Cybersecurity is the new rave, probably even a bigger rave than devops.
I believe that cybersecurity is not an entry-level job space, and that is why breaking in through IT support is the best way to go!
Cybersecurity jobs are a higher-paying, in-demand career path.
Cybersecurity jobs offer higher salaries, strong job security, and exciting career growth.
But how do you switch from IT support to cybersecurity without prior experience?
In this guide, we’ll cover:
✔️ How IT support skills transfer to cybersecurity
✔️ Key cybersecurity career paths & salaries
✔️ Best cybersecurity certifications to boost your job chances
✔️ Step-by-step guide to transitioning into cybersecurity
Table of Contents
1. Why Cybersecurity is a Great Career Path
1.1. 1. High Demand & Job Growth
1.2. 2. Higher Salary Potential
1.3. 3. Exciting Career Progression
2. Can you transition from IT to cybersecurity?
3. How IT Support Skills Help You in Cybersecurity
4. Cybersecurity Career Paths
4.4. 1. Security Analyst (Best Entry-Level Cybersecurity Job)
4.5. 2. SOC Analyst (Security Operations Center Analyst)
4.6. 3. Penetration Tester (Ethical Hacker)
4.7. 4. Cloud Security Specialist
5. Best Cybersecurity Certifications for Beginners
6. Step-by-Step Guide: How to Transition from IT Support to Cybersecurity
6.8. ✅ Step 1: Learn Cybersecurity Fundamentals
6.9. ✅ Step 2: Get Hands-On Experience
6.10. ✅ Step 3: Earn Cybersecurity Certifications
6.11. ✅ Step 4: Apply for Cybersecurity Jobs
7. 1. Can I transition to cybersecurity without a degree?
8. 2. How long does it take to transition into cybersecurity?
9. 3. What’s the best cybersecurity job for IT support professionals?
10. 4. What are the best free resources to learn cybersecurity?
Why Cybersecurity is a Great Career Path
After your job as IT support, you might be looking for a new challenge, especially something with transferable skills from your previous job. Cybersecurity is a great bet.
1. High Demand & Job Growth
Cybersecurity jobs are expected to grow 35% by 2031 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics), making it one of the fastest-growing IT fields.
2. Higher Salary Potential
✔️ IT Support Technician: $45,000 – $65,000/year
✔️ Cybersecurity Analyst: $75,000 – $120,000/year
✔️ Penetration Tester: $85,000 – $150,000/year
3. Exciting Career Progression
You can start as a Security Analyst and work up to Cybersecurity Engineer, Penetration Tester, or even CISO (Chief Information Security Officer).
Can you transition from IT to cybersecurity?
You are probably asking yourself if this is worth your while. The straight answer is YES! YOu can 100% transition from a career in IT to a career in cybersecurity.
How IT Support Skills Help You in Cybersecurity
Your IT support experience gives you transferable skills that are crucial in cybersecurity:
| IT Support Skill | Cybersecurity Relevance |
|---|---|
| Troubleshooting | Helps in identifying security threats and vulnerabilities |
| Networking Knowledge | Essential for firewall security, VPNs, and intrusion detection |
| Operating Systems | Helps in securing Windows, Linux, and macOS environments |
| User Support & Training | Useful for security awareness training |
| Incident Documentation | Helps in writing security reports and audits |
👉 Already have these skills? You’re halfway there! Now, let’s build on them.
Cybersecurity Career Paths
If you are looking to transition to cybersecurity from an IT support/specialist role, these are the easiest roles to get into:
1. Security Analyst (Best Entry-Level Cybersecurity Job)
🔹 What They Do: Monitor networks, detect cyber threats, and respond to incidents.
🔹 Skills Needed: Network security, threat analysis, SIEM tools (Splunk).
🔹 Best Certifications: CompTIA Security+, CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker).
🔹 Average Salary: $75,000 – $100,000/year.
