Can You Get Into Cybersecurity With a Biology Degree?
A biology degree can prepare you for a career in cybersecurity. This educational path uniquely prepares you to make innovative breakthroughs in cybersecurity.
If you're studying biology or recently graduated with a biology degree, you may be curious to learn about your career options. You're interested in the cybersecurity field, but you're not sure you have the right background. Can you get started in a cybersecurity career with a degree in biology?
Biology and cybersecurity have more similarities than many people realize. Cybersecurity professionals with a biology background may be uniquely positioned to advance cybersecurity research using biomimicry techniques.
Read on for more information about biology degrees and how they can apply to careers in cybersecurity.
How Does Cybersecurity Relate to Biology?
Computer networks, operating systems, and other digital programs are designed similarly to biological systems. For example, computers can be infected with viruses just like living organisms can. This phenomenon is known as biomimicry.
Current cybersecurity techniques and practices make use of various biomimicry techniques. Data masking, for example, is a method of shielding sensitive information developed based on the protective ''leaf tents'' Bornean moths create. Steganography, another cybersecurity technique, disguises data in much the same way a chameleon changes its skin color to blend with its surroundings.
Biology and cybersecurity are inherently connected. Because digital systems mimic biological systems, a deep knowledge of biology can help cybersecurity professionals develop new ways to protect computer systems from cyber threats like cyberattacks and data breaches.
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Cybersecurity Protects Biological Research Innovations
Like many other fields, biology uses computer systems to record, store, and protect data. Computer science techniques, such as risk management and ethical hacking, are necessary to ensure this data remains secure.
Because of this need, it's possible to find entry-level cybersecurity jobs and advanced cybersecurity jobs in biology. For example, you may find work as a cybersecurity analyst for a research agency, analyzing threats to biological databases and ensuring research innovations are not compromised.
If you want to work in biology and cybersecurity, pursuing a cybersecurity job in a biological capacity, such as at a school or government agency, may be the path for you.
Benefits of a Biology Degree for a Cybersecurity Career
Biology and cybersecurity both require an understanding of science. Cybersecurity is seen as a more specialized STEM field, while biology is broader and may be seen as more theoretical in nature. For this reason, someone who has studied biology may bring a more open-minded approach to the cybersecurity field.
A cybersecurity professional with a deep knowledge of biology can be highly innovative, finding new biomimicry techniques to improve network security, address system vulnerabilities, and mitigate cybercrimes.
Ultimately, this rise in innovation can lead to more effective information security and various other advancements within the cybersecurity field.
Steps for Getting a Cybersecurity Job with a Biology Degree
If you're ready to put your biology degree to work in the cybersecurity field, there are some additional steps you can take to give yourself the best chance of success. Let's take a closer look.
Consider Earning a Second Degree
Though it's possible to start a career in cybersecurity with only your biology degree, getting a second, more specialized STEM degree can be beneficial. Consider pursuing a second bachelor's degree in one of the following fields:
- cybersecurity
- computer science
- information technology
- information systems
- software engineering
Alternatively, you could pursue a master's degree in cybersecurity or a related field. This will help you develop advanced skills and give you a better chance of landing specialized or leadership roles in cybersecurity.
Regardless of the degree program you choose, adding a cybersecurity degree to your resume will help you learn all the skills you need for a cybersecurity career while improving your professional credentials. It may also help you become a more desirable job candidate in the field.
Network With Cybersecurity Professionals
Knowing people who work in cybersecurity will benefit your career, especially when it comes to getting your foot in the door. Your professional network can be a great resource for finding out about job openings and landing good positions.
Your network can also help you build skills and increase your knowledge. Those in your network will usually be happy to answer any questions you have, provide career guidance, and connect you to other resources to make the job search easier.
Complete a Cybersecurity Certification
Many cybersecurity jobs don't require certification, but some do. Even if it's not required, getting a cybersecurity certification can demonstrate to employers that you are committed to the field and have the skills you need to succeed.
Various cybersecurity certifications are available, including:
- Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
- CompTIA Security+
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
Obtaining one or more certifications is beneficial whether or not you have a cybersecurity degree, but they can be especially useful if you don't have one. Certifications can improve your chances of getting hired by showing employers that you have specialized skills in cybersecurity, even if you don't have a degree in the field.
Learn Cybersecurity Technical Skills
A degree in biology can help you develop various soft skills that can benefit you in a cybersecurity career, such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and communicating clearly. It can also help you learn the fundamentals of research and scientific processes.
But to succeed in cybersecurity, you will need to master certain technical skills to perform the job effectively and reduce the amount of training you'll need once you're hired. These skills may include:
- coding and scripting proficiency
- use of tools such as Linux and Python
- risk assessment techniques
- ability to perform digital audits
- ability to identify and deal with malware
If you don't learn these skills in a degree program, take steps to learn them on your own. Take online classes, work internships, or learn from cybersecurity professionals in your network.
Build a Portfolio
To get a job in cybersecurity, you'll need a portfolio that will help you stand out from the crowd. You can build this portfolio in several ways.
First, list your degree program(s) and any relevant hands-on experience you had as part of that program, such as practicums or research opportunities. You can also list activities and experiences outside of school, such as internships and entry-level positions related to cybersecurity.
Having a portfolio of relevant education and experiences in cybersecurity will show potential employers the work you have put in to develop your skills and become proficient in cybersecurity. While there are no guarantees in the job search, having a portfolio will give you a better chance of landing your preferred cybersecurity roles.
