Is cybersecurity a good career choice? — SecurityMadeSimple (2024)

FAQs

Is cyber security a good career choice? ›

Besides being an increasingly in-demand profession, a career in Cybersecurity is also highly rewarding financially. Cybersecurity professionals typically earn more than other tech jobs. With the need for Cybersecurity continuing to grow, it makes this one of the most promising and well-paid careers available today.

No, cybersecurity isn't hard. Although there may be difficult concepts, like cryptography or areas that require more technical knowledge, cybersecurity is one of the few fields in the tech world that doesn't require a strong technical background.

A cybersecurity certificate prepares you for entry-level jobs in the industry. Yes, some of the higher-paying IT and information security jobs still require a degree, but the certificate provides a foot in the door. Once you're in, you'll gain real-world experience that is just as valuable to employers as any degree.

Cybersecurity Jobs Outlook

For example, the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that job openings for information security analysts will grow by 35% from 2021 to 2031 — much faster than average. According to CyberSeek, there were 1.1 million cybersecurity workers in the U.S. in 2022.

Job flexibility and highly transferable skills. These skills allow you to move anywhere in the world and apply to any industry sector. Multiple career options that are not just technical. Business, medical, law, defense, and intelligence all need workers skilled in cybersecurity.

Start learning, keep learning

Cybersecurity has the two key logistical advantages for a strong career: Low to no unemployment and solid compensation. Plus, if you choose this path, you'll always have room to grow. You'll continually be learning new skills and working to understand new technologies.

Entry-level cybersecurity jobs don't typically require strong math skills, however as you move up the ladder and the work gets more complex, you'll need to get more comfortable using specific math-based disciplines.

Is Cyber Security Harder Than Programming? Cyber security can sometimes be more difficult than programming because it includes many different elements, including programming itself. As a cyber security analyst, you must understand how to code, infiltrate code, and prevent infiltration.

Anyone can learn cybersecurity! You don't need an IT background to jump in and start learning about cybersecurity; anyone, regardless of their background, can learn cyber.

Generally, cyber security online courses are 3 to 6 months long. If you complete the course on time, you will become a certified cyber security professional.

Can a non it person learn cyber security? ›

Popular misconceptions hold that getting into cybersecurity with a nontechnical background is impossible. That simply isn't true; if you have an interest in protecting companies and consumers from cybercrime and are willing to spend some time upskilling, you can absolutely break into the field.

Although it will help, it's not required to have previous experience in the field to qualify for an entry-level junior cybersecurity position. We had students who started with no IT experience and obtained a high paying job in cybersecurity. Having a degree in cybersecurity or IT is not required as well.

More than 1 million cyber security jobs will be available by 2023, but less than 400,000 cybersecurity professionals will be trained by then. Cyber security is an ever-growing industry. It is projected to grow by 11% in 2023 and by 20% in 2025.

Cyber security concepts take about a year or two to understand fully. The study of cyber security takes longer than programming fields and cannot be completed in three months. The school path you choose and whether you have technical skills beforehand significantly impact how long it will take.

Cyber Security Vs Software Engineering Salary

According to PayScale, the average software engineer salary is $89k and ranges between $64k to $130k. The average cyber security engineer salary is $98k and ranges between $69k to $139k.

Job Satisfaction

Considering the good salary, flexible work hours, and the option to work from home, most people are now preparing themselves for a career in cyber security. People who join the industry are extremely satisfied with their careers.

1. Networking and System Administration. An in-depth understanding of networking is required to start a career in cybersecurity. Learning networking will help you understand data transmission's technical aspects, which will help you secure your data.

Cybersecurity is critical because it helps to protect organizations and individuals from cyber attacks. Cybersecurity can help to prevent data breaches, identity theft, and other types of cybercrime. Organizations must have strong cybersecurity measures to protect their data and customers.

What is the most difficult cyber security course? ›

The CISSP credential is the most respected certification in cybersecurity. Earning this certification shows your knowledge and skill in the field, which can help you advance your career and become part of a community of leaders in cybersecurity. CISSP is a very difficult certification to get.

Yes. Cybersecurity is a lucrative field. Entry-level jobs begin at $50K, and as you gain experience, you can reach six figures quickly.

The quickly growing field of cybersecurity is no exception. Entry-level careers require at least high-school level math and algebra, and highly technical security jobs require even more advanced math.

Most cybersecurity analysts work full time, but they don't always work typical 9-to-5 hours. Since cyber attacks can happen at any time, come organizations and security companies keep security analysts on-call outside of typical business hours.

C and C++ can be useful for reverse-engineering and finding vulnerabilities. A lot of malware is written in the C++ programming language. Thus, learning C++ is important for reading and understanding open-source code. Many cybersecurity programs, such as Nmap, the network mapper tool are created using C++.