2. SOC Analyst (Security Operations Center Analyst)
🔹 What They Do: Analyze security logs, track cyber threats, and prevent breaches.
🔹 Skills Needed: Threat detection, SIEM tools, log analysis.
🔹 Best Certifications: CompTIA CySA+, GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC).
🔹 Average Salary: $70,000 – $95,000/year.
3. Penetration Tester (Ethical Hacker)
🔹 What They Do: Hack into systems (legally) to find vulnerabilities.
🔹 Skills Needed: Scripting, ethical hacking, vulnerability assessment.
🔹 Best Certifications: OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional), CEH.
🔹 Average Salary: $90,000 – $150,000/year.
4. Cloud Security Specialist
🔹 What They Do: Secure cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud.
🔹 Skills Needed: Cloud security, identity management, risk assessment.
🔹 Best Certifications: AWS Certified Security – Specialty, CCSP.
🔹 Average Salary: $90,000 – $140,000/year.
Best Cybersecurity Certifications for Beginners
If you are looking to transition to a career in cybersecurity, whether from an itoldsupport background or as a career change, these certifications will go a long way in helping you.
| Certification | Best For |
|---|---|
| CompTIA Security+ | Beginner-friendly cybersecurity certification |
| CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker) | Ethical hacking and penetration testing |
| CompTIA CySA+ | Cybersecurity analysis and threat detection |
| OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional) | Advanced ethical hacking |
| CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) | Senior security roles |
👉 Pro Tip: Start with CompTIA Security+ if you're new to cybersecurity!
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Transition from IT Support to Cybersecurity
✅ Step 1: Learn Cybersecurity Fundamentals
- Study network security, threat detection, and ethical hacking.
- Take free cybersecurity courses (TryHackMe, Cybrary, Coursera).
✅ Step 2: Get Hands-On Experience
- Set up a home lab to practice security tools (Wireshark, Metasploit).
- Participate in Capture The Flag (CTF) challenges (Hack The Box).
✅ Step 3: Earn Cybersecurity Certifications
- Get CompTIA Security+ as a foundation.
- Progress to CEH, CySA+, or OSCP based on your career goal.
✅ Step 4: Apply for Cybersecurity Jobs
- Search for Security Analyst, SOC Analyst, or Penetration Tester roles.
- Optimize your resume to highlight security-related skills from IT support.
1. Can I transition to cybersecurity without a degree?
Yes! Many cybersecurity professionals don’t have a degree but have certifications, hands-on experience, and networking knowledge.
2. How long does it take to transition into cybersecurity?
With consistent study and practice, you can transition within 6–12 months.
3. What’s the best cybersecurity job for IT support professionals?
Start as a Security Analyst or SOC Analyst and grow from there.
4. What are the best free resources to learn cybersecurity?
- TryHackMe (Beginner-friendly labs)
- Hack The Box (CTF challenges)
- Cybrary (Free courses)
Transitioning from IT support to cybersecurity is a great career move that offers higher salaries, better job security, and exciting challenges.
I am currently taking the Google IT support specialist certification program and learning so much about IT support, network engineering, and cybersecurity, and it has been an exciting journey so far! I am learning a lot about the three and how they are all interconnected to one another.
Top comments (6)
I have my eyes on the salary part only!! Haha.. How bad I'm!
Let's go to the US and earn big.. then save nothing and come back to India lol.
😅😅😅 Maybe I'd do same and retire to a remote village and live out the rest of my life without technology!
😂 I doubt any of us can even do that, we're way too addicted to technology (at least I am). But it would be 10x more wholesome if you had friends doing it with you.
If we have ppl around us, or the ones we have interacted too. Then we don't even check our phones.
POV: I like my village. There's a lot to do and a lot to talk!!
CC: You're not getting bored!! 🫣
Lol.. I was thinking of remote only. For us, 100K USD is a good salary, but in India only. In foreign, we will have no savings.
I don't support migration either!