Are you thinking about getting into cyber security?

With the rise in frequency and complexity of cyber-attacks and data breaches, organisations and businesses around the globe are actively seeking skilled cyber security professionals to protect their data and systems. Whether you’re considering a career change or entering the job market for the first time, cyber security offers tons of opportunities.

If you're starting from scratch, it can feel overwhelming. Where do you begin? How do you go from knowing nothing to landing a job? This guide will walk you through the key steps to kick-start your cyber security career path, regardless of your background.

1. Learn And Strengthen Your Cyber Security Basics

Understanding the basics of what is cyber security is extremely important, before jumping into the technical details. Cyber security involves protecting systems, data and networks from cyber attacks and thefts. As cyber attackers constantly look for ways to exploit your weaknesses, your job as a cyber security professional is to prevent, detect and respond to these threats.

Cyber security isn’t just about fighting hackers, it’s about safeguarding digital information through fundamental principles and strategies that ensure the security, reliability, and accessibility of your data. A strong grasp of these core concepts will provide a solid foundation in the field.

A great place to start is with online resources that provide a broad overview of cyber security topics. The National Cyber Security Centre provides excellent, beginner-friendly resources and the latest cyber security insights. 

2. Master the Fundamentals of IT

Before you can become a cyber security expert, it is essential to understand the foundational technologies of the digital world. Think of it like constructing a house: you cannot install the roof without first understanding the walls and the foundation. In cyber security, this foundation is information technology (IT). You don't need to be a developer or engineer, but understanding the following areas will give you a significant advantage:

• Networking: Understand how devices connect and communicate, learn about Transmission Control Protocol and Internet protocol, IP addressing, routers, switches, and firewalls. The more you understand how networks work, the better you'll be at identifying and preventing vulnerabilities.
• Operating Systems: Both Windows and Linux are essential to cyber security. Many attacks target weaknesses in operating systems, so it's essential to know how to navigate and secure both platforms.
• Basic Programming: Learning the basics of scripting languages like Python or Bash can go a long way in cyber security. It can help you automate tasks, write scripts for security testing, or understand the logic behind vulnerabilities.
• Databases and SQL: Many cyber attacks, such as SQL injections, exploit weaknesses in databases. Knowing how databases work, and how data is stored and accessed, is essential in protecting against these types of attacks.

Reading about and taking courses on IT can help you familiarise yourself with basic concepts, helping you build a strong foundation for a cyber security career.

3. Explore Cyber Security Fundamentals

Once you're familiar with IT basics, focus on the core concepts of cyber security. These include:

• Threats and Attacks: Study the most common types of cyber attacks, such as phishing, ransomware, man-in-the-middle attacks, and denial-of-service (DoS) attacks.
• Cryptography: Learn about encryption, hashing, and secure communication methods. Cryptography is the backbone of secure data exchange and online privacy.
• Vulnerabilities and Exploits: Understand how attackers find weaknesses in software, hardware, and networks, this knowledge will help you protect data.
• Incident Response and Recovery: Learn how to respond to cyber security incidents, such as data breaches or network intrusions. Incident response involves identifying, containing, and neutralising threats to minimise damage.

These topics are covered in free entry-level cyber security courses available on Disruptive Cyber Group’s resources page, the courses make the learning process easier and accessible.

4. Get Certified

Certifications are one of the best ways to demonstrate your skills and stand out to potential employers. Hiring managers prefer candidates with relevant certifications. DCG offers several industry-recognised certifications and trainings through our partners that can open doors and lay the foundations for your career. These certifications and trainings are designed to match your needs and help you stand out in the crowd.

5. Gain Hands-On Experience

Cyber security is a hands-on profession. While theory is important, practical experiences set you apart in the field.

Here are some ways to gain that experience:

• Virtual Labs: Set up a virtual environment using platforms like VirtualBox or VMware to practice hacking techniques, secure systems, and troubleshoot vulnerabilities.
• Capture the Flag (CTF) Challenges: These gamified challenges simulate real-world cyber security problems and are a great way to develop practical skills. Our partners offer beginner to advance level trainings, which not only helps you gain experience but ensures that you are ready to tackle real threats.
• Internships, Apprenticeships and Volunteering: Seek out internships, apprenticeships or volunteer opportunities to gain practical experience. Many companies offer entry-level roles for cyber professionals to gain experience in real-life settings.

Gaining hands-on experience allows you to learn by doing, the fastest way to get into cyber security.

6. Stay Updated About Industry Trends

Cyber security is a rapidly evolving field. To stay competitive, you’ll need to continually learn and stay up-to-date on the latest trends, tools, and threats.

• Industry News: Follow cyber security blogs and news to stay informed on the latest incidents, breaches, and techniques.
• Podcasts: Tune into podcasts for insights and expert discussions.
• Cyber security Communities: Join forums like Reddit’s r/cybersecurity or attend cyber security expos/webinars/event networks with other professionals, share knowledge, and continue learning.

Conclusion

Starting a career in cyber security from scratch is entirely achievable. It requires dedication, a willingness to learn, and a commitment to gaining both theoretical knowledge and practical experience. By mastering foundational IT skills, earning relevant certifications, gaining hands-on experience, and staying current with industry trends, you’ll be well on your way to a successful career in this fast-growing field.

Cyber security professionals are in great demand with promising salaries in cyber security, and the shortage could reach 85 million workers by 2030, according to the World Economic Forum.

With this knowledge, you’re not just joining a growing field-you’re entering one of the most dynamic, important, and lucrative industries today.

So, get started, stay focused, and watch as you grow into a key player in the fight to protect our digital world.