The Difficulties of Learning Cybersecurity

Embarking on a cybersecurity career path can be both challenging and enriching with the appropriate approach.

The difficulty level of mastering cybersecurity varies by individual viewpoint. For those with a keen interest in tech, a penchant for tackling intricate issues, and a commitment to continuous learning, cybersecurity might just be an exciting and fulfilling endeavor.

If you’re contemplating entering this field, feeling daunted by the need to acquire and constantly update your technical prowess is quite common. While some competencies might prove tough, adopting the correct mindset and strategy can set you up for a successful career in a highly sought-after profession.

As you develop the necessary abilities for a cybersecurity profession, consider these pieces of advice.

Enrolling in an initial cybersecurity course provides you with both a structured setting to acquire basic skills and a firsthand exploration of the field. This is your chance to determine if a career in information security aligns with your personal aspirations and interests.

Such an introductory course could explore subjects including:

• Tools for cybersecurity and methods of attack
• Compliance with security standards and regulations
• Protection of operating systems, networks, and data
• Strategies for incident management
• Conducting penetration tests
• Gathering cyber threat intelligence

Begin with a comprehensive introduction, which will help clarify your existing competencies, identify potential specializations within cybersecurity, and outline the additional skills you’ll need to acquire.

There’s a distinction to be made between something being hard and it being engaging. While mastering cybersecurity might pose a challenge, it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s overly tough, particularly if your interest in technology runs deep. Cultivate an inquisitiveness for the tech you encounter, which could make even the tougher skills seem more approachable.

Engagement in learning itself can ignite interest in the subject matter. If you’re energized by collective enthusiasm, joining a network of cybersecurity experts might boost your own excitement.

It’s also possible that after a few classes, you’ll realize your true interests are in a different area, which is perfectly fine. Cybersecurity offers a dynamic, intellectually stimulating, and lucrative career path, yet it’s not suited for everyone.

Acquiring skills in cybersecurity isn’t necessarily about overhauling your life for a formal education or an intensive training camp. Incremental learning daily can yield substantial progress. Dedicate just a quarter of an hour daily to focus on cybersecurity. Schedule this study period, ideally at the same time each day, to build a routine.

Additionally, it helps to outline clear objectives for each study session. Set precise goals such as “complete these three specific instructional videos,” “successfully pass the quiz for module four,” or “read through the first two chapters.”

One of the most effective methods for learning involves practical application. Within the realm of cybersecurity, gaining hands-on experience with the industry’s tools and methods can be achieved by engaging in ethical hacking.

What does ethical hacking entail? According to the EC-Council, known for its widely recognized Certified Ethical Hacker credential, ethical hacking involves “identifying vulnerabilities within an application, system, or an organization’s infrastructure which could potentially be exploited by malicious attackers.”

Put differently, ethical hacking involves legally and with permission attempting to infiltrate systems, networks, applications, or databases.

Various websites, available at no cost, offer platforms where you can enhance your cybersecurity abilities through interactive, legally sanctioned challenges. Here are some platforms to begin with:

Hack This Site
Hack the Box
WebGoat
Hack.me

As your expertise grows, you might want to explore bug bounty initiatives, where corporations reward independent cybersecurity experts for discovering and disclosing security weaknesses. This provides a practical arena to apply your skills, and it also opens doors for networking with fellow professionals in security. You can discover these opportunities listed on HackerOne and Bugcrowd.

Numerous educational programs in cybersecurity come equipped with virtual laboratories, offering a space where you can hone your abilities with authentic security tools in a controlled setting. These labs are seamlessly integrated into coursework, but the opportunity for practice doesn’t end there; you can establish your personal virtual lab as well. A fundamental lab setup generally consists of:

• A cloud platform for hosting virtual machines
• A target machine that serves as the subject of simulated attacks
• An attack platform, which is the machine from where you will devise and execute your strategies

Becoming part of a community with shared interests in cybersecurity can be invigorating. Participating in online forums or communities not only provides a venue for asking questions, finding inspiration, and networking but might also lead to job prospects. If you’re not prepared for formal professional groups, Reddit offers an accessible entry point. Check out these notable subreddits:

r/cybersecurity for wide-ranging discussions on cybersecurity and to participate in Mentorship Monday
r/CyberSecurityJobs focused on employment opportunities and career-related conversations
r/cyber for the latest in worldwide cybersecurity developments

Studying for a cybersecurity certification not only serves to expand your knowledge base but also adds significant value to your CV, making you a more formidable contender in the job market. According to HR Dive, a notable 67 percent of employers in IT look for candidates with industry-recognized certifications.

The landscape of cybersecurity is in constant flux, with both threats and technologies evolving rapidly. Therefore, adept professionals in this field typically commit to lifelong learning to keep their skills updated with the shifting dynamics.

When embarking on a job search within cybersecurity, it’s wise to target organizations that prioritize and finance continuous education for their employees. This approach not only reduces personal financial outlay but also integrates learning into your work schedule, potentially funded by the employer.

Raising this topic during your job interview, when you’re given the chance to inquire, shows your enthusiasm for personal growth and continuous learning.

Kickstart your career in cybersecurity by enrolling in the Cybersecurity Professional Certificate offered through Accumentum. Our programs offer practical experience with tools used in the industry and analysis of actual scenarios, designed for flexible self-paced learning. After completing one of our courses, you’ll earn a credential to boost your resume, setting you up to pursue roles such as security analyst, SOC (security operations center) analyst, among others.

Accumentum® is the leading training provider for a vast array of technology vendors including AWS, Cisco, CIW, CompTIA, EC-Council, Fortinet, GIAC, HRCI, ISACA, ITIL, Microsoft, Palo Alto, PMI, Scrum, SHRM, Veritas, VMWare, and more.