Cybersecurity is becoming an increasingly important field, from small business owners and major corporations to governmental departments across the globe. Malware, viruses, and even massive cyberattacks all pose ever-present threats in our growing digital world.

Many cyber pros learn about handling sensitive data and protecting networks or cloud-based systems through online training. The number of possible titles for security pros can be daunting for the uninitiated, so it’s important to research the field. Among today’s most common positions in cybersecurity are the following:

  • Information Security Analyst
  • Security Analyst
  • Cybersecurity Manager / Administrator
  • Network Engineer / Architect
  • IT Security Specialist
  • Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst
  • Vulnerability Analyst/Penetration Tester

Check sites like CompTIA and (ISC)² for more ideas about possible cybersecurity roles and certifications.

Getting Started in the Cybersecurity Field

Data on cybersecurity positions changes constantly, from one sector to another, especially when the following are taken into account:

  • Size of the company or network
  • Location of the organization
  • Number of devices to protect

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, an Information Security Analyst earns around $103,000 per year on average. Salary-wise, similar positions may have titles like Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst, Cyber Info Assurance Analyst, or even Computer Network Architect.

It’s important to keep in mind, however, that these may be comps only in certain fields or locations. As in so many other technical areas, due diligence in your research is essential.

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The Value of Immersive Education

If you’re serious about working in cybersecurity, you’re most likely already aware that training is critical. While thousands of new cybersecurity positions open each year, the requirements for some of them can be quite stringent.

Researching your possible security roles is important, but self-study will not get you a high-paying position in such a competitive field. Consider three main alternatives to entering the field: individual classes; a college or university degree; or a bootcamp or certificate program.

  1. Classes - Individual coursework is a good way for a cybersecurity beginner to dip their toe in the water. Although there’s no guarantee of getting into the field that way, an introductory class like Noble Desktop’s Intro to Cybersecurity & Networks can provide essentials. Unlike many security-centered courses, it’s open to beginners.
  1. College or University Programs - In-depth training is crucial to cybersecurity pros, but the commitment of time and money to graduate from a two- to four-year program can be prohibitive. It’s not unusual for an Associate’s degree to cost in excess of $20,000. Depending on your goals, budget, and how much time available to you, a shorter course of action may be better.
  1. Bootcamps and Certificates - Immersive cybersecurity bootcamps and certificates are an excellent midpoint between short seminars and multi-year degree programs. Consider a bootcamp or certificate if you meet the following criteria:
    1. Able to take a few weeks or months to complete an intensive course.
    2. Have some working knowledge of computer programs. 
    3. Willing to work with an instructor or group in an online setting.

Training Alternatives for Cybersecurity

Want to learn more about cybersecurity bootcamps? Noble Desktop, which hosts this search engine, provides multiple training options in the cybersecurity field. If you think one of these is the right approach for you, consider the following:

  • Cybersecurity Bootcamp - Noble Desktop’s flagship offering for cybersecurity, the 210-hour program covers topics like Python, Linux and cloud computing in-depth. Whereas most cybersecurity coursework requires students to have some knowledge of Python or Linux, this one does not. Beginners learn security system basics, then progress to comprehensive units on Linux, Python, digital forensics, and cloud computing with Amazon Web Services (AWS), among others. The bootcamp includes eight 1-on-1 mentoring sessions to assist graduates prepare for their job search.
  • Python Programming Bootcamp - Appropriate for many cyber pros (see below), the Python Programming Bootcamp is offered separately or as part of the following of the overall Cybersecurity Bootcamp program. Students outside the cybersecurity curriculum may take the Python bootcamp as part of a data science or development certificate program.
  • Digital Forensics - Students can save by taking Digital Forensics as one of the later units of the Cybersecurity Bootcamp, too. While no prior cybersecurity experience is required, the above-mentioned units of the main course prepare students much more for theoretical knowledge about the daily operations of a Security Operations Center (SOC).
  • Intro to Cybersecurity & Networks - The introductory unit of the Cybersecurity Bootcamp, this 24-hour class is also open to beginners. Students can also save by taking it as part of the main cybersecurity program.

The Importance of Certifications

For many fields other than cybersecurity, certifications or other professional designations are icing on the cake. In cybersecurity, however, they can be essential to getting hired.

  • CISSP - Introduced by (ISC)² in 1994, the Certified Information Systems Security Professional is a major certification in the world of cybersecurity. You’ll need years of experience first, but it’s a great way to accelerate your career.
  • Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) - Numerous tech professionals hold the CISA certification from ISACA (the Information Systems Audit and Control Association). These include Cybersecurity Analysts, Network Security Engineers and others.
  • CEH - You might think hackers all wear black hats, but a Certified Ethical Hacker is actually the best-known designation from EC-Council (the International Council of Electronic Commerce Consultants).
  • CompTIA PenTest+ - CompTIA offers a host of certifications, and the PenTest+ designation is popular among Security Analysts, Penetration Testers, and other cybersecurity pros.
  • CISM - Also offered by ISACA, CISM stands for Certified Information Security Manager. Expect to see the CISM certification required for positions with titles like Information Risk Consultant, Cloud Security Consultant, and Security Systems Professional.
  • CSSLP - Another well-known certification from (ISC)² is the Certified Secure Software Lifecycle Professional. IT professionals like Penetration Testers, Security Managers, and Application Security Specialists often earn a CSSLP designation.

Now that you have an idea of the best ways to learn cybersecurity—and how important ongoing training can be for security professionals—consider enrolling in a course that gives you the tools you need to flourish in this exciting field.