Can I Earn a Cybersecurity Degree Completely Online?

Cybersecurity is a field that is continuously growing and developing. Due to the increasing number of cyberattacks and the ineffectiveness of antivirus software, cybersecurity professionals are necessary to address these issues.

Cybersecurity education opportunities have been added to colleges and universities, but the demand for professionals is growing at a rate beyond the capacity of schools.

With the help of free online cybersecurity courses, cybersecurity certificates, and a plethora of online resources, you can become a self-taught cybersecurity expert.

Learning Cybersecurity on Your Own

With online courses and learning libraries from top schools and companies, you can learn the basics to more advanced skills needed for a cybersecurity career.

Step 1: Start with Foundational Skills

• Decide what area of the cybersecurity field you want to work in and research their requirements.
• Check online for cybersecurity syllabi or program requirements for various institutions of higher education.
• Check the foundational coursework and find it online.
• Some basic courses are cybersecurity laws, data, ethics, and networking.
• Look at jobs currently open in the field and examine the requirements.

Step 2: Determine Your Skillset

• Identify if you are a beginner or more advanced.
• Look at job descriptions and see what skills you currently possess vs. the ones needed to succeed in this field.
• Determine what things you want to learn that align with your skills.
• Find out your weaknesses with studying and learning.
• Determine if you can teach yourself or need someone to guide you.

Step 3: Identify Obstacles and Create a Plan of Attack

• Find out what struggles you are having with learning the materials.
• Find a mentor.
• What other outside barriers do you have, like work or family?

Step 4: Find a Course or Bootcamp

Dip your toe into the learning environment by finding a course online. There are many sites you go to, such as Coursera, edX, Springboard, and Udemy, to gain that basic knowledge of cybersecurity.

Cybersecurity bootcamps are also a way to learn. Bootcamps are intense cybersecurity training programs that are offered full or part-time. Several universities and colleges, companies, and technical schools offer bootcamps.

While there are many courses online for free, bootcamps typically cost money. With bootcamp completion, you can start working in the field quickly.

Step 5: Gain Experience

Hands-on training is needed for this field. There are ways to obtain it when self-taught.

• Set up a home system to practice.
• Compete in competitions, like bug bounties and hackathons.
• Join networking groups.
• Attend conferences.
• Find a mentor.

Step 6: Find a Specialty

Choose a specialty that you want to build a career around.

*Application Security ensures applications and programs perform well and do not have vulnerabilities by reinforcing security codes.

*Computer Security Basics cover the basics of keeping a computer secure, including software updates and using strong passwords.

*Ethical Hacking focuses on how to find and exploit security vulnerabilities to help organizations improve their security.

*Identity Theft and Fraud protects personal information from being stolen and used fraudulently.

*Malware and Viruses professionals find and exploit computer viruses.

*Network Security is where encryption, firewalls, and intrusion detection are the focus.

*Penetration Testing employs techniques to identify security vulnerabilities in websites, systems, and applications before criminals can.

*Research by understanding the real-world techniques criminals use against targets.

Step 7: Get Certifications

Cyber professionals can benefit from gaining additional knowledge in the field. They do this by earning certifications.

Certificates in specialization are needed for certain positions.

Step 8: Enjoy Your New Career

After gaining cybersecurity knowledge, find a job and begin gaining real-world experience.

Learning Cybersecurity FAQs

Do I Need a Degree for a Career in Cybersecurity?

Many companies have entry positions that do not require a degree. To advance in the field, additional education, including master's degrees or higher, may be necessary.

Can I Get a Job in Cybersecurity With No Experience?

As stated above, there are entry-level positions. Before pursuing a job, you must learn risk management basics, digital forensics, and coding languages.

How Long Does it Take to Learn Cybersecurity?

If you are self-taught, it can take anywhere from six months to two years.

A bachelor's degree takes four years and a master's degree takes two years.

What Are the Minimal Requirements for a Career in Cybersecurity?

A high school diploma or equivalent is required to get into the field. You will also need to take some courses in cybersecurity.

It is a good idea to look up the jobs you want to pursue and see their requirements.

Start Your Cybersecurity Career Today

The demand for cybersecurity professionals is rapidly increasing in response to the growing threats of cyberattacks and the evolving nature of the field.

With online programs you can conveniently get started in the field of cybersecurity.