How to Develop Cybersecurity Skills and Start Your Career

In today’s digital era, the threat and consequences of cyberattacks are at an all-time high. As more companies use cloud services and employ remote workers, there’s been an equivalent rise in cybercrime that takes advantage of increased vulnerabilities, putting businesses of all sizes at risk of financial peril. According to recent statistics from IBM, the average cost of a data breach in the U.S. is at a record high of $9.48 million, while the global average cost of a data breach is $4.45 million and, it takes, on average, 277 days to identify and contain an active breach.

However, with every challenge comes opportunity. Businesses need cybersecurity experts capable of preventing and responding to these threats, opening avenues for those with cybersecurity skills to enjoy careers with considerable job growth and lucrative opportunities across multiple industries, from finance to healthcare. Those who develop and maintain robust cybersecurity skills can find a fulfilling and prosperous career in this in-demand field.

The first step in a career in cybersecurity is to build the necessary skills and experience to pursue a role in the field. You should know what career paths are available for you and the best methods for maintaining your knowledge. Also, if you want to learn real-world cybersecurity skills with industry-experienced instructors and support in launching your career, you should consider the benefits of a cybersecurity bootcamp. Fullstack Academy’s live online Cybersecurity Analytics Bootcamp, for example, can help individuals develop the cybersecurity skills and knowledge to launch a rewarding career.

Why Cybersecurity Skills Are Important

According to a 2023 study by security group ISC2, a notable shortage of cybersecurity professionals in the market exists, with job postings consistently exceeding the number of qualified applicants. With the increasing number of high-profile cyber attacks, companies are more aware of the importance of cybersecurity and are actively seeking professionals with the skills and knowledge to mitigate risk. To be competitive in the job market, developing solid cybersecurity skills can be key to optimizing your marketability.

Hands-on experience with various types of cybersecurity, such as cloud and network security, can also benefit professionals in the field. While knowledge of how these systems work and the skills to defend them, such as penetration testing or risk analysis, is essential to anyone looking to build a cybersecurity career, knowing how these skills apply in a practical, real-world setting is also important. A cybersecurity bootcamp that provides hands-on experience can help you put training into practice.

Developing a solid cybersecurity skill set can also improve your ability to advance. As threats evolve, companies investing in cybersecurity will seek professionals who can lead these efforts, allowing those who continue building their cybersecurity knowledge to move into leadership positions.

Types of Cybersecurity Skills

Cybersecurity is a broad field encompassing a wide range of specialized skills and knowledge. While the skills required may vary depending on the role, you can develop fundamental skills that apply to any cybersecurity position, as well as advanced skills that can set you apart from your peers. Soft skills are also crucial, as they can help build strong relationships with co-workers and managers, leading to improved collaboration and career advancement opportunities.

1. Fundamental Skills Needed for Cybersecurity

Before focusing on cyber defense, you should understand how an operating system functions, what a network is capable of, and the necessary hardware that is used. You should be able to troubleshoot issues that arise in a system.

In addition to technical skills, system administration skills are crucial for managing and securing networks and systems. You should be able to monitor and maintain critical systems, including servers, databases, and applications, and ensure that they are up-to-date and secure.

2. Technical Skills for Cybersecurity

Professionals in this field should develop advanced technical skills to manage complex cybersecurity threats and provide more than just fundamental protection. Individual skills can be learned through cybersecurity bootcamps and verified through relevant certifications. Expertise in these areas can help you stand out to employers. Valuable technical skills include the following:

• Penetration testing: Testing an organization’s systems and applications for vulnerabilities, identifying weaknesses in an organization’s security, and implementing effective countermeasures.

• Risk analysis: Performing a “safety inventory” of a company’s computer systems and data to identify and evaluate potential threats. Once these threats are understood, cybersecurity professionals evaluate them based on various factors, such as probability, and form a plan to mitigate or manage those risks.

• Cloud and application security development: Developing and implementing security controls to protect cloud-based services and mobile applications.

