How to Get Started in Cyber Security Without Experience

Getting into cyber security can seem overwhelming, especially if you don’t have any experience or degree in technology. But here’s the good news: cyber security is a field that’s growing fast, and there are plenty of ways to break in, no matter your background. Whether you’re looking to start a new career or just curious about how to protect yourself online, this guide will walk you through the process.

10 Steps To Start A Career in Cyber Security

In this blog, we’ll cover everything you need to know to get started in cyber security. From learning the basics to finding your first job, we’ll provide practical tips, resources, and advice that can help you along the way.

1. Enroll in an Online Course

If you’re wondering how to get started in cyber security, a great first step is to take an online course. Many online platforms offer courses that are designed for beginners, so you don’t need any prior experience.

Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and edX offer beginner-friendly courses that cover topics like:

• Network security
• Ethical hacking
• Risk management
• Encryption basics

By starting with an online course, you can familiarize yourself with the basic concepts and decide if this field is right for you. Many of these courses are affordable, and some are even free. For example, Coursera has partnerships with top universities and often allows you to audit classes for free (you only pay if you want a certification).

Subscription charges:

• Coursera: Free auditing, paid courses starting at $39/month
• Udemy: Prices vary by course, usually between $12.99 and $199.99 per course
• edX: Some courses are free; verified certificates start at $50

Available on iOS and Android.

2. Learn the Basics of Cyber Security

Once you’ve completed an introductory course, it’s important to dive deeper into the fundamentals of cyber security. Think of these fundamentals as the foundation that will support the rest of your learning and career.

Key areas to focus on include:

• Networking basics: Understanding how networks operate is essential for spotting vulnerabilities. You’ll want to learn about protocols like TCP/IP, DNS, and HTTP.
• Operating systems: Cyber security professionals often work with multiple operating systems. Be sure to familiarize yourself with Linux and Windows.
• Firewalls and encryption: These are the first lines of defense in cyber security. Understanding how firewalls filter traffic and how encryption secures data is crucial.

There are tons of free resources online, such as Cisco’s Networking Academy, that teach networking basics, or you can check out forums like Reddit’s cyber security community to stay updated.

3. Explore Free Online Resources

Once you have the basics down, you can take advantage of the wealth of online resources available to learn more. Cyber security is a fast-moving field, so staying up to date is important. There are blogs, podcasts, YouTube channels, and online forums that are packed with valuable information.

Popular resources include:

• Krebs on Security (for industry news)
• The CyberWire (for podcasts and news)
• Cybrary (for free and paid courses)

By regularly consuming content from these sources, you can stay informed about the latest cyber security trends, tools, and attacks, which is a key part of becoming proficient in the field.

4. Choose a Specialization in Cyber Security

Cyber security is a broad field with many specializations, and part of figuring out how to start a career in cyber security is deciding where you want to focus. Some popular paths include:

Penetration Testing (Ethical Hacking)

Penetration testing, or ethical hacking, involves simulating cyberattacks to identify vulnerabilities in a system before malicious hackers can exploit them. Ethical hackers use the same methods as criminals but with permission to strengthen security defenses. This field is crucial for companies looking to assess the weaknesses of their networks, applications, or systems.

Network Security

Network security focuses on protecting the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of data as it flows through and across networks. This involves implementing firewalls, encryption, intrusion detection systems (IDS), and other technologies to secure both private and public communication networks from unauthorized access, attacks, and data breaches.

Incident Response

Incident response involves quickly identifying, managing, and mitigating cybersecurity incidents, such as data breaches or cyberattacks. This field requires strong problem-solving skills to minimize damage, recover from security incidents, and prevent future attacks. Incident responders are key to ensuring rapid containment and recovery in the event of a cyber incident.

Risk Management

Risk management in cybersecurity involves identifying, evaluating, and prioritizing potential security risks to an organization’s digital assets. This role helps businesses develop strategies and implement measures to reduce their exposure to these risks, ensuring that the company’s data and systems remain secure against potential threats.

Cloud Security

Cloud security involves protecting data, applications, and services hosted in cloud environments. With the growing popularity of cloud computing, ensuring that sensitive information is secure in remote data centers has become critical. Cloud security specialists focus on encryption, identity management, compliance, and monitoring to protect cloud infrastructure.

Security Analysis

Security analysis is the process of assessing systems for vulnerabilities, analyzing security measures, and developing strategies to prevent breaches. Security analysts monitor networks, identify unusual activity, and implement protective measures to ensure that systems remain secure from threats such as malware, phishing, or unauthorized access.

Each of these roles focuses on different aspects of protecting data, systems, and networks. If you’re unsure which path to take, start by exploring different areas through online courses or blogs. Once you’ve found a specialization that interests you, you can dive deeper and focus your learning on that area.

5. Join a Cyber Security Bootcamp

A cyber security bootcamp is another great way to gain practical experience. These bootcamps are often intensive, short-term programs designed to give you hands-on training. While bootcamps are usually not free, they can fast-track your learning and help you build a portfolio.

Many bootcamps also offer job placement assistance, which can be beneficial if you’re looking to land an entry-level job quickly.

