How To Switch From Software Development to Cybersecurity

No matter how sure you are when you start a college program or even when you're well on your career path, sometimes you want to change, especially when changing to a rapidly growing industry like cybersecurity. If you have a background in software development, you will have many applicable skills to transition to cybersecurity. However, there are several steps you need to take to make your career change as smooth as possible.

Steps for Transitioning From Software Development to Cybersecurity

The day-to-day work of software developers requires a deep knowledge of creating and testing software to find vulnerabilities and solve problems. Cybersecurity professionals use many of these skills but apply them in different ways. If you're looking to leverage your software development skills into a new career in the field of cybersecurity, follow these steps:

Get a Cybersecurity Certification

Although some people pursue degrees in cybersecurity, not all cybersecurity professionals get their degrees in the field. Many study a degree in another form of computer science and then use certification programs to cement their cybersecurity skills.

The Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) and CompTIA Security+ programs are two of the most popular certifications. Some certification programs have experience requirements, so it's always a good idea to find entry-level certification to prepare you for a cybersecurity role without years of experience.

Network With Others in Cybersecurity

The adage goes it isn't what you know it's who you know. Technical knowledge is essential to becoming a cybersecurity expert, but it's also important to know people in the industry. Talking with people working in cybersecurity will allow you to gain knowledge about the day-to-day work. These connections can also serve as an advantage when applying for jobs.

Expand Your Portfolio

Portfolios are usually associated with artistic and creative-based professions, but cybersecurity professionals can also build portfolios to demonstrate their skills to prospective employers. Completing cybersecurity projects demonstrates proficiency in skills that employers want.

Common portfolio projects include case studies and sandbox work with topics like:

• malware analysis
• network security and traffic analysis
• designs for cybersecurity software
• projects showing ethical hacking skills to be used in penetration testing (pen testing)

There are multiple online sources of sandbox environments in which you can complete projects. These sandbox environments don't require you to perform real work, but you can still demonstrate your skill set as if it were real.

Learn More About Web Security and Malware

The internet is full of resources about cybersecurity. Unlike college courses, blogs, videos, and other forms of content can respond in real-time to new cyber threats and subfields of cybersecurity, like cloud security and machine-learning-based threats. If you want to work in cybersecurity, you need to familiarize yourself with as much as possible on the fundamentals of cybersecurity.

Apply for Cybersecurity Jobs

Once you've completed certification programs, you can apply for cybersecurity jobs. Because of the high demand for cybersecurity professionals, many positions are available in multiple industries, including entry-level positions perfect for applicants without years of experience.

How To Decide Whether You Should Switch From Software Development to Cybersecurity

Any career change should only be done after careful consideration. Before switching from software development to cybersecurity, review all the switching factors.

Assess Your Career Goals

First, consider why you want to switch careers. Are your ultimate career goals aligned with cybersecurity or are you just looking for something fresh? Cybersecurity is a field that requires ongoing learning and the ability to respond quickly to threats that might have been unseen. Switching may be the right career for you if you're interested in this type of work.

There are also multiple specializations within the field of cyber security, such as:

• cybersecurity analyst
• cybersecurity engineer
• penetration tester
• software application security

Some of these positions will have more technical skills overlap with software development, making career changes easier.

Determine Whether Cybersecurity Jobs Are In Demand

Cybersecurity jobs aren't just in high demand, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a growth rate of roughly 32% for cybersecurity careers by 2032, almost 11 times the growth rate for all careers over that same time. As cyberattacks become more common, companies, governments, and other organizations will continue to need the services provided by cybersecurity experts.

Research What Skills Are Necessary For a Career in Cybersecurity

Career changes from unrelated fields are often tricky because of the skills required for the new career path. Fortunately, software development and cybersecurity are computer science fields and share some skills.

Some skills that are necessary for a career in cybersecurity include:

• knowledge of programming languages: Python, Java, JavaScript, and more
• the ability to work with multiple operating systems like Windows and Linux
• real-time problem-solving for rapid incident response
• the ability to use automation to streamline processes

Ask Yourself If You Want To Further Your Education

Even if you have many skills required to work in cybersecurity, switching from software development often leads to ongoing education. In addition to potential schooling to prepare for certifications, cybersecurity professionals need to continue learning about the changes and developments in their field. If continual education doesn't interest you, cybersecurity might not be the right career.

Speak to a Cybersecurity Professional

Beyond networking opportunities, there are many reasons you should speak to cybersecurity professionals before making a career switch. Reading job descriptions can only explain the role of a cybersecurity professional so well. Someone working in the field daily can give you invaluable insight into the tasks, responsibilities, and necessary job skills.

Can You Go Into Cybersecurity With a Software Development Degree?

Switching from software development to cybersecurity with a software development degree is possible. Although they are different career paths, cybersecurity and software development are both branches of computer science. There will be specialized courses for both paths, but there will also be many crossover courses.

What makes someone prepare for a job in cybersecurity is more skill-based than degree-based. By earning a degree in software development, you'll earn plenty of the skills needed to work in cybersecurity. Employers will recognize the value of most computer science degrees, provided you have taken the time to learn the skills that don't overlap.

If you only have a software development degree, you should pursue certification. Although certifications can't guarantee a job, they will make it easier for you to display proficiency in necessary skills to future employers.