• Compliance auditing: Ensuring that an organization in regulated industries, such as finance, healthcare, and government, meets its legal and regulatory requirements to avoid legal or financial penalties.

• Data encoding: Converting information into a specific format for secure storage and transmission.

• Cryptography: Protecting sensitive information by translating it into code only accessible by intended users. Cryptography uses techniques such as encryption and digital signatures to keep data safe.

• System administration: Managing computer systems, including servers, networks, and databases, to ensure security and optimal performance.

In addition to these technical skills, cybersecurity professionals should develop proficiency using cybersecurity tools. Those looking to stand out to employers should pick tools with flexibility that can be used in numerous industries. Many of these tools are covered in top-ranked cybersecurity bootcamps such as Fullstack Academy’s Cybersecurity Bootcamp, which can give you a jump start on a cybersecurity career. These tools include the following:

• Kali Linux: A tool for penetration testing, digital forensics, and other security-related tasks.

• Linux command line: A tool to interact with an operating system to perform operations and troubleshoot various issues.

• Python: A high-level programming language used to develop security tools and scripts.

3. Cybersecurity Soft Skills

In addition to technical and advanced skills, soft skills are an often overlooked necessity when working with others. Valuable soft skills include the following:

• Communication: You may be required to translate complex technical information into clear and concise terms for co-workers and managers. For example, if a company computer requires a unique password, staff must understand the importance of keeping it secure to prevent malicious breaches. Similarly, if you perform a risk analysis and create a risk assessment plan, you should be able to adequately communicate how to enact that plan to other leaders.

• Problem-solving: You may face security decisions that must be made immediately. In the case of a cyber attack, you must react quickly to impending vulnerabilities and limit damages.

• Attention to detail: You must be able to identify and address even the most minor vulnerabilities that attackers could exploit.

How to Improve Your Cybersecurity Skills

When you work continuously to improve your cybersecurity skills, you increase your value to potential employers and boost your career advancement opportunities. Here are some ways for you to improve your cybersecurity skills:

1. Attend a Cybersecurity Bootcamp

An effective way to establish fundamental cybersecurity competencies is to enroll in a cybersecurity bootcamp. These bootcamps offer immersive, intensive training programs to give you a foundational understanding of key cybersecurity concepts and techniques. Bootcamps can provide hands-on experience with various security tools and technologies and often offer opportunities to work on real-world projects.

Participating in a bootcamp focused on cybersecurity enables individuals to improve their knowledge and skills in the field. Fullstack Academy’s Cybersecurity Bootcamp features elements such as:

• Live instruction and interactive technology

• Real-world cybersecurity applications

• Preparation for cybersecurity certifications

• Opportunities to collaborate and build soft skills

• Career services in areas such as resume writing, LinkedIn profile optimization, interview preparation, and job offer negotiation

2. Keep Up with Cybersecurity Trends

To further improve your cybersecurity skills, you should be sure to monitor the latest technological advancements and emerging threat risks through regular reading and research. Attending conferences and events, participating in online forums and discussion groups, and engaging with the broader cybersecurity community can all help you keep up with hackers and other malicious actors

3. Earn Cybersecurity Certifications

You can also consider obtaining in-demand cybersecurity certifications to strengthen your expertise in specialized areas. These credentials demonstrate a high level of proficiency in a security domain, such as network security, cloud security, or digital forensics. Below are some of the most well-known and respected cybersecurity certifications that will demonstrate your job-readiness for a cybersecurity career.

a. AWS Cloud Practitioner

The Amazon Web Services (AWS) Cloud Practitioner certification demonstrates knowledge and skills in cloud computing fundamentals, including AWS’ basic architecture and terminology regularly used in cloud computing.

b. AWS Security - Specialty

The AWS Security - Specialty certification validates individuals’ knowledge and skills in implementing cloud initiatives and AWS security services. Amazon Web Services recommends having five years of experience in IT security and two years of hands-on experience with AWS services.

