How to Become a Cybersecurity Expert: Explore Top Certifications, Skills and Career Paths

According to Cybercrime Magazine, there is a critical shortage of cybersecurity professionals and the number of unfilled cybersecurity jobs is expected to reach 3.5 million globally by the end of 2025. This is a pretty crazy scenario in the tech industry, but still good news for the professionals, they are practically among the few professionals immune to global layoffs. So if you think cybersecurity is a field you want to make a career in, then read our blog and understand how to become a cybersecurity expert.

What is a Cybersecurity Professional?

Cybersecurity professionals are responsible for finding discrepancies and weaknesses in computer networks and systems. They create, test, and analyse systems to keep data and information safe from hackers, cyberattacks, and other external threats. They identify threats and find ways to keep an organisation's internal computer network secure, protecting it from malware, phishing, password attacks, and other intrusions. Most popular cybersecurity job titles include Cybersecurity Engineer, Information Security Analyst, Computer Forensics Expert, Security Researcher, Risk Analyst, Malware Analyst, and Incident Manager, among others.  

Top Cybersecurity Skills

To have a successful career as a Cybersecurity Professional, you must possess the following skills –

Technical skills

A cybersecurity expert must have a sound technical knowledge of the following:

• Intrusion detection, powerful Trojans and backdoor codes
• Cloud security and Black Hat techniques
• Microsoft and Linux servers, Citrix and Microsoft Exchange, Cisco network switches and virtualization, among others
• Awareness of contemporary information security standards, practices, procedures and methodologies
• Use of hacking tools such as AppScan or Fortify, and security policies and regulations
• Malware Analysis and Cryptography
• Programming languages such as C, C++, PHP, Perl, Java, and Shell 
• Internet of Things (IoT) security, network identity, and access management 
• Advanced use of firewall, VPN, Cisco, IDS/IPS, SIEM and DLP technologies
• Database, Risk analysis and Risk mitigation 
• Networking and programming logics 
• Operating systems, e.g., Windows, macOS, Linux (e.g., Kali Linux, Parrot Security OS, BlackArch Linux, Tails OS), etc.
• Incident management and control in operating systems, networking, IDS, IPS, FW, blog analysis and network traffic analysis
• Microprocessor and assembly language
• Databases
• A proactive approach towards cybersecurity

Soft Skills

• Strong analytical and diagnostic skills 
• Awareness of contemporary standards, practices, procedures and methodologies 
• Excellent presentation and communication skills 
• Effective communication to explain complex technical ideas and methods

Becoming a Cyber Security Professional

If you are planning to start a career in cybersecurity, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started.

1. Complete Your Formal Education 

To work as a cybersecurity professional, you would need to have a formal background in technology.

Recommended degrees:

• B.Tech or B.E. in Computer Science, Information Technology, or Electronics
• B.Sc. in Computer Science or Information Systems
• Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA)
• MCA in Cyber Security

During your studies, focus on subjects such as:

• Programming (Python, Java, C++)
• Operating Systems (Windows, Linux)
• Networking Fundamentals
• Databases and Cloud Computing

If you don’t have a technical degree, you can still enter the field by taking online courses in IT, networking, and cybersecurity.

2. Gain Relevant Certifications

Certifications are essential as they help authenticate your skills and knowledge. They are beneficial for career transitions or for those about to start their careers.

Popular Cybersecurity Certifications

3. Gain Hands-on Experience

Practical experience is highly valued in cybersecurity. Employers look for candidates who can handle real-world threats and security issues.

Ways to gain experience:

• Pursue an internship in Cybersecurity or take up any entry-level role as a security administrator, system administrator or network engineer
• Learn to perform penetration tests on web applications, networks and computer systems  
• Take up relevant industry certifications and earn more advanced IT certifications and training 
• Learn to develop strategies and plans to deploy information security technologies and improve the current programs 

You can also build a personal lab using virtual machines to simulate security environments and test your skills safely.

4. Stay Updated with the Latest Trends

Cybersecurity is a dynamic domain, and you need to stay up to date with new attacks, tools, and technologies. Keeping yourself updated is essential. You are advised to:.

• Follow cybersecurity news websites (e.g., The Hacker News, Infosecurity Magazine, CNET, Cybersecurity Insiders, KrebsOnSecurity, CSO Online, SecurityWeek, etc.)
• Join and participate in online cybersecurity communities on:
• Reddit: r/cybersecurity, r/netsec, r/AskNetsec, r/SecurityCareerAdvice, r/malware, r/blueteamsec, r/OSINT, r/ReverseEngineering, r/hacking, etc.
• Discord: TCM Security, TryHackMe, OffSec, Black Hills Infosec (BHIS), Darknet Diaries, Red Team Village, OSINTion, etc.
• Upskill yourself by taking online cybersecurity courses from top online course providers like Coursera, Udemy, Cybrary, Simplilearn, Pluralsight, etc.
• Attending bootcamps, webinars and workshops 

Top Cybersecurity Career Paths 

Once you build your foundation, you can specialize in different domains based on your interests.

Salary Source: Ambitionbox

Conclusion 

The path to cybersecurity specialisation begins with a solid foundation in computer science and networking. Understanding the fundamentals of operating systems, network protocols, and computer architecture is essential, as is programming, as many cyberattacks and defences involve code manipulation.

You must keep updating yourself by taking relevant certifications to prepare yourself practically and enhance your job prospects.