How can you make yourself more marketable for a Cybersecurity career?

I’m an OT Cybersecurity Consultant having crossed the theoretical boundary from being a Controls Engineer into the world of Cybersecurity. It’s been less than easy, and I will never stop learning, and I hope I never loose the imposter syndrome that drives me. So my perspective is, you can never know too much. Thats especially true when we think about OT Cyber. The best practitioners I know have a background in both Cybersecurity and Controls Engineering. They have the lived experience of building machine control systems, but also the lived experience of securing endpoints and networks. You can start with one or other and develop what you don’t have if you recognise you need it, but most importantly select who you listen to.

Yes that is true cause the basic will only lead us to make the career in the effective way you just need to clear what subdomain means the domain under the cyber security you are going to work search it and start learning. All is open source you just need to learn about the how can i get them within the best and efficient way.

In my opinion, grasping the basics in cybersecurity is akin to having a trustworthy companion on the professional journey. It serves as a reliable foundation, fostering effective problem-solving and critical thinking. Just as good communication is essential in any relationship, a solid understanding of basics facilitates clear communication with diverse stakeholders. It's like having a compass in a dynamic field, ensuring adaptability to evolving technologies. Basics not only pave the way for career growth but also act as a guiding light in the pursuit of certifications. In essence, embracing the basics in cybersecurity is like nurturing a valuable friendship that supports, guides, and propels one's professional journey forward.

There are many resources out there to get started in cybersecurity. I took cybersecurity related courses as an elective when I was studying engineering. Once I realized I enjoyed the subject I completed my security+ certification. Now there are many different ways to learn about cybersecurity. One great example is virtual internship programs such as the forage, which can have various projects with well known companies, that can help you get more project experience in various areas of cybersecurity.

I've always viewed Cybersecurity as the next frontier in various IT careers. Understanding how things operate firsthand is crucial before attempting to secure them. The term "hacker" has often been misinterpreted, but at its core, it signifies knowing more than the average person. It's about comprehending and identifying vulnerabilities to address them effectively and mitigate risks. Nowadays, Cybersecurity is often portrayed as an easy, step-by-step process without thorough analysis or expertise, leading to one of the most prevalent pitfalls in companies: unqualified personnel unable to grasp the context that different security tools provide.

Keeping up with cybersecurity stuff is super important 'cause things change a lot! You gotta check out good websites, join groups, and read cool stuff to stay updated. Taking classes, getting new certifications, and going to events can help you learn more and stay on top of things!

If you’re not updated you will lose half of knowledge in a year. To stay updated you can follow 3 way at the same time. One of them is preparing a career path based on international certifications from ISC2, ISACA, CISCO, PMI… and trying to get them. Second way is reading technological articles (LinkedIn is good place for it) Last way is about experience. Try to work in any cybersecurity domain. Try to work different area of cybersecurity. Experience in different areas is most valuable for cybersecurity.

I have worked as an industrial automation professional for 6 years and 9 years in OT cyber security assessments, design , implementation and maintenance. I believe to excel in OT cyber security irrespective of what you studied and came from what background is, one must learn how an industrial processes interact with final control elements and produce output. If you know which ports are communicating through which devices , you can easily workout on hardening those devices , can apply industry best practices, implement security controls etc. At the same time , if one can afford , obtain OT security related certifications such as IEC62443, GICSP .

Staying updated on cyber topics really shows your interest in the field. Following cyber professionals on social media, doing projects and following cyber news goes a long way.

In Cybersecurity, stagnation is your enemy; the field evolves faster than a speeding virus. It's a constant game of catch-up with the latest threats, tech wonders, and best practices. Picture yourself as a digital surfer, riding the ever-changing waves of the cyber ocean. How to stay afloat? Follow the beacons of reputable sources, join the vibrant hubs of webinars and communities, and immerse yourself in the sea of industry events. Don't forget to polish your skills with advanced courses and certifications – it's the fuel for your professional growth engine.

Having a personal cyber range helps significantly. It could be as simple as virtual box on a windows desktop, and being able to install applications, machines and networking will help to cement the knowledge and cover a lot of foundations. It can be difficult to try and pentest a website when you have never looked at how they are deployed and a home lab helps with seeing how things work that way you can better defend them

I think gaining experience is vital for enhancing marketability in a cybersecurity career. Practical exposure demonstrates the ability to apply theoretical knowledge, validating competence and proficiency. The way I see it, nothing surpasses experience. While certifications and qualifications are crucial for knowledge acquisition, there are aspects that can only be learned in the real world. Practice provides unique insights, refining practical skills, understanding real threats, and honing the ability to make swift decisions. It is experience that transforms theory into tangible expertise, making cybersecurity professionals truly prepared for the dynamic challenges of the field.

The skills gap in cyber is a myth - the experience gap is real, gain experience, build your CV by working starting in aligned roles and you will not look back ????

In your linked in bio just claim that you’re in the top 1% of hack the box.. HR teams won’t know how to verify this and you’ll be safe

Whether or not something counts as experience or not depends largely on your ability to demonstrate it to potential employers. Think about creating resumes, cover letters, and portfolios that document the work you've done and the skills you've acquired.