Popular bootcamp options include:

• Springboard: $16,500 for a 6-month program
• Flatiron School: $15,000 for a 15-week program
• Hack Reactor: $17,980 for a 12-week program

These programs are available on both iOS and Android for online access.

6. Obtain a Cyber Security Certification

Once you have some experience and knowledge, it’s a good idea to pursue a cyber security certification. Certifications help demonstrate your skills to potential employers and can make your resume stand out. Some of the most popular certifications for beginners include:

• CompTIA Security+: A great entry-level certification that covers network security, threats, and vulnerabilities.
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH): This certification focuses on hacking techniques and how to use them to defend networks.
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP): This is more advanced but is widely recognized and highly respected in the industry.

Certifications often require passing an exam, and many of these exams can be prepared for through online courses, books, or bootcamps. Depending on the certification, the cost can range from $200 to $700.

7. Get Hands-On Experience

One of the biggest challenges for beginners in cyber security is gaining practical experience. You might wonder how to start a career in cyber security with no experience, but there are ways to build your skills without having a full-time job in the field just yet.

Here’s how you can get hands-on experience:

• Create a home lab: Set up a small network at home where you can practice your skills. You can experiment with different security tools and techniques.
• Contribute to open-source projects: Many organizations need help securing their software, and contributing to these projects can give you real-world experience.
• Capture the Flag (CTF) competitions: These are hacking competitions where you’re tasked with solving security challenges. Websites like Hack The Box offer CTF-style challenges where you can test your skills.

Even without a formal job, building your practical experience in these ways can go a long way in boosting your cyber security career.

8. Seek Guidance from a Mentor

One of the best ways to advance your cyber security career is by finding a mentor. A mentor can provide guidance, answer your questions, and help you avoid common mistakes. This is especially helpful if you’re learning how to start a cyber security career with no experience.

You can find a mentor through:

• LinkedIn: Join cyber security groups and connect with professionals in the industry.
• Local meetups: Many cities have cyber security meetups where you can network with professionals.
• Online forums: Communities like Reddit’s cyber security subreddit often have mentorship programs or people willing to offer advice.

Building a relationship with a mentor can help you stay motivated, learn faster, and gain valuable insights into the field.

9. Grow Your Professional Network

In addition to having a mentor, building a strong network is key to landing a job in cyber security. Networking can open doors to job opportunities, mentorship, and learning experiences that might not be available otherwise.

Here are some ways to grow your network:

• Attend conferences like Black Hat and DEF CON
• Join online communities like Cyber Security Forum or Stack Overflow
• Connect with people on LinkedIn and share your learning journey

The more connections you have in the cyber security world, the easier it will be to find job opportunities and get advice from others in the industry.

10. Create Your Resume and Start Applying

Once you’ve gained some experience, completed a course or two, and earned a certification, it’s time to apply for entry-level roles. Tailor your resume to highlight your skills and any projects you’ve worked on.

These entry-level roles often lead to higher-paying positions as you gain more experience. Be sure to customize your resume and cover letter for each job, emphasizing the skills that align with the job posting.

Cyber Security Salary Expectations

One of the biggest draws to a career in cybersecurity is the potential salary. While salaries can vary based on location, experience, and job title, cybersecurity professionals generally earn well above the average wage.

Here’s a breakdown of the cyber security salary you can expect based on your role:

• Entry-level positions: Security analysts typically earn between $60,000 and $90,000 annually.
• Mid-level positions: Penetration testers and incident responders often earn between $80,000 and $120,000.
• Senior-level positions: Senior security consultants or CISOs (Chief Information Security Officers) can earn upwards of $150,000 to $200,000 or more, depending on the company size and location.

Common Cyber Security Career Paths

Cybersecurity offers a variety of career paths, each with its own challenges and rewards. Some common roles in the field include:

1. Security Analyst

A security analyst monitors and protects an organization’s networks and systems. They are often the first responders when a breach occurs, making this an exciting and fast-paced job.

2. Penetration Tester

Penetration testers, or ethical hackers, test systems for vulnerabilities by simulating cyber-attacks. This role involves a lot of problem-solving and creativity.

3. Security Consultant

Security consultants provide expert advice to companies on how to improve their cybersecurity measures. This is a great role if you enjoy helping others and solving complex problems.

4. Incident Responder

Incident responders are responsible for reacting to security breaches. Their job is to contain and mitigate the damage as quickly as possible.

5. Security Architect

Security architects design the framework that keeps systems safe. They create the blueprint for a company’s overall security strategy.

FAQs

1. How do I start a career in cyber security with no experience?

Start by learning the basics of IT and networking, then take cybersecurity courses and earn entry-level certifications like CompTIA Security+. Look for entry-level jobs in IT support or security analysis to gain hands-on experience.

2. What is the salary for a beginner in cyber security?

Entry-level positions typically offer a salary between $60,000 and $90,000 per year, depending on location and company size.

3. Which certifications should I start with in cyber security?

Popular beginner certifications include CompTIA Security+, Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), and Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP).

4. Do I need a degree to start a career in cyber security?

While a degree can be helpful, it’s not required. Many professionals start with certifications and build experience through entry-level positions.

5. What’s the career growth potential in cyber security?

Cybersecurity offers excellent career growth potential. With experience, you can move into specialized roles like penetration testing, security consulting, or even become a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO).