Can I Learn Cybersecurity in 1 to 2 years?

As an increasing amount of information gets stored in cyberspace, more professionals are needed to protect confidential data, systems, and infrastructures.

According to a Gartner study, information security and risk management spending was expected to grow to more than $288 billion by 2027.

In an effort to help businesses fulfill their cybersecurity needs, numerous programs offer in-depth training. Read on to discover how to learn cybersecurity in one to two years.

What Is Cybersecurity?

Cybersecurity protects networks, devices, and data from unauthorized access and common forms of attack like viruses, phishing, ransomware, and malware.

It is vital for businesses and individuals who want to stop cyber attackers from breaking into systems, altering files, stealing confidential information, or even erasing data.

Cybersecurity has become a necessity for emails, mobile devices, medical equipment and records, online shopping, debit and credit cards, navigation systems, and more.

Individuals who become cybersecurity professionals assume duties like analyzing security threats, safeguarding digital spaces, and stopping cyberattacks.

How Long Does Cybersecurity Take to Learn?

Becoming a cybersecurity professional means playing a vital role in the protection of digital spaces. Here's how long it takes to learn cybersecurity by program type.

• Bootcamps (6 months or less): Bootcamps help students at all levels develop a quality understanding of cybersecurity. Programs often provide career services and certification preparations.
• Certificate programs (4 months to 1.5 years): Certificate programs can help students enter cybersecurity or advance their careers. Options include the Google Cybersecurity Certificate and school-based programs.
• Degree programs (2.5 to 4 years): Bachelor's degree programs typically take longer than bootcamps and certificate programs because they usually offer more courses, incorporate labs, and prepare students for multiple certifications.
• Free resources (self-paced): If you want to learn cybersecurity for fun or to gain fundamental knowledge, free resources from cybersecurity trainers like the EC-Council and SANS Institute let you learn at your own pace.

The good news is there are opportunities to learn cybersecurity in one to two years � or less. The key is picking a cybersecurity program that suits your academic goals, career needs, and personal schedule.

What Are the Benefits of Learning Cybersecurity?

Becoming a cybersecurity professional in one to two years is an enticing reason to enter the field. There are even more benefits to getting into cybersecurity. Here are a few.

Cybersecurity Employment Is Growing

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the employment of information security analysts, major roles in cybersecurity, is expected to grow 32% by 2032.

With more employers seeking cybersecurity professionals to manage and protect their data, this is a great time to learn cybersecurity and jump into the field.

Cybersecurity Roles Are Unique

As the need for cybersecurity becomes more diverse, the roles also grow in diversity. As a result, there are a lot of unique roles you can aim for in a cybersecurity career.

Potential roles include:

• security architect
• cyber defense analyst
• penetration tester
• systems security analyst
• vulnerability assessment analyst
• ethical hacker
• security control assessor

Additional roles include the information systems security manager, cyber defense incident responder, systems security analyst, and cyber defense forensics analyst.

Cybersecurity Offers Valuable Protection

By learning cybersecurity, you get to play a significant role in protecting businesses, individuals, the government, and other entities.

You'll have the opportunity to safeguard private information, watch for and prevent cyberattacks, and troubleshoot and fix security issues.

As a cybersecurity professional, you help avoid financial losses, ensure valuable data isn't stolen, keep businesses in compliance with security standards, and provide an overall sense of safety.

Steps to Becoming a Cybersecurity Professional

The process of becoming a cybersecurity professional is not the same for everyone, but here is a general outline of the steps involved in entering the field.

1. Research the Field

Before entering the field of cybersecurity, it's a good idea to make sure it's right for you.

Check jobs to see if any align with your interests, and explore program types to see if any in your area or online match your academic goals and career needs.

You can even play free online cybersecurity games to ensure you're aiming for the right career path.

2. Enroll in a Cybersecurity Program

If after conducting thorough research you've decided that cybersecurity is right for you, it's time to enroll in a cybersecurity program that can lead you toward a career in the field.

Based on your specific desires, you can choose a cybersecurity bootcamp, certificate program, or degree program.

Employers accept candidates who have completed any of these programs; however, it's good to keep in mind that having more education often makes you a more desirable candidate.

3. Secure Cybersecurity Certification

Once you've finished a cybersecurity degree program, it's good to secure one or more cybersecurity certifications.

Certifications show employers that you have the knowledge and skills needed to perform in a cybersecurity role at a specific level of proficiency.

Some cybersecurity certifications to consider include CompTIA's Security+, A+. CySA+, PenTest+, and CASP+.

Additional certifications include Certified Security Analyst (CSA), Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), and Certified Penetration Tester (CPT).

4. Get Cybersecurity Experience

As a budding cybersecurity professional, you want to build your confidence in the field, which could be difficult if you have not yet gained employment.

A great way to get experience is to volunteer for organizations in need of cybersecurity assistance. This way, you can get practical experience and simultaneously build your resume.

You can also work on your own cybersecurity projects or help friends or family members address their cybersecurity needs.

The more experience you gain, the greater your ability will be to find your dream cybersecurity job.

Jumpstart Your Cybersecurity Career Today

Are you ready to start your cybersecurity career? Find a great program that helps you learn cybersecurity in one or two years and build the skills needed to secure the job you desire.