If all the super technical professionals in this field knew how to properly communicate & articulate the value of what they bring to the cybersecurity industry, I would be out of a job. Seriously! Being able to speak in a way that calls listeners to action is such a needed skill in cybersecurity and is probably just as valuable as having technical skills. Look at it this way, if you have soft skills you can always learn the technical stuff, but if you are super technical it may be a bit more challenging to learn those soft skills because they don’t come natural. So never think you’re not technical enough for cybersecurity. You just gotta figure out how to use your soft skills to your advantage.

Cybersecurity isn't just about bytes and bugs; it's about people. To excel, you need more than technical savvy – you need the soft skills: communication, teamwork, leadership, and a solid ethical compass. Think of it as equipping yourself with the social tools to navigate the complex cyber landscape. How to forge these skills? Explore courses, read books, or join clubs focusing on human-centric skills. Seek feedback and mentorship from seasoned professionals. It's about honing your ability to connect, inspire, and lead in the digital age.

While technical proficiency is critical, soft skills are equally important for a successful cybersecurity career. Strong communication skills enable you to convey complex security concepts to non-technical stakeholders effectively. Problem-solving and analytical thinking are essential for identifying and mitigating threats. Additionally, teamwork and collaboration skills are crucial, as cybersecurity often involves working with diverse teams. Cultivating these soft skills will enhance your overall effectiveness and career prospects in the field.

Many great opportunities will come when you are not expecting them. Learn to improvise. Throw yourself out into uncomfortable situations and train that charisma. Contrary to what you might think, it’s not an innate ability!

Cybersecurity is a discipline impacting the whole organization, understanding and empathizing in detail about the impact of new security postures on the teams interaction internals is key to ensure increased levels of security maturity, awareness and communication. When resolving emergency or critical situations, calmness under pressure, and the ability to inspire and motivate teams to work towards resolving the issues is key. Ethical dilemmas during emergencies, require strict focus and solid ethical judgement to ensure decisions and actions are aligned with organizational values and legal requirements. Given the constant change, adaptability is key to allow effective responses.

I could talk on this subject for hours (and I have, lol). I have entire courses and handbooks that have whole sections dedicated to networking. The cybersecurity industry is so fierce and competitive right now that only of rhetoric only ways of strongly increasing your chances of being hired is careful and strategic networking. Yes, you must have the basic requirements to qualify for the open cyber position, but beyond that networking with the actual hiring teams well before the position is even posted will get you in the door faster and with more success.

Cybersecurity offers diverse networking opportunities. Participating in cyber conferences and local meetups allows for valuable connections with peers and experts. These venues enable meaningful discussions and learning. Additionally, joining organizations like the Information Systems Security Association (ISSA) local chapters can be highly beneficial. They provide platforms for professional growth and facilitate broader community engagement. Engaging in these varied networking channels can greatly enhance knowledge, foster relationships, and advance careers in this dynamic field.

Building a network of cyber specialists whom we know and with whom we can exchange ideas is essential if we are to make a name for ourselves and grow in the business. We also need to be there for others, to provide mutual support. Cyber is about transforming businesses, and we can never do it alone. We need to act together, including with other cyber specialists who can provide us with knowledge and tips and tricks in aspects of the business with which we are less familiar.

In the vast cyber jungle, your network is your tribe. It's about forging connections with mentors, colleagues, and peers who can guide, support, and elevate your career. How to build this network? Step into the arena of events, groups, and social platforms like LinkedIn or Twitter. Reach out, engage, share your insights, and create content that reflects your expertise. It's not just about making contacts; it's about nurturing relationships that foster mutual growth and opportunities in the cyber world.

'Networking' can often feel transactional and insincere. Several infosec professional groups solve this problem by giving member a reason to connect, such as volunteering at an event, attending a conference, or mentoring. The security community active across the web, in whichever format you prefer to engage.

By contributing to more of these articles and gaining the elusive Top Voice badge ??????. Don't stop there, the badge is just one aspect of personal branding. Helping others also helps to advance the profession.

Marry your LinkedIn and your resume together to create the added extra layer of verification where someone can check Credly for certs, view your engagement style with peers and orgs, see your skills at work with viewing recommendations, skill endorsements, and or publications or awards.

Cybersecurity is a broad field. Specializing in a niche like penetration testing, forensic analysis, or compliance can make one standout. Also working on personal projects or contributing to open source cybersecurity tools and platforms demonstrates initiative and passion for the field.

While working in the field of cybersecurity, you won't feel the lack of in-depth programming knowledge as acutely. However, there are critical areas in cybersecurity where programming plays a significant role. If you aspire to be a proficient cybersecurity expert or manager, and wish to stay ahead of your competitors, having a solid understanding of fundamental programming concepts, algorithms, and data types is crucial. A strong grasp of scripting languages like Bash and PowerShell is invaluable. Python is essential for scripting and automation, JavaScript for web application security, and SQL for database manipulation. Programming skills facilitates understanding cryptographic principles, networking protocols, and secure coding practices.

Remember that you don't need to have a technical background or technical experience to start a career in Cybersecurity. There are several domains where other skills, knowledge and background can be extremely helpful. Areas like Governance, Risk and Compliance, Security Training and Awareness, Third Party Security Management,... Cybersecurity can be an inmense topic when viewing it from afar, so all you need to have is interest on the field (or a specific part of the field!), and willingness to keep learning and improving as you go. Therefore, just because you don't know how to code, or how to build your own sandbox, or how to perform a penetration test doesn't mean that you can't build a career in this field.