c. Certified Information Systems Security Professional

The Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification demonstrates the skills and knowledge to secure sensitive information. It certifies knowledge of managing risks, controlling access to essential data, and protecting against cyber threats.

d. Certified Ethical Hacker

The Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification indicates that the holder has demonstrated skills in using the same methods as malicious hackers to identify vulnerable points in computer systems and networks and improve the security of those systems. Organizations often hire ethical hackers to help identify and fix security issues before malicious actors can exploit them, making this certification ideal for those looking for a penetration tester career.

e. Certified Information Security Manager

The Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) certification shows that the holder has demonstrated expertise in managing, designing, and assessing information security programs and policies. CISM certification holders are skilled in identifying and addressing information security risks and threats and developing strategies to protect information assets. Many employers recognize that this certification is valuable for information security management roles.

f. CompTIA Security+

The CompTIA Security+ certification is an entry-level cybersecurity certification that validates your skills in performing core security functions such as threat identification, vulnerability assessment, architecture, and implementation. These fundamental topics are covered in the industry's top-ranked bootcamps such as Fullstack Academy Cybersecurity Bootcamp enabling you to get prepared for this exam.

How to Include Cybersecurity Skills on Your Resume

Once you’ve built up the necessary skills and gained relevant experience, you’ll need to go through the process of getting a cybersecurity job—starting by building a strong resume. When writing a cybersecurity resume, you should emphasize skills and experience that showcase your ability to protect organizations from cyber threats. Here are some ways to showcase your cybersecurity skills in your resume to make it stand out.

1. Highlight Cybersecurity Skills in Demand

To grab an employer’s attention, emphasize your cybersecurity skills at the top of your resume, using keywords that the job description mentions and ensuring that your skills match the employer’s requirements. For example, you might list skills such as system administration, risk analysis, or penetration testing to grab a potential employer’s eye.

2. Demonstrate Applied Skills

In addition to listing your cybersecurity skills, it’s essential to demonstrate how you’ve applied them in previous roles. Provide specific examples of projects or initiatives you’ve worked on that showcase your skills in action. For example, a cybersecurity bootcamp project can showcase your ability to work as part of a cybersecurity team and demonstrate both soft skills, such as your communication ability in a team setting, and hard skills, such as cryptography and program languages like Python.

3. List Relevant Education and Certifications

Education and cybersecurity certifications are also important components of a cybersecurity resume. You should list any relevant degrees, courses, or training programs you’ve completed, as well as any cybersecurity certifications you’ve earned. For example, this could include industry-recognized certifications, such as AWS Cloud Practitioner, CISSP, CEH, or CompTIA Security+.

4. Include Relevant Experience

If you’ve completed an internship; participated in a cybersecurity competition, such as “capture the flag” featuring cybersecurity puzzles; or have other relevant experience, you should include it on your resume to demonstrate hands-on experience in the field.

Career Opportunities With Cybersecurity Skills

As the world becomes more interconnected, organizations are increasingly vulnerable to cybersecurity threats. Employers need skilled cybersecurity professionals to protect their valuable assets and confidential information. Individuals with the right skills and credentials have various career options, depending on what aspect of cybersecurity they’d like to pursue.

1. Systems Administrator

Systems administrators manage an organization’s day-to-day operations. They regularly work installing and configuring hardware and software, monitoring system performance, and troubleshooting problems as they arise. Most employers will require applicants to have a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field. However, real-world experience from a cybersecurity bootcamp and relevant certifications may be sufficient for some employers.

Glassdoor reports that the average annual salary for systems administrators is $94,635 in 2024. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 2% job growth rate for network and computer systems administrators between 2021 and 2031, projecting over 19,000 job openings each year.