Do Cybersecurity Analysts Code? For most entry-level cybersecurity jobs, coding skills are not required. However, as cybersecurity professionals seek mid- or upper-level positions, coding may be necessary to advance in the field.

It is never too late to start a career in cybersecurity — this may sound cliché, but it holds a lot of truth. If you are passionate about the topic and are ready to put in the work to acquire the skills and knowledge needed, anyone, regardless of educational background, can break into cybersecurity.

It's never too late!

We are not just saying this, we've helped many transition into a new cybersecurity career, and their successful careers prove that with passion, dedication, and the right mindset you can switch to cybersecurity at any age. There are many reasons to consider cybersecurity as your next career.

Most work 40 hours per week. May work evenings or weekends to meet deadlines or solve problems.

A degree in cybersecurity would of course be an excellent pathway into a cybersecurity career, but remember degrees take an average of 3-5 years to complete. While the qualification may give you an advantage, it's not an absolute necessity to get into the industry – especially if you want to get into the career sooner.

How to get into cybersecurity with no knowledge? ›

Most entry-level cybersecurity jobs don't require any background coding experience. What's more important is to have a passion for learning and a strong ability to think critically and efficiently.

Jobs Available Without a Degree

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.

Even if you don't have a technical background, you can learn cyber security right from home with an online program.

Cyber security bootcamps are also a perfect alternative to college. Attending a bootcamp's online programs will allow you to get cyber security jobs without a degree. You can find an entry-level job where you'll use practical skills at government agencies and other companies that hire people with cyber careers.

Is it worth getting a degree in cybersecurity? Yes. For individuals who want a career in the field, a cybersecurity degree can lead to a variety of well-paid information security jobs. Most cybersecurity positions require at least a bachelor's degree, with a master's preferred for some senior roles.

Yes, a cyber security associate degree is worth it for many professionals. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, computer and information technology jobs are set to grow at 11% over the next 10 years, much faster than the average for all occupations.

Certification in the field of Cyber Security

Several certifications are available to professionals working in the field of cybersecurity. One of the most efficient and easy cybersecurity certifications, which holds a lot of value for the professional, is CISM.

Some factors that make cyber security hard to learn are: Large numbers of tools. Since there are so many potential attacks, a cyber security professional must be familiar with various complex cybersecurity tools, technical skills, and software.

Freelance Bug Bounty Hunter

These self-employed white-hat hackers report vulnerabilities to major companies like Google and Tesla and earn significant paychecks for their work – up to $500,000 in some cases. However, high-paying bug bounties are rare and extremely difficult to earn.

Is cybersecurity more it or computer science? ›

Cybersecurity is a subset of computer science, and in today's computer-reliant world, it has its own field of study and degree programs. Those interested in cybersecurity usually earn a bachelor's in computer science.

According to industry reports, Cloud Engineers in the United States can expect to make between $100,000 to $180,000 per year, while Cybersecurity professionals can make between $90,000 to $160,000 per year, depending on their level of experience and location.

Entry-level cybersecurity jobs don't typically require strong math skills, however as you move up the ladder and the work gets more complex, you'll need to get more comfortable using specific math-based disciplines.

Most cyber security professionals spend roughly 40 hours a week in the office for full-time employment. However, during technology releases or program updates there are often longer hours required.

Software engineers earn slightly more than cybersecurity professionals; the BLS found the 2021 median pay to be $120,990 per year or $58.05 per hour for a freelance programmers' income.

Cyber security concepts take about a year or two to understand fully. The study of cyber security takes longer than programming fields and cannot be completed in three months.

While there are various roles to choose from within the industry, cybersecurity positions often pay six figures or more because of the industry's importance.

No matter the path you take to get there, pursuing cybersecurity positions do often pay off. Many cybersecurity jobs pay well over the six-figure mark, with some professionals earning $225,000 and more, according to research from Mondo, a recruiting firm for tech and creative companies.

A typical day is 8-10 hours made up of customer development, technology learning, relationship building and problem-solving.”

In conclusion, learning cybersecurity is never too late! We're not just saying this – we know it as we have helped thousands of people transition into a new cybersecurity career. Their success stories prove that you can switch to cybersecurity at any age with enough motivation, dedication, and the right mindset.

Does cyber security work from home? ›

Cyber security is a promising field full of career opportunities. And yes, you can even work from home.

Cybercrime will more than triple the number of job openings over the next 5 years. Cybersecurity Ventures predicts there will be 3.5 million unfilled cybersecurity positions by 2021, up from 1 million in 2014. The cybersecurity unemployment rate dropped to zero percent in 2016, and has remained there ever since.

What are the cons of working in cybersecurity? High-stress and demanding hours. Companies lack knowledge and/or resources. Some repetitive, boring tasks.

Most work 40 hours per week. May work evenings or weekends to meet deadlines or solve problems. May travel to different companies within the city or nation if working as a consultant.