.

Cyber security is a technical field, and career changers from a wide range of technical disciplines often find their skills are highly transferable. Good examples include finance, risk and coding. It’s also possible to get into cyber security without any technical skills or knowledge. Key skills can also be picked up through a course or bootcamp.

How do I get into cyber security?

Cyber security is a varied field, so educational requirements from employers vary too. However. If you’re learning from scratch, online cyber security bootcamps can be a great way to join the fast track to an entry-level cyber security role. Self-teaching is also a reasonable path into a cyber security career. What’s important in any route is that it gets you certified for entry-level cyber jobs and teaches practical skills.

Lifelong learning is crucial in cyber security. Gaining certifications are often the best way to get – and stay – ahead in a cyber career. A qualification like CompTIA or Certified Ethical Hacker can be a great way to show employers practical skills.