The demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals continues to grow, as businesses prioritize the protection of their data and privacy. Experts in the field provide valuable advice to individuals just starting their cybersecurity careers, offering practical tips and insights to help navigate the early stages of this profession.
When it comes to advice on entering the cybersecurity field, industry leaders stress the importance of networking and building connections within the cybersecurity community. Brian Honan, CEO of BH Consulting, emphasizes the benefit of getting involved in industry events, writing blogs, and participating in local security meetings to create opportunities for job offers and mentorship.
Biljana Cerin, Information Risk, Business Development and Project Lead at Infoedge, emphasizes the significance of having a genuine passion for cybersecurity and a willingness to continuously learn and expand one’s professional skills. She advises aspiring cybersecurity professionals to find a mentor, pursue formal education, and actively engage in networking opportunities within the industry.
Byron Rashed, VP of Product Marketing at DigitSec, highlights the importance of building a strong technical foundation, staying informed about the evolving threat landscape, and understanding the specific cybersecurity needs of the industry one wishes to work in. He encourages individuals entering the field to focus on learning network topography, software integration, and industry-specific security measures.
Ian Campbell, Senior Security Operations Engineer at DomainTools, emphasizes the critical role of trust and credibility in cybersecurity. He advises aspiring security practitioners to focus on building trust with colleagues and stakeholders, establishing repeatable processes, and sharing their knowledge and experiences with the cybersecurity community.
Joseph Cooper, Cybersecurity Recruiter at Aspiron Search, advises newcomers to the field to embrace every opportunity for growth, not limit themselves to strictly cyber-focused roles, and leverage social networking platforms like LinkedIn to build connections within the industry.
Santiago Holley, Lead Analyst at Crypto ISAC, highlights the need for hands-on technical experience in entry-level cybersecurity roles and encourages aspiring professionals to seek alternative avenues for gaining practical skills, such as self-teaching, internships, apprenticeships, or on-the-job training. He underscores the importance of continuous learning and staying current with new skills in the rapidly evolving field of cybersecurity.
Overall, the advice provided by these cybersecurity experts underscores the importance of networking, continuous learning, technical proficiency, and building trust within the industry. As the demand for cybersecurity professionals continues to grow, individuals entering this field can benefit greatly from following these practical tips and insights to establish a successful and fulfilling career in cybersecurity.