How To Get Into Cybersecurity With a Business Degree

Businesses rely on technology to operate efficiently, so they need cybersecurity experts to keep software, data, and networks secure. The connection between these two fields can make cybersecurity a great career choice for individuals with business degrees.

You might wonder how you can get into cybersecurity with a degree in business. Transitioning from a career in business to cybersecurity is possible by earning a second degree, gaining cybersecurity certification, and networking with professionals.

Below, we'll take a closer look at the steps you can take to switch from business to cybersecurity. We'll also review some of the best cybersecurity careers for business majors.

Steps for Transitioning Into Cybersecurity With a Business Degree

There are many ways to start a cybersecurity career with a business degree. Let's look at the steps you can take to enter the field.

Consider Earning a Second Degree in Cybersecurity

Earning a second degree like a Bachelor of Science in cybersecurity ensures you know the fundamentals in the field. In this program, you'll learn how to:

• find information technology (IT) security threats and vulnerabilities
• implement solutions to cybercrime
• protect against future cyberattacks

Some degree programs offer cybersecurity specializations to deepen your knowledge of the field. Options might include cloud computing, game development, programming, or software development. You could also consider bachelor's programs in related fields, such as IT and computer science degrees.

Complete a Cybersecurity Certification

Cybersecurity certifications show employers you have the knowledge, skills, and experience to perform in cybersecurity roles. A few to consider include:

• CompTIA Security+
• CompTIA Cyber Security Analyst (CySA+)
• EC-Council Certified Security Analyst (CSA)
• Google professional cybersecurity certificate
• ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity (CC)
• ISC2 Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
• Microsoft Cybersecurity Architect Expert

Some cybersecurity programs prepare students for certifications. Students who possess IT certifications could also earn college credits for prior experience.

Build Your Portfolio

If you already have hands-on experience in the cybersecurity field, consider building a portfolio to show employers your skills. Here are some projects you could include:

• security audits
• computer network security analyses
• business system's vulnerability identifications
• incident response journals
• file permission management

Whether you've created projects during an internship, volunteered for a non-profit, or completed personal projects, you can share them in your portfolio.

Network With Cybersecurity Professionals

Cybersecurity professionals like security engineers, information security analysts, cybersecurity managers, and ethical hackers have a wealth of knowledge to share. Ways you can connect with cybersecurity experts include:

• visit cybersecurity events and conferences
• contact experts on online cybersecurity forums and social media sites
• reach out to local businesses to inquire about mentorship

Networking with these experts can help you find cybersecurity degree programs and connect with future employers.

Learn Necessary Cybersecurity Skills

Finding success as a cybersecurity expert requires building the necessary hard and soft skills. Hard skills represent the technical skills specific to a cybersecurity role. Building hard skills in areas like the following could strengthen your career:

• cloud security
• software engineering
• risk management
• network forensics
• cryptography
• programming
• penetration testing
• operating system security

You'll also need soft skills to succeed in cybersecurity. Some include:

• problem-solving
• project management
• communication
• critical thinking
• attention to detail

You've learned the steps to transition into cybersecurity with a business degree. Next, we'll review some of the best cybersecurity careers for business majors.

Top Cybersecurity Careers for Business Majors

Some of the best cybersecurity careers for business majors combine aspects of both fields. Below are some roles to consider.

Cybersecurity Consultant

Cybersecurity consultants assist companies looking for the best ways to safeguard sensitive data. Specific duties might vary depending on the employer's needs but could include the following:

• perform assessments to pinpoint threats
• conduct audits to gauge security measure effectiveness
• decide which security tools are best
• regularly monitor information systems for malware and other threats

Consultants might work for a single organization or take multiple clients. A bachelor's degree in cybersecurity is recommended for this role; however, you could also consider a master's degree to enhance your leadership skills.

Business Information Security Officer

A business information security officer (BISO) is a senior or executive-level position. This officer is often responsible for managing all information security in a business. As a BISO, you could perform the following duties:

• implement an organization's security program
• lead an information security team
• provide risk and security updates to leadership
• lead audits, compliance, and regulatory efforts related to security and privacy

A BISO can combine their business and cybersecurity knowledge to help an organization make decisions about security controls and risks. To secure this role, you might need a master's degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field.

Governance, Risk, and Compliance Analyst

Governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) analysts combine business and IT knowledge to enhance security for an organization while also helping to strengthen business needs. Duties could include the following:

• help design policies and procedures that drive an organization's privacy and integrity
• team with auditors to ensure timely audit deliveries
• work with HR, sales, legal, and other teams to deliver security compliance programs
• help maintain security documentation

Securing a GRC role could require years of experience in the field. You might also need a bachelor's degree in a computer science or IT-related field.

Can Business Majors Get Into Cybersecurity?

Yes, business majors can enter the field of cybersecurity whether they study business administration, accounting, finance, or business management. The key is building cybersecurity skills and getting the necessary experience to qualify for cybersecurity jobs.

If you're still enrolled in a business program, consider adding a cybersecurity minor. You'll learn how to defend systems and networks against cyber threats and build technical skills to help you qualify for cybersecurity roles.

You could also consider a cybersecurity boot camp. Boot camps can help build your skills in a few months. Courses cover ethical hacking, defensive security, network security, and other important concepts. Some boot camps also prepare students for IT certifications.

Is Cybersecurity Related To Business?

Many businesses use cybersecurity to keep their networks and data safe. This creates a natural connection between the two fields. A background in business can make you a strong candidate for cybersecurity jobs.

Your business analysis skills can help you effectively evaluate cyber threats and take the proper steps to protect information systems. Business management skills can aid your cybersecurity project management initiatives.

In addition to the top cybersecurity careers listed above, business majors can thrive as information security analysts. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment for this entry-level role is expected to jump 32% from 2022 to 2032 making this a great career option for individuals with business degrees.