In this section, we will focus on what cybersecurity is all about and what it means to be a cybersecurity professional.
Cybersecurity – What Is It?
To understand what cybersecurity is all about, we first need to understand what computers and information systems are all about.
In simple terms, computers and information systems consist of hardware and software. In which they are used to store, process, manipulate, and manage data. This is where the term “information systems” originates from.
The hardware consists of our traditional computers with all their components. Such as CPU, memory, storage devices (hard disks), printers, monitors, keyboards, mice, etc.
Software is the collection of programs that enable computers to store, process, manipulate and manage data in the form of digital information. The software consists of operating systems, utilities, applications, etc.
So, cybersecurity is all about protecting information systems from attacks, intrusions, misuse, etc. That’s it in a nutshell.
What Do Cybersecurity Professionals Do?
Cybersecurity professionals are responsible for developing, implementing, and managing policies and procedures. It is to protect information systems from attacks, intrusions, misuse, etc.
These professionals use a wide range of skills and techniques to perform their job duties. Such as penetration testing, cryptography, hacking, forensics, software engineering, etc.
These professionals also use many different tools to perform their job duties. Such as network flow analysis tools (e.g. Wireshark), network security monitoring tools (e.g. Snort), vulnerability assessment tools (e.g. Nessus), etc.
There are two main job titles in the field. They are “security analyst” and “security engineer”.
How to be Professionals?
There are many different ways to become a cybersecurity professional. Here are some steps:
1. Get a degree in cybersecurity, information security, computer science, etc.
2. Get certified.
3. Get experience (volunteering and internships are good ways).
4. Find a job
The above steps are what most professionals do.
Where Do People Work as Cybersecurity Professionals?
There are many different places where people work as professionals:
1. Government agencies (e.g. US Department of Defense, National Security Agency) – they hire lots of cryptography and cryptanalysis experts;
2. Private companies – they hire lots of cryptography and cryptanalysis experts, IT security engineers, etc.
3. Non-profit organizations (e.g. ACLU, EFF) – they hire lots of privacy and security experts;
4. Universities and schools (esp. Computer Science and Information Security programs).
Can You Make a Lot of Money as a Cybersecurity Professional?
Yes, you can make a lot of money as a cybersecurity professional. But it’s not easy to find a job. And even if you do find a job, it may not be paying a lot of money unless you start at the lowest level and work your way up to the top.
But if you are smart, talented, and work hard, then you can hit the jackpot. Because there is no limit to how much money you can make being these professionals.
To Conclude
The above is what cybersecurity is all about and how to become these professionals. It is hard work, but it is worth it. Why? Because most jobs are boring, but cybersecurity jobs are not. So if you are bored with your job, then maybe you should try becoming a cybersecurity professional.
