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Ferdi Birgül
Ferdi Birgül

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Complete Roadmap for Cyber Security Career Path

Below are some basic requirements and steps to become a cyber security expert:

***Step 1: Education Requirements*
**
Firstly, you must fulfil the basic educational requirement to pursue your career in cyber security. You should have a bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology or a similar field with an emphasis on cyber security.

Obtaining a bachelor's degree in the mentioned fields can help you gain basic knowledge about firewalls, computer networks, cyber security measures, cryptography and coding. To be successful in this field it is essential to be proficient in programming languages.

The course will also familiarise you with multiple computer languages such as JAVA etc. and the latest cyber security trends. A bachelor's degree in a related field can also help you land an entry-level job in cyber security. For example, you can get a job as a cyber security analyst in an organisation that does not require you to have any experience.

Step 2: Acquire Relevant Technical and Soft Skills
Certain technical skills are a prerequisite for becoming successful and sought-after cyber security experts. Therefore, you must acquire these technical skills and be good at them.

First of all, you must be good at coding. Get a working knowledge of programming languages such as JAVA, Python, C++ and other cutting-edge technologies. Hands-on experience using tools like PowerShell and OpenSSH is desirable.

This will enable you to design security solutions, task automation, etc. in the field. It helps to have a thorough understanding of cyber security related concepts. Here are a few of them:

Security Incident Handling and Response: A cybersecurity professional should be able to address any possible danger of an existing breach of an organisation's security guidelines or standard cybersecurity procedures. Such security breaches can include malware, Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks, etc.

SIEM Management: As a cybersecurity professional, you should be able to manage security information and event management (SIEM) services and tools. You will also need to produce automation using SIEM tools to understand the real-time assessment delivered through alerts and translate them into incident-response plans.

Audit and Compliance: A cybersecurity professional needs to comprehensively re-evaluate the organisation's compliance with regulatory policies, including HIPAA, PCI DSS, COBIT, ISO 27001 and 20000. missed scopes that can lead to critical penalties and liabilities for the organisation.

Analytics and Intelligence: A security professional must leverage analytics and gather intelligence to quickly recognise and catch attacks. In addition, using analytics and collected intelligence enables the expert to bring networks and applications together with data to stop attacks.

Firewall/IDS/IPS Skills: A cybersecurity professional should use the power of a firewall to scan network traffic to avoid unauthorised entries into the network. Therefore, the cybersecurity professional must have a thorough knowledge of Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) and Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS) and understand their relationship to the firewall. Intrusion Detection: To be a successful security professional, you must be able to use IDS to detect suspicious traffic and security policy violations. All this technical knowledge and expertise will help you succeed as a cyber security expert. You can acquire the necessary skills and knowledge related to the previously mentioned concepts by enrolling in advanced training sessions, online tutorials, workshops, webinars, and other resources such as books.

Certain technical skills are a prerequisite to becoming successful and sought-after cybersecurity professionals. Therefore, you should acquire these technical skills and be good at them. You can start by enrolling in a certified ethical hacker course.

Step 3: Read Books to Upgrade Your Knowledge
You can also read the following books to improve your domain knowledge:

Cyber Security for Dummies: This book will help you understand the basics of cyber security including various cyber security dangers, ethical hacking, etc. Cyber Security for Beginners : It is a bible for those with a non-technical background. The authors have used non-technical English and simple terms to explain cyber security concepts. Computer Hacking: A Beginner's Guide: This book contains comprehensive information about hacking, such as types of hacking, ethical hacking, etc. Practical Malware Analysis: It is a detailed guide to all types of malware and allows you to understand the debugging of malware programmes. Cyber security from scratch to the top:

"The special Cyber Security e-book for enthusiasts is designed for those who want to discover ways to stay safe in the internet world. In this book, you will learn how cyber attacks are carried out and how you can take precautions against these attacks. This e-book also explains in detail how you can protect your personal information and devices, and provides all the information you need for a safe online experience. With the Cyber Security E-book, you will feel safe in the internet world and be prepared against cyber threats."

What you will learn Basic cyber security concepts and terminology Defining types of attacks and cyber threats Identifying vulnerabilities and how they can be exploited Data security and privacy issues Secure network design and management Cyber security tools and technologies Authentication and authorisation systems Social engineering attacks and how to protect against them and more....

