How to Pivot Your Career Into Cyber Security: Cyber Security Courses & Pathways

The rapid evolution of the digital world has led to a significant increase in cyber-attacks and data breaches, and that’s why the demand for cyber security professionals has skyrocketed in recent years. The Australian cyber security industry is projected to reach US $5.8 billion by 2024 and triple in size over the next decade — that’s an annual growth rate of 8%.

So how do you get into cyber security? It’s much easier for someone with experience in information technology to leverage their current knowledge and skill set to pivot into the industry. With such high demand, it’s a great time to think about upskilling with a course on cyber security and becoming a specialist in the field.

This is your ultimate guide to launching a career in cyber security…let’s dive in!

Cyber security is about protecting computer systems, networks, and digital information from unauthorized access, theft, damage, or other malicious attacks. Cyber security professionals are experts in preventing cyber attacks from compromising the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of private information.

Their ultimate goal is to identify and prevent security breaches and vulnerabilities to safeguard against cyber threats such as malware, phishing attacks, and hacking attempts.

More individuals and businesses are recognising the importance of protecting their sensitive data from cyber threats, making cyber security one of the most in-demand and secure careers in Australia.

Whether you have little experience in IT or you’re a seasoned professional, it’s likely that you’ve dabbled in the world of cyber security already. There are many roles in information technology that require similar skills to a cyber security professional, and therefore the opportunity to pivot your career to this niche is probably easier than you think. Here’s a breakdown of some popular IT roles and how you can leverage your existing experience and online courses to pivot into cyber security.

IT support technician

If you’re an IT support technician you have experience in troubleshooting software and hardware issues, configuring systems and networks and providing technical support to end users. IT support technicians may also have some experience in setting up firewalls and antivirus software which helps improve a company’s overall digital security. These skills are highly transferable to the tasks of a cyber security professional, such as identifying and mitigating security threats, analyzing system logs, and implementing security protocols.

Leverage your experience to upskill further with cyber security courses like CompTIA Security+ or Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH). These courses lead to roles in cyber security like:

Network administrator

As a network administrator, you have experience in designing and configuring network infrastructures, managing network performance and security, and troubleshooting network issues. You’ll also have some experience with intrusion detection and prevention systems which can be used to eliminate potential cyber security threats. These technical skills cross over with the tasks of a cyber security professional, such as identifying and analyzing network security threats, implementing security protocols, and monitoring system logs.

Although you may have some experience with these foundational security skills, a course on cyber security such as Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) or Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) will bridge any gaps. These courses can lead to cyber security roles such as:

System administrator

System administrators have experience in managing system configurations, deploying software applications, and providing technical support. These skills are transferrable to cyber security tasks such as monitoring system logs, identifying and mitigating security threats, and implementing security protocols. For example, a system administrator can leverage their experience in setting up and maintaining user access controls to learn how to maintain security support and mitigate potential security breaches.

If you’re looking for a course on cyber security to upskill, you can complete a Microsoft Certified course or Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP). These lead to cyber security roles such as:

Software developer

If you’re a software developer, you have experience in designing, developing, and testing software applications, as well as testing and debugging code. This means you’ve probably implemented authentication and encryption protocols to develop secure new applications or maintain security controls in existing software systems. These skills are highly relevant to a cyber security role as part of the job involves analysing code vulnerabilities and implementing secure coding practices.

Take your skills to the next level with cyber security courses like Certified Secure Software Lifecycle Professional (CSSLP) or Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH).These courses lead to cyber security roles like:

Threat intelligence

Threat intelligence refers to the ability to identify, analyze, and respond to security threats. This skill is essential for identifying and mitigating potential security threats before they can cause severe damage. Threat intelligence involves monitoring security systems, analyzing security data, and staying up-to-date on the latest threats and vulnerabilities.

Penetration testing and ethical hacking

Being a penetration tester involves simulating attacks on a system to identify vulnerabilities and weaknesses for risk management purposes. This skill is important for identifying and addressing potential security vulnerabilities before an attack is made. A strong understanding of penetration testing and ethical hacking is essential for developing effective security measures and responding to security incidents.

Programming knowledge

Programming knowledge plays a fundamental role in developing secure software and applications. A strong understanding of programming languages and software development principles is needed to identify potential security vulnerabilities in code and create effective security measures to protect against cyber attacks.

Analytical skills

Analytical skills are important for identifying patterns and trends in security data, which can be used to identify potential threats and vulnerabilities. A strong understanding of analytical tools and techniques is necessary for developing effective security measures and responding to security incidents in a timely manner. Analytical skills are also important for identifying and addressing potential weaknesses in security systems and processes.

If you’re currently working in the IT industry and looking for a change, a career in cyber security is a great option. With technology becoming more intelligent, cybercrime is a constant threat to businesses and individuals — that’s why cyber security is one of the most necessary and sought-after services today.

With the majority of courses offering online as a study option, you can fit your learning into your busy schedule and study anytime, and from anywhere.

So now is the perfect time to enquire about a cyber security course and find the one that’s going to bridge your skill gap and launch your successful career in cyber security.