If you've ever played cop as a kid and always wanted to be a cop when you grew up to arrest bad guys but don't like the idea of being a cop in the traditional sense? Ok, not really. Want to learn something new? then cybersecurity is the path for you.

Cybersecurity is one of the most in-demand skill sets among organizations, alongside data analytics, programming, and DevOps. Because cyberattacks occur on regular basis, keeping software, hardware, and data safe and secure is just as critical as possessing them.

What is cybersecurity?

Cybersecurity according to Cisco is the practice of defending systems, gadgets, networks, and programs from digital threats.

Cyberattacks or hacks are typically aimed at gaining access to, altering, or damaging sensitive data, extorting money from users, or disrupting normal corporate activities. Since there are more devices than humans nowadays, and hackers are becoming more creative, putting in place effective security measures is very difficult.

Importance

The urge to keep information, data, and gadgets private and secure drives the relevance of cyber security. Critical infrastructure, such as power plants, hospitals, and financial services organizations, is used by everyone. It is critical to keep this and several other institutions secure in order for our society to function. With the recent increase in data breaches on private and public organizations, cyber awareness and security have become a necessity in keeping everyone's data safe online.

Getting started with Cybersecurity

Maybe you are thinking of changing a career or wanting to learn something new, something totally different from what you knew all together. So you ask how do I get started in cybersecurity? There are a few things to consider when getting starting a career in cybersecurity:

• Self-study: Teach yourself to code and if you have, learn a new one ranging from Python, R, SQL, JavaScript, C, and C++ or PHP. YouTube is a place to start from codes to networking essentials to ethical hacking. Check out TheCyberMentor, NetworkChuck for coffee and hacking, DavidBombal and lots more. You know what? Go on YouTube right now and type Ethical hacking for beginners and select from the numerous videos displayed. It doesn't really matter the year the video was uploaded, it's pretty much the same as not much has changed for the last five years.

• Books: These are a few books I recommend you look at

Hacking: The Art Of Exploitation

The Hacker Playbook 3: Practical Guide To Penetration Testing

Social Engineering: The science of human hacking

The Web Application Hacker's Handbook

• Back to college: You might consider going back to college if you intend on starting a lifetime career out of cybersecurity, online or on-campus depending on your location. Here are a few schools you might want to consider checking out.

EC-Council University: BSc and MSc in Cybersecurity

Arden University: MSc in Cybersecurity

University of West London BSc(Hons) in Cybersecurity

• Schools that offer Cybersecurity in India:

Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay, Mumbai

George Group Of Colleges, Kolkata

Vels institute of science, technology & advanced studies, Chennai

Chandigarh Group Of Colleges, Mohali amongst others

• Here are also a few schools in Nigeria that offer cybersecurity courses:

Federal University of Technology, Akure

Federal University of Technology Minna (FUTMINNA)

The Technical University, Ibadan (TECH-U)

Admiralty University of Nigeria (ADUN)

Greenfield University

Elizade University Ilara Mokin

• Bootcamp: are less expensive than a college degree and offer a pathway to entry-level cybersecurity jobs. There are two or three cybersecurity bootcamps every year in many cities around the world, search online for one nearest to you.

Certifications

You might also want to get certifications to go through HR. Here are a few I recommend:

• SANS(GIAC)

• Offensive Security (OSCP)

• ISC2

• EC_Council

Free Resources

Who doesn't like freebies? I do. Check these out:

• Introduction to Cybersecurity (CISCO)

• SANS Cyber Aces

• OSCP

• U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s virtual training

• CompTIA

• Cisco Packet Tracer

Salary

Aside from the satisfaction of doing what you love, a good pay is one of the things that keeps one going. Below is a list of salaries earned by cybersecurity experts:

United States:

Security Engineer: Average salary of $102,237 per year

Penetration Tester: Average salary of $112,174 per year

Network Security Engineer: Average salary of $114,060 per year

Cybersecurity Analyst: Average salary of $94,660 per year

London:

Security Engineer: Average salary of $65,997 per year

Penetration Tester: Average salary of $98,771 per year

Network Security Engineer: Average salary of $90,765 per year

Cybersecurity Analyst: Average salary of $82,484 per year

Conclusion

There is a cybersecurity skills gap; around 4 million professionals are required in this field. You don't need a computer science degree to start a career in cybersecurity. All you need is a PC, self-motivation, persistence, as well as critical thinking skills not forgetting creativity. To catch the bad guy, you must know how the bad guy thinks. Be ready to learn, unlearn and re-learn.

Look for volunteer opportunities to expand your experience and get your name out there. See you at the top.