Professional development

How to Become a Cyber Security Expert

Ali Qamar
December 24, 2014 by
Ali Qamar

Cyber security is of paramount importance nowadays, since there are ongoing threats jeopardizing our overall web experience. Malware and hackers have been getting more sophisticated, and there have been more difficulties in trying to keep all the dangers at bay.

This is why it is a great thing to become a cyber security expert. In other words, it is amazing to be able and learn more about the field of cyber security; you will have the opportunity to foresee the emerging threats and identify the most suitable solutions against cyber security vulnerabilities.

What should you learn next?

What should you learn next?

From SOC Analyst to Secure Coder to Security Manager — our team of experts has 12 free training plans to help you hit your goals. Get your free copy now.

Of course, it is not easy to become a cyber security expert, and nobody can expect acquiring all the knowledge required overnight. Instead, strenuous work is expected prior to taking pride in knowing many aspects of the whole cyber security concept. Below, we are going to highlight some simple and yet highly efficient guidelines that you are more than welcome to follow. Using these guidelines as your backbone, you will get the chance to excel in cyber security and make a huge difference over time, determining the trends and finding solutions that will keep all Internet users secured!

How to Become an Expert in Cyber Security

Here are some of the fundamental details that will definitely lead to your professional improvement, as well as your deep knowledge in cyber security.

  • Study Thoroughly: If you do not study, you cannot expect much in this constantly growing field. So, you ought to pursue studying something relevant to the field of IT. This is the best method for learning the basics and proceeding gradually to the more advanced details in computing. Before you master your skills in cyber security, you need to have completed the basic courses in IT.
  • Get Certified: Apart from the degrees that you can get from universities, colleges and other institutes (even online security institutes and courses) regarding cyber security, there are companies such as Microsoft and Cisco that can offer you the certification you are after. Getting certified will provide you with the proof of knowledge that many professionals need in order to seek employment of their liking.
  • Pursue Security Internship: If possible, you can seek a security internship and you can do that as early as a student. In this way, you will invest time and others will invest money in your education, and this will lead to a more fruitful professional future. It is never too soon to claim your rights professionally.
  • Apply for Any IT Related Job: In order for you to become an Internet security specialist, you have to be experienced in a wide range of different professions that are related to the IT department. So, even if this is not what you would dream of becoming, you ought to pursue different IT jobs to gather as much experience and knowledge as possible. As the years go by, you will get the opportunity to focus on your real interest.
  • Computer Security Organizations and Benefits: Cyber security education is a must-have, but it is not the sole requirement for excelling in this field. On the other hand, though getting adequate experience professionally can open some doors, it is not the only road you have to follow. All at once, you ought to join computer security organizations that will get you more involved and enable you to gain more knowledge. Attend meetings and conferences, join forums and blogs, and interact with others!
  • Do Your Own Research: Ultimately, it is up to you to make a difference and master your skills by becoming a true cyber security expert. You must read from multiple resources and discovering the true meaning of everything linked with cyber security. Without research, there can be no actual gain in knowledge, and this is crucial when it comes to excelling your skills.
  • Figure out IT Solutions: Directly associated with the previous guideline, you should use your own research toward the best IT solutions. It should be your priority to come up with reliable and effective solutions that will lead to the improvement of the cyber security as a whole. From conceiving an idea to putting it into effect, you have to work hard and aim at the optimal outcome.
  • Launch Your Own Security Firm: Once you have gained proper knowledge and have come up with adequate experience in the field of cyber security, it's time you did something on your own. Launching your own security firm or creating a site that deals with how to shield the web against threats and dangers will reflect your mastery in the best manner possible!

These are essential tips for all those of you who wish to become cyber security experts. Feel free to utilize these guidelines and start working on your way up to knowing and mastering everything about cyber security. You need to be patient and focus on your true goal, which is none other than defending the web against any threat that might emerge along the way.

FREE role-guided training plans

FREE role-guided training plans

Get 12 cybersecurity training plans — one for each of the most common roles requested by employers.

Although progress works both ways and hackers nowadays have become a lot more efficient in their efforts to compromise data, people who defend the freedom of everyone to surf the Internet without fear have become a lot more knowledgeable too. Be one of them, and leave your mark as a cyber security specialist!

Ali Qamar
Ali Qamar

Ali Qamar is an Internet security research enthusiast who enjoys "deep" research to dig out modern discoveries in the security industry. He is the founder and chief editor at SecurityGladiators.com, an ultimate source for worldwide security awareness having supreme mission of making the internet more safe, secure, aware and reliable. Follow Ali on Twitter @AliQammar57