How to Get Started in Cyber Security with No Experience Reddit?: You just stumbled onto an online forum and heard about cybersecurity for the first time. Something about hacking systems, stopping bad guys, and getting paid well sparked your interest. Now you can’t stop wondering if you can break into the field yourself. But you don’t have any experience or technical background. Is it still possible to launch a career in cybersecurity? Relax my friend, you’ve come to the right place.
With determination and the right strategy laid out in this article, you can gain the skills and experience needed to get your foot in the cybersecurity door. I’ll walk you through the key steps, like getting essential certifications, developing hands-on skills, and figuring out how to get that critical first job. Stick with me and you’ll go from cyber novice to budding cyber professional before you know it. Let’s get you started on the path to an exciting, lucrative career where you can make a difference in the digital world.
Why Get Started in Cyber Security? Understanding the Field
Cyber security is a fast-growing, lucrative field with a shortage of qualified professionals. As technology becomes more advanced and integrated into every aspect of our lives, the demand for cyber security experts will only continue to increase. Here are a few reasons why you should consider a career in cyber security:
- Job security. Cyber security roles are in high demand and the field is experiencing a labor shortage. Professionals with the right skills and certifications can land stable, well-paying jobs.
- High pay. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay for information security analysts in the U.S. is over $98,000 per year. Experienced cyber security professionals can earn $150,000 or more in some roles.
- An exciting and important field. Cyber security plays a critical role in protecting digital infrastructure, data, and privacy. The work is challenging but meaningful, as you get to solve complex problems and help safeguard people and organizations.
- A variety of career paths. There are many possible roles in cyber security, from ethical hackers and security architects to risk analysts, security engineers, and beyond. You can specialize in areas like application security, network security, or cloud security. There are options for hands-on technical work as well as higher-level management positions.
- Useful skills. Proficiency with cyber security tools and techniques provides practical skills that can benefit you in other areas of tech. Knowledge of networking, cryptography, risk assessment, and systems administration translates well beyond just security roles.
To get started in cyber security, you need to build up your skills and knowledge in areas like networking, programming, and Linux. Consider starting with entry-level certifications like CompTIA Security+ or EC-Council Certified Ethical Hacker. Many free or low-cost online courses are also available to help you learn the fundamentals before transitioning into a cyber security career. With some time and effort, you can launch a successful and rewarding career in this crucial field.
Building Your Skills and Knowledge From Scratch
When starting from scratch, focus on building up your knowledge and skills through self-study. There are many free resources online to help you learn.
Look for resources on Reddit, like r/cybersecurity, r/hacking, and r/netsec. These communities offer advice on the best ways to get started, recommend tutorials and courses, and even provide opportunities for mentorship. Reddit can be an invaluable resource for connecting with others in the field and finding guidance.
You should also check out massive open online courses (MOOCs) on platforms like Coursera, Udacity, and Udemy. They offer courses on everything from “Introduction to Cyber Security” to “Ethical Hacking” and “Penetration Testing.” These interactive courses will teach you cyber security fundamentals and allow you to earn certificates of completion.
In addition to courses, look for tutorials and video content on YouTube and elsewhere. Channels like NetworkChuck, Hackersploit, and Cybrary offer tutorials on topics like Linux basics, networking, cryptography, and programming languages like Python. Use these resources to pick up the technical skills you’ll need in the field.
Some of the key areas you should focus on include:
- Networking fundamentals
- Security principles and best practices
- Operating systems like Linux and Windows
- Programming languages, especially Python and C++
- Penetration testing and ethical hacking techniques
- Cyber risk and compliance frameworks
While you’re learning, set up a home lab to practice your new skills. You can install virtual machines to set up mock networks and hacking scenarios. A home lab is the best way to gain hands-on experience, and it looks great on a resume.
With hard work and persistence, you can gain the knowledge and experience to start a career in cyber security, even without a formal degree or background. Keep learning, stay up-to-date with trends, and never stop practicing your craft. In time, you’ll have developed skills that are valuable to employers and the passion for the work that will drive your success.
Getting Certifications to Boost Your Credentials
One of the best ways to break into cybersecurity with little to no experience is to earn industry-recognized certifications. Certs validate your skills and knowledge, helping you land an entry-level job so you can start gaining valuable experience.
CompTIA Security+
The CompTIA Security+ certification is a great place to start. It covers essential cybersecurity topics like network security, threat management, and risk mitigation. To earn the Security+ cert, you’ll need to pass an exam testing your understanding of security controls, systems security, network infrastructure, access control, and organizational security.
CISSP
Once you have a few years of experience under your belt, consider pursuing the Certified Information Systems Security Professional or CISSP certification. This advanced certification proves you have a strong grasp of cybersecurity strategy and architecture. However, you’ll need 5 years of paid full-time cybersecurity work experience before you can become CISSP certified.
Vendor-Specific Certs
Many major tech companies like Cisco, Microsoft, EC-Council, and ISACA offer their own cybersecurity certifications. These certs focus on securing and protecting specific technologies and systems. For example, if you want to specialize in cloud security, look at certs like the CCSP or CISSP-ISSAP. For network security, consider the CCNA Cyber Ops.
Practical Experience
While certs are important, hands-on experience is essential in cybersecurity. Set up a home lab to practice your skills. You can download free or open-source tools to analyze networks, identify vulnerabilities, and harden systems. Participate in hacker capture the flag events to solve real-world challenges. Contribute to open source security projects. Build a portfolio of your work to showcase your abilities to potential employers.
Continuously learning and improving your skills will help launch your career in cybersecurity. Earn certifications, gain practical experience, and don’t be afraid to start at an entry-level role. With time and persistence, you’ll gain the knowledge and experience to advance in your career. The key is just getting started, even with no experience.
