The top 26 how to become a cyber security specialist without a degree December 2023 Cyber Hack

Some great options can be found on Udemy, Coursera, and other similar learning platforms. Cyber Security Course for Beginners – Level 01 on Udemy and Cybersecurity Specialization offered by Coursera are ideal starting points. A cybersecurity specialist works to protect their employer’s systems from hacks or data breaches. They test firewalls, security software and other applications, and use their findings to make improvements. Generally speaking, you will need to have some programming skills and a basic understanding of security principles to succeed in this role. In an industry where overlooking a minuscule system vulnerability could mean the exposure of confidential business or consumer data, having a keen attention to detail is paramount.

As experts in cybersecurity, these specialists help to create, analyze and deploy organizational security systems. Cybersecurity specialists test for areas of potential exposure in interconnected computer networks, document their findings and provide solutions for vulnerabilities. Generally speaking, higher-level cybersecurity positions, particularly at the management and executive level, are more likely to require a bachelor’s or graduate degree. Roles like cybersecurity engineer, cybersecurity architect, cybersecurity manager, and penetration tester come with a requested education level or at least a bachelor’s degree. Getting started in cybersecurity often means building the right skills and qualifications. For many cybersecurity professionals, this means earning a bachelor’s degree or advancing your knowledge with a master’s degree.

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Applicants should explore which certifications match their skills and desired career path. Some cybersecurity certifications cater to entry-level candidates while others prepare workers for advanced positions. Cyber security is a branch of information technology that deals with protecting computer systems, networks, and data from cyber threats. Cyber security professionals use various tools and techniques to protect against cyber-attacks such as malware, phishing, and cyber espionage. Cybersecurity specialists can anticipate strong employment growth over the coming decade.

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Some of the best cyber security bootcamps in the industry are Evolve Security Academy, Flatiron School, Springboard, and The Tech Academy. These bootcamps offer lessons how to become a security specialist on cyber security and also provide extensive job placement services. If you pass your courses, you are likely to find a job within just a few months of graduating.

How To Become A Cybersecurity Engineer: Salary, Required Education and Career Outlook

They take note of irregularities and alert their employer of possible breaches. The strategies security analysts may use include implementing firewalls and other protective software to keep digital data safe. Once you’ve learned about cyber security, you will be ready to apply for entry-level jobs. Companies are more likely to give you an entry-level position than a mid-career, so apply for jobs you are likely to get and gain the experience you need to move on to something more advanced. Just as there are many books, there are also many audiobooks and podcasts that individuals can use to learn about cyber security. TED talks are very popular amongst self-taught cyber security professionals.

If you’re wondering how to get into cybersecurity, read on to explore salaries, job outlooks and available certifications in the field. Most cybersecurity professionals enter the field with a bachelor’s degree, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) [3]. According to CompTIA, 89 percent of cybersecurity job postings specifically request higher education [4]. Real-world experience working on cybersecurity projects is one of the best ways to learn and represent your abilities to prospective employers. For many higher-paying positions, earning potential increases if you’ve acquired a degree. The data in the tables below is not specific to security specialists, but represents information security analysts, a similar career with BLS data.

High-Paying Cyber Security Jobs Without a College Degree

Working in security at the executive level often means managing operations, policies, and budgets across the company’s security infrastructure. A security operator detects, evaluates, and monitors network security threats. There is a strong demand for security operators with a high experience level and deeper understanding of cyber security concepts. As an IAM analyst, you will be charged with ensuring that only people with certain clearance levels can view important data and tech resources at a given organization. They access systems, determine risk levels, and explain to others how these risks could be detrimental to the organization.

  • Security operations are a set of strategies and resources designed to maintain network security within an organization.
  • Security specialists find work in industries like banking and insurance, government agencies, computer research and development, and aerospace.
  • This is where the capabilities of an MSSP’s SOC model must show its mettle.

In fact, with 3.5 million unfilled positions in the field in 2023, demand for specialists from a variety of backgrounds has never been higher. Find out which certifications can help you land jobs for security specialists. With experience and additional education, security specialists can advance into better-paying management positions like chief security officer or computer and information systems manager. Demand for cybersecurity experts is high, and the time it takes to become a cybersecurity engineer may vary. Expect to spend several years completing an education and gaining experience in the field before landing a cybersecurity engineering job. According to Payscale, these engineers make an average base cybersecurity salary of nearly $99,000.

There are countless entry-level cybersecurity jobs available to those who do not have a degree. That said, it is worth noting that many require applicants to have additional training to prove that they have the skills necessary for the job at hand. This dire need for skilled workers has forced organizations and cybersecurity trainees alike to get creative. Businesses need cybersecurity talent; aspiring professionals need to upskill quickly. As a result of these converging pressures, it’s become possible — and popular — to build a satisfying and successful career in cybersecurity without a degree. For a career as a security specialist, you often need at least a bachelor’s degree in a computer science-related field.

  • Certifications like Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) can help you advance.
  • While some tasks only require the knowledge of existing security software, many cyber security duties need some skills and experience with programming.
  • Most cybersecurity professionals enter the field with a bachelor’s degree, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) [3].