How long does it take to become a cyber security professional?

04-Oct-2021

With the introduction of current technologies like the Internet of Things, the number of connected devices over the internet is rapidly expanding. Hackers can now use artificial intelligence and machine learning to launch automated cyberattacks that can easily infiltrate security systems without the need for human participation, while cyberwarriors are improving their understanding. These automated cyberattacks are a global concern, and they can be prevalent in large numbers. 

Organizations now need cyber security professionals who can secure their data and eradicate vulnerabilities to defend against cyber attacks and security breaches. In the absence of a cybersecurity program, organizations become appealing targets for hackers and cybercriminals.

Hence, cybersecurity degrees are more necessary and popular than ever. Cyber security training courses equip you with the knowledge to safeguard operating systems of computers, data, and networks from cyberattacks. You'll learn how to monitor systems and react to threats as they arise.

To get the drift on becoming a Cyber Security professional, let us discuss the nuances of the field step by step.

What is Cybersecurity?

Cybersecurity uses technology to keep systems, networks, and programs safe from digital threats. The most common cyberattacks are obtaining unauthorized access, modifying, distorting, destroying essential data, extorting money from users, or interrupting regular corporate activity.

Cybersecurity encompasses a wide range of topics, from business to mobile computing, and can be broadly classified as follows:

• Application security and network security
• Information protection
• Security on the Field
• Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery
• End-user Education

What roles do cybersecurity professionals perform?

Cyber security is a vast field in and of itself, including many different sectors in the development, maintenance, protection, and prevention of threats and attacks. As a result, multiple roles and responsibilities in cyber security exist, each requiring particular skills and expertise to fulfill the common aim of protecting online data from potential online attacks.

Cybersecurity experts typically deal with and counter threats that take the following forms:

• Obtaining access to and attacking politically motivated information is a very typical occurrence.
• Cyber terrorists destabilizing electronic systems to cause panic or anxiety
• Unauthorized access to an organization's information system, unlawful monetary gain by individuals or groups. 

What is the duration to become a cyber security professional?

Acquiring the requisite skills for entering the cyber sector typically takes 2–4 years. The cost of attending college varies substantially. Your education is more practical and hands-on at boot camps. Cyber boot camps are typically 12-15 weeks long, compared to 2-4 years at a university.

The duration for completing a cybersecurity degree or training varies according to the nature of the study program and the institutes providing the course. Let us begin from the fundamental level.

A Bachelor's degree typically takes about 3 or 4 years in most countries. There are varied streams and branches in this traditional three -or four-year degree course, which individuals can major in. 

Similarly, a Master's course in Cybersecurity takes about 1 to 2 years. Individuals interested in furthering their Cybersecurity education may even proceed to take up a Ph.D. program that will last 3 to 5 years. 

Those individuals who want to begin their cybersecurity career right after graduation have the choice to take up a Diploma course or Master's Course depending upon one's goal and interest. 

Numerous private institutes offer Cyber Security professional certification courses online.  The ability to take an online short course in IT Security before choosing whether you're ready to pursue undergraduate or postgraduate education is a huge plus. Cyber Security short courses start at 100 EUR at many universities, institutions, and online platforms. They usually last 1-3 months and give you an introduction to online learning.

Cyber Security training online can also help you save money on tuition. Tuition is less expensive, starting at 300 EUR per academic year, and you won't have to pay for transportation, rent, or living expenses in a foreign country.

Before enrolling in an online Bachelor's or Master's in IT Security, ensure the program is accredited. While most online degrees are genuine, you don't want to waste your money and time on a forgery. Keep in mind the cyber security certification training online you are enrolling with fulfills all the industry-related lessons and training. 

The path to becoming a Cybersecurity professional and, more specifically, reaching the higher ground is not easy. It demands professionals have specific years of work experience and acquire global standard Cyber Security professional certification exams. 

The toughest and the most sought-after is the CISSP ( Certified Information Systems Security professional ). The aspiring candidates should attempt this Cyber Security professional certification following a well-planned and target training method by joining a Cybersecurity online. The exam covers an extensive content outline covering the following eight domains:

• Security and Risk Management
• Asset Security
• Security Engineering
• Communications and Network Security
• Identity and Access Management
• Security Assessment and Testing
• Security Operations
• Software Development Security

Cracking this certification will boost your confidence and catapult your chances of becoming an expert professional in Cybersecurity. However, the preparation is grueling and may require you to commit and invest your time and effort thoroughly. 

Additionally, other Cyber Security professional certifications are also in demand given the vast expanse of internet presence. They are:-

Certified Information Security Management (CISM): This certification is ideal for professionals in 

• Managers of Information Security
• Those who want to work in the field of information security but don't know where to start
• Consultants in Information Systems and Technology
• Architects and security auditors
• Engineers who work on security systems
• Risk Officers CISOs

Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA): CISA Certification Training is necessary for professionals such as:

• Information Security Management professionals, security consultants, and managers
•  IT directors/managers, as well as security auditors/architects.
• Engineers who work on security systems
• Information Security Officers (CISOs)
• Architects of Networks
• Members of the ISMS

These three top certifications require professionals to have at least five years of work experience with extensive and in-depth knowledge of the field. The ideal way is to get maximum exposure to the industry relevant-projects and have hands-on experience on them. The only sure-shot way to achieve this is through cyber security certification training.

For beginners, starting with an Internship is an ideal trajectory.

Internships are an excellent job preparatory experience for freshers and to prepare for a career. They provide you with the opportunity to collaborate with IT Security specialists and learn from real-world difficulties and scenarios. Internships are a terrific way to put what you've learned in Cyber Security studies into practice and identify where you can improve.

Internships are available on sites like Glassdoor or LinkedIn. Apply if you meet the qualifications and are satisfied with the duration and compensation. On the internet, you can also locate a list of IT Security internships. Although not all of them are up to date, they save you the time of searching for each program separately.

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