Finding Entry-Level Cyber Security Roles
When you’re first starting out in cyber security with little to no experience, the key is to find entry-level roles to gain on-the-job experience. Some options to consider include:
Security Analyst
Security analysts monitor networks and systems for security issues like intrusions or malware infections. They may require a bachelor’s degree and possibly an information security certification like the CISSP or CEH. Look for openings with titles like “Associate Security Analyst” or “Junior Security Analyst.”
Security Engineer
Security engineers focus on building and maintaining security tools, systems, and procedures. They implement security controls and safeguards to protect digital systems and networks. Entry-level roles may include “Associate Security Engineer” or “Security Engineering Analyst.” While a computer science or IT degree is common, some employers may consider candidates with no degree but relevant coursework, skills, or certifications.
Penetration Tester
Penetration testers, or “pen testers,” simulate cyber attacks to test for vulnerabilities in networks or applications. Junior pen tester roles typically require at least an associate’s degree in cyber security or a related field, along with certifications like the OSCP or GPEN. Look for openings with “Junior” or “Associate” in the title.
IT Auditor
IT auditors evaluate technology controls and processes to ensure security, privacy, and compliance standards are met. Entry-level IT auditor jobs usually require at least a bachelor’s degree in information systems, accounting, or a related field. Relevant certifications include the CISA, CISM, or CRISC. Search for roles like “IT Audit Associate” or “Junior IT Auditor.”
The key qualifications for any entry-level cyber security job are skills, certifications, and a willingness to learn. While a degree may be preferred, focus on building up your knowledge and preparing for industry-recognized certifications. Then start applying, emphasizing your motivation to gain experience in the field. With time and persistence, you’ll get your foot in the door.
Leveraging Reddit to Break Into Cyber Security
Reddit is one of the largest online communities with over 330 million users discussing thousands of topics. The site has become an invaluable resource for learning and connecting with like-minded people. As someone looking to break into cyber security with no prior experience, Reddit should be one of your go-to resources.
- Find subreddits focused on your areas of interest. For cyber security, check out r/cybersecurity, r/netsec, and r/asknetsec. These subs have hundreds of thousands of members and cover everything from news to job postings to getting career advice.
- Read through the wiki and intro guides. Most major subs have resources to help newcomers get started. The r/cybersecurity wiki, for example, includes advice on learning paths, certifications, and more. These guides can save you time in figuring out where to begin.
- Search for your questions. Chances are someone else has already asked about how to land an entry-level cyber security role or what programming languages to learn. Reddit’s search feature allows you to filter by subreddit so you only see relevant results.
- Post your own questions. If you can’t find an existing answer, ask the community directly. Explain your situation, career goals, and what you’re struggling with. People will likely respond with helpful advice and insights. Just be sure to search first to avoid duplicating existing posts.
- Look for job opportunities. Many cyber security companies post jobs on relevant subreddits. Check the comments to get a sense of the company culture and role details not listed in the official posting. Some people have even landed interviews and job offers through Reddit connections.
Reddit provides a platform to learn from more experienced professionals in cyber security. Combined with hard work developing technical and soft skills, participating in the Reddit community can help launch your career in cyber security, even without a traditional background. The key is leveraging all the resources and connections Reddit has to offer.
FAQs
Getting started in cybersecurity can seem overwhelming, but many people have been in your shoes before. Here are some frequently asked questions from beginners to help you on your journey.
Do I need a degree to work in cybersecurity?
Not necessarily. While a degree in computer science, information technology or a related field can be helpful, many roles value skills and certifications over formal education. Focus on building up your technical abilities and earning respected certs like Security+, CISSP or CEH. With some experience, you’ll be on your way.
What skills do I need to develop?
Some of the most in-demand skills include:
- Networking: Understanding networking inside and out is crucial. Study protocols like TCP/IP and models like OSI.
- Programming: Pick up languages like Python, Java or C++ to help automate security tasks.
- Linux: Many cyber roles require proficiency with Linux operating systems and command line interfaces.
- Risk management: Learn how to identify, assess and mitigate risks to an organization.
- Cloud security: As more companies move to the cloud, cloud security skills are increasingly important. Study platforms like AWS, Azure and GCP.
How do I get experience?
One of the best ways to gain experience is through internships, entry-level jobs, or volunteer work. Look for opportunities at local tech companies or apply for remote internships and jobs you can do while still in school or working another role. Build up your skills through online courses and create projects to showcase your abilities, like a security blog or YouTube channel.
What jobs can I pursue?
Some potential first jobs include:
- Security Analyst: Monitors networks for security threats and vulnerabilities. Typically requires a few years of experience.
- Penetration Tester: Attempts to hack into systems and networks to uncover weaknesses. Usually needs several years of experience.
- Security Engineer: Builds and maintains security tools, systems and software. Typically requires a few years of experience.
- Security Administrator: Installs and manages security tools and software. May require some experience.
With time and persistence, you can launch a successful career in cybersecurity, even without a traditional background. Focus on building up foundational skills, earning respected certifications and gaining valuable experience. The opportunities in this fast-growing field are endless.
Conclusion
So there you have it, friends. You don’t need years of experience or fancy degrees to start exploring the exciting field of cybersecurity. With so many free online resources, cybersecurity meetups and events in your area, and entry-level cyber jobs willing to train motivated candidates, the hardest part is just taking that first step. But once you do, an entire world of possibility opens up. Stay curious, be willing fail and learn from your mistakes, contribute to online forums, and put yourself out there. Before you know it, you’ll be well on your way to an awesome career protecting critical systems and data that our modern world depends on. Now close this browser and go start your cybersecurity journey!