Just like any other field, cyber security is a field that requires you to constantly improve yourself and learn the latest techniques and trends. Therefore, while it is essential to have technical skills, it is also necessary to develop soft skills that will help you excel in the field. Some of them are communication skills, time management, problem solving, teamwork, etc.

Step 4: Gain Practical Experience
Once you have the relevant degree, the necessary technical skills and subject matter expertise, it is time to gain hands-on experience in this field. First, look for internships or training programmes where you can work on live projects in a real-time installation.

Alternatively, you can also apply for entry-level jobs in the field. Positions such as cyber security analyst and network analyst can offer you great exposure. It will help you better understand the basic workings of cybersecurity and prepare you for a higher position in a more prominent company.

Gaining industry experience will be beneficial to better understand which job profile interests you the most. But, again, networking is an excellent place to start. You can virtually search for networking groups or any event or job fairs or networks in the domain.

Connect with professionals from similar fields on LinkedIn and look for internship or part-time work opportunities. Firstly, work on your CV and highlight relevant projects you have worked on. Then, find suitable options and start climbing the ladder.

More important organisations often look for professionals with relevant and hands-on experience in the field.

platforms and sites where we will improve ourselves in cyber security
Cyber security is an increasingly important field in today's world. As the number and complexity of cyber attacks increase, the need for cyber security experts is also increasing.

There are many platforms and sites that you can use to improve yourself in the field of cyber security. These platforms and sites offer content suitable for all levels, from learning cyber security basics to advanced techniques.

Here are some platforms and sites you can use to improve yourself in cyber security:

Hack The Box: Hack The Box is one of the most popular platforms to improve yourself in cyber security. The platform offers a series of challenges that simulate real-world cyberattacks through virtual machines.

TryHackMe: TryHackMe is a platform similar to Hack The Box. The platform offers challenges for all levels, from cybersecurity basics to advanced techniques.

PwnAdventure: PwnAdventure is a game designed to learn the basics of cyber security. The game allows users to learn the skills needed to hack a virtual machine.

Cybrary: Cybrary is a vast source of information about cyber security. The platform offers videos, articles, courses and other materials.

SANS Institute: SANS Institute is an educational institution specialising in cybersecurity. It offers various courses and certification programmes in cybersecurity.

Apart from these platforms and sites, there are many other resources that you can use to improve yourself in the field of cyber security. For example, you can follow cyber security blogs and websites, read cyber security books, and attend cyber security events.

You can follow the steps below to improve yourself in the field of cyber security:

Learn the basics of cyber security. Gaining a basic understanding of cybersecurity is important to move on to more advanced topics. Practise. Cyber security skills improve with practice. Platforms such as Hack The Box, TryHackMe and PwnAdventure are a great way to develop cyber security skills. Follow the latest trends in cyber security. The field of cyber security is evolving rapidly. By following the latest trends in cyber security, you can keep your knowledge up to date. Join a community in cyber security. Joining a cyber security community is a great way to connect and share knowledge with other cyber security experts. By investing time and effort into developing yourself in cybersecurity, you can increase your chances of succeeding in your career in this field.

Step 5: Get Relevant Certifications Cyber security
is one of the most critical aspects of the career path. Therefore, securing relevant certificates helps. Now, let's address the most obvious question first: Why do you need these certifications if you already have an appropriate degree and the necessary skills? These certifications are often prerequisites and are included in many organisations' basic criteria for various cybersecurity jobs.

In addition, these certifications are a way to examine and validate your skills and knowledge of the field. Some of the most sought-after certifications include:

Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) Security Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC) Certification Always obtain these certificates from recognised and authorised organisations. It will ensure that they are recognised and accepted by all companies.

Step 6: Apply for Cyber Security Jobs
The final step is to apply for cybersecurity jobs that align with your experience, skills and future career goals. With the required degree, skills, knowledge and certifications, you are eligible to apply for jobs in most tech giants.

You can apply for jobs through LinkedIn or other job search platforms such as Naukri, TimesJob, etc. To apply for a job, prepare an attractive cover letter and an impressive CV. You should also be prepared for personal interviews and information assessment rounds to find the highest paying job in a leading company.

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