Cybercrime is on the rise amidst the Covid-19 pandemic, and there has never been a time when the world has needed more cybersecurity experts. With the world getting digitalized and data permeating every aspect of organizations’, industrys’, and individuals’ existence, there is a need for organizations to invest in Cyber security and protect themselves from cyber-attacks that threaten to damage, steal, or disrupt data. If data is an organization’s DNA, then cybersecurity professionals are the unsung heroes who act as a layer of immune cells combating these cyber threats.

So, are you thinking of switching your career to cybersecurity or aiming for knowledge expansion by adding another arrow in your quiver but do not know how and where to start? Do not worry; this article will assist you in making an informed decision. Just as there is military training to learn combat skills, there are numerous platforms that provide cybersecurity courses that will arm you with the offensive and defensive skills required to position yourself at the forefront of safeguarding your organization from cyber threats.

Getting into the world of cybersecurity

Personnel with cybersecurity skills are in high demand in today’s digital world. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of people employed in the cyber security sector is expected to increase by 31% between 2019 and 2029. This rate far outstrips the national average for all occupations.

Furthermore, the Hindu Business Line cites a report by Michael Page, a globally recognized recruitment consultancy, that there will be over 1.5 million unfilled cybersecurity job vacancies in India by 2025.

So, if you are thinking about a career in cybersecurity, now is the right time.

No matter what your educational background or previous work experience is, getting into cybersecurity is not as hard as you would imagine. The world of cyberspace is open to anyone who has the time, passion, and enthusiasm to learn and relearn because it is a field that is constantly updated with new information and technology to combat new cyber threats.

Many cybersecurity professionals begin their careers by self-teaching, but this alone will not ensure your place in this industry. As a result, before meeting the course’s eligibility requirements, you should contemplate and determine your own eligibility.

Which cyber security courses suit you?

Do research, research, and even more research!

The internet is loaded with free information, as well as the presence of various digital platforms offering training and courses in cybersecurity. As a result, it is vital that you ask these questions to avoid mistakes and save valuable time and money.

1. What is your goal?

Is your goal to completely change your career path and enter the cybersecurity workforce, or is it to add more skills to your knowledge base to meet the requirements for specific positions in which you want to advance in your career? Or is it simply keeping up with new information and cutting-edge technology?

 Whatever your goals are, it is worthwhile to reflect on them so that you can select the area of specialization that best meets your needs.

2. Is technology a friend or foe to you?

Cybersecurity specialists must be well-versed in various technologies relevant to their responsibility.

Deficiencies in understanding the operation of the tools and software platforms under our protection will negatively impact our effectiveness on the job. Due to a lack of proper technical knowledge, it is possible that we will encounter some roadblocks on our way to further professional development.

3. Do you understand the fundamentals?

It is critical to have a firm basic understanding of how IT systems and computer networks work. You must also have a working knowledge of some of the most important network protocols. A practical understanding of programming, as well as modern algorithms, is crucial. Only on such a solid foundation can one add knowledge in areas such as networking traffic, security, data encryption, decryption, etc., which are necessary to specialize in cybersecurity.

If you responded yes to all these questions, it means you have the right aptitude to enter the realm of cybersecurity.

The cybersecurity program

Project training programs of high quality are available in a variety of settings, both offline and online. There are several digital platforms that offer excellent cybersecurity training to working professionals and graduates who want to hone their skills without jeopardizing their work responsibilities. Simplilearn, for example, provides an excellent cybersecurity program that includes modules from prestigious institutions such as the MIT Schwarzman College of Computing, an institution that provides cybersecurity certification, education, training, and services in a variety of cybersecurity skills.

These training programs have a well-structured curriculum that cements core foundational knowledge and builds on intermediate and advanced security skills about how to practice cybersecurity in the real world. The program also teaches advanced cybersecurity technologies such as reverse engineering, penetration testing techniques, cloud security, and many others.

Eligibility for a cyber security course

To be eligible for a master’s program in cybersecurity, you should meet the following three eligibility requirements.

• A bachelor’s degree in any discipline with an average of 50% or higher marks

• A non-programming background is possible.

• Prior work experience is not required.

Who can take up this course?

While there are no set requirements, you must have the right combination of soft and hard skills, as well as basic math and the ability to reason logically. Most importantly, you must have the passion and motivation to upgrade yourself with advanced skills and technological knowledge to combat cyber threats in a fast-paced environment.

With an increasing demand for skilled specialists in a range of organizations across various industries, the cybersecurity industry has a lot to offer. As a result, there has never been a better time to learn about cybersecurity, and the only thing stopping you from advancing further in this path is the lack of formal and scientific training. As the saying goes, “a missed opportunity is a lost opportunity,” so be wise, choose wisely and invest wisely in a course that will propel you to attain new heights in cyber security.