How To Get Into Cybersecurity With an IT Degree
With an IT degree, you can pivot to the cybersecurity field due to the overlapping job opportunities. There are many ways to get into cybersecurity with an IT degree.
Those seeking cybersecurity jobs with an IT degree should know the best actions to take. Once you've completed a bachelor's degree program in IT, you will learn useful information about data science, computer networks, and machine learning.
The skills you gain from an IT education may overlap with certain fundamentals in cybersecurity. This allows a person to have an IT degree and easier access in pivoting to the cybersecurity field. Both cybersecurity and IT require similar skills. You can get into cybersecurity with an IT degree by achieving a cybersecurity degree, earning cybersecurity certifications, and learning crucial cybersecurity skills.
Steps for Transitioning Into Cybersecurity With an IT Degree
You should follow several steps when transitioning into the cybersecurity field with an IT degree. These steps offer you a direct path to finding your dream career.
Discover Accredited Online Programs
Find the program that works best for you and apply today.
Southern New Hampshire University
You have goals. Southern New Hampshire University can help you reach them. Whether you need a bachelor's degree to get into a career or want a master's degree to move up in your current career, SNHU has an online program for you.
University of Maryland Global Campus
University of Maryland Global Campus provides affordable, achievable, and flexible pathways to a college degree for adult learners. With over 90 degrees and certificates, UMGC is built to fit your schedule and goals.
University of North Carolina
The University of North Carolina offers a wide range of online programs designed for working adults. Earn your degree from a nationally recognized institution with flexible scheduling and strong academic support.
Arizona State University
Arizona State University offers more than 300 online degree programs, certificates and courses. ASU Online delivers the same rigorous academic programs as on campus, with the flexibility you need to succeed.
Consider Pursuing a Master's Degree in Cybersecurity
Those seeking a career in cybersecurity can pursue higher education options. For instance, a person can attend university and achieve a master's degree in cybersecurity, software engineering, or other related field. With a master's degree, you may have cybersecurity job options to consider including:
- chief information security officer
- network security manager
- IT security
Additionally, some bootcamps help teach skills including digital forensics and cryptography.
Learn Cybersecurity Technical Skills
Certain cybersecurity programs may provide important information for programming languages and operating systems. Cybersecurity professionals must stay up-to-date with software development. These cybersecurity professionals include forensic analysts and cryptographers.
Those who previously worked in cloud computing or as a systems administrator will find job duties similar. These helpful technical skills will allow you to identify cybercrime and protect an organization from cyber attacks by utilizing firewalls and malware.
Leverage Your IT Knowledge and Skills
With an IT degree, you will gain well-rounded knowledge across both fields. In this way, your learned IT skills will be beneficial to cybersecurity. Whether you implement cybersecurity frameworks or have a strong understanding of network protection, your IT knowledge is essential for a cybersecurity degree.
Earn a Cybersecurity Certification
Another step to take to transition from IT to cybersecurity includes earning certification. Professional certifications you may be required to achieve include the certified information systems security professional (CISSP) and CompTIA security compliance.
These certifications help you gain more knowledge about cybersecurity and many related fields.
Build Your Portfolio
Building a strong portfolio is essential to become a full-time cybersecurity professional. Your portfolio should showcase your broad range of skills including information technology and computer systems.
Your work experience should be mentioned with strong explanations of your years of experience in IT and cybersecurity. Although you may receive an entry-level position, you may soon consider other job options. A portfolio should also include any relevant certifications you've achieved.
Network With Cybersecurity Professionals
To better understand the world of cybersecurity, a person can connect with cybersecurity professionals. Through networking, those interested can meet cybersecurity experts who can help provide useful information about a career in cybersecurity.
Those working in cybersecurity may offer crucial insights that allow a person to better succeed in the cybersecurity field.
Top Cybersecurity Career Paths for IT Majors
There are several cybersecurity career paths for IT majors to consider. Various specializations are offered within the world of cybersecurity such as cybersecurity specialists, analysts, and engineers.
Cybersecurity Analyst
A cybersecurity analyst will analyze and monitor data systems. In addition to this, an analyst will maintain firewalls, coordinate tasks, and prevent possible vulnerabilities.
Various job functions are necessary for the role of a cybersecurity analyst. For instance, an analyst must provide the prevention of security incidents as well as unauthorized access to the company's confidential information.
Security Architect
To fully secure a company's safety, a security architect provides plans and designs to implement security measures. As a security architect and a cybersecurity professional, a person will offer security solutions while designing elaborate frameworks to prevent cyber threats.
Also, to ensure network security, a security architect fixes bugs and performs system upgrades. Providing detail-oriented skills, a security architect must know the ins and outs of cybersecurity threats, creating algorithms to ensure the system is secure.
Security Auditor
Within the cybersecurity field, another cybersecurity role includes a security auditor. This cybersecurity job requires reporting any threats to the network, taking part in risk management, and addressing the company's security measures. Some of the specialties of a security auditor involve becoming knowledgeable of all security operations. A security auditor will regularly perform audits and security assessments.
Cybersecurity Engineer
A cybersecurity engineer works to eliminate cyber threats. Sometimes referred to as an information security engineer, those with this job title may monitor security breaches and perform incident response.
It is the cybersecurity engineer's job to protect the crucial assets of the organization. A company's network security is of the utmost importance and a cybersecurity engineer works to maintain connection and restrict any potential data breach.
Penetration Tester
As a penetration tester or ethical hacker, a person will identify any problems with the network through testing. Ethical hacking involves determining which aspects of cybersecurity defenses are vulnerable. Additionally, penetration testing involves completing security exercises and creating disaster recovery plans. Developing and implementing security policies will help strengthen the company.
How Is IT Related to Cybersecurity?
Information technology is related to cybersecurity in several ways. Certain IT or cybersecurity professions overlap due to the job description and duties needed. For instance, an IT security job requires skills from both IT and cybersecurity. This is helpful for those who gained a bachelor's or master's degree in IT or cybersecurity.
You will be required to take similar courses for both degrees. Thankfully, this provides more information, giving you a greater understanding of an IT and cybersecurity career.