2. Cybersecurity Analyst

Cybersecurity analysts monitor an organization’s networks and investigate incidents, conduct security assessments, and implement solutions to mitigate risks. Employers may look for candidates to have a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field, but a growing number will consider relevant education, experience, and certifications instead of a degree. The average annual salary for cybersecurity analysts is $139,585 in 2024, according to Glassdoor. The BLS projects 32% job growth for information security analysts between 2022 and 2032.

The BLS attributes this higher-than-average projection to the increase in cyberattacks and the simultaneous response by companies to increased demand for cyber defense professionals.

3. Network Architect

These professionals work to design and implement an organization’s network infrastructure. They select various hardware and software options, set up protocols and procedures, and ensure that the network is secure and stable. Employers typically require a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field for this role, but some may overlook degree requirements with enough experience or certifications.

Glassdoor reports that the average annual salary for network architects is $197,233 in 2024. The BLS projects a 4% job growth for computer network architects between 2022 and 2032.

4. Penetration Tester

Penetration testers are professionals who test an organization’s computer systems to identify vulnerabilities and weaknesses. They conduct simulated attacks to determine whether the systems can withstand real-world threats. Employers typically require a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field for the role, but relevant experience and certifications, such as CEH, may act as a substitute. Glassdoor reports that the median annual salary for penetration testers was about $136,856 as of June 2024.

The BLS projects 32% job growth between 2022 and 2032 for all information security analyst roles, including penetration testing.

How to Keep Your Cybersecurity Skills Current

As cyber threats continue to evolve, you should monitor developments in cybersecurity to ensure that your skills remain current and relevant. Here are some tips on how to keep your cybersecurity skills updated.

1. Subscribe to Newsletters and Industry Websites

One effective way to stay current with cybersecurity trends is to subscribe to industry newsletters and sites. These resources contain the latest cybersecurity news, insights, and best practices. By regularly reading and staying informed about new threat risks and cybersecurity innovations, you can better understand the challenges that businesses face and prepare to confront them.

2. Attend Cybersecurity Workshops and Conferences

Attending cybersecurity workshops and conferences is another great way to stay up to date with the latest trends and best practices in the industry. These events can offer excellent chances to connect with other professionals and gain insights from experts actively engaged in the industry. Additionally, many of these events offer hands-on training, which can help you develop and maintain practical skills that you can apply in your career.

3. Follow Tech Companies on Social Media

Following tech companies on social media platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook can provide valuable insights into the cybersecurity industry’s direction. Many companies share their latest product releases, research, and industry news on social media. Subscribing to these accounts can help you stay informed about new technologies, trends, and innovations that could impact your work.

Make the Leap to a Cybersecurity Career

If you’re interested in a career in the cybersecurity industry, it’s crucial to develop strong skills in preventing, detecting, and responding to cyberattacks. One of the most time- and cost-effective ways to gain mastery of these skills and learn the tools of a complex trade is the comprehensive live online Cybersecurity Analytics Bootcamp from Fullstack Academy.

Fullstack Academy’s bootcamp is a 12- to 26-week training program that features some of the most popular cybersecurity skills (cryptography, system administration), explores tools (Kali Linux, Python), and additionally teaches how to leverage generative AI tools in cybersecurity. The program also prepares students for relevant industry certifications such as CompTIA Security+. During the bootcamp and following graduation, students are supported by Fullstack Academy career success team members, who will help them prepare for a job search to land a role in the cyber field.

Find out how Fullstack Academy Cybersecurity Analytics Bootcamp can help launch your career in cybersecurity.

Sources:

Amazon, AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner Certification

Amazon, AWS Certified Security - Specialty Certification

Indeed, How to Become a Penetration Tester (With Salary and Skills)

Indeed, How to Write a Cybersecurity Resume (With Examples)

Indeed, 9 Essential Cybersecurity Skills (and How to Improve Them)

Indeed, 13 Top Cybersecurity Certifications (Plus Potential Jobs)

Indeed, 28 Cybersecurity Tools You Can Use at Work (Plus Key Features)

LinkedIn, Hiring Systems Administrators