What are the best ways to pivot your Operating Systems skills into a cybersecurity career?

1 Understand the fundamentals

Before you dive into the specific tools and techniques of cybersecurity, you need to have a strong grasp of the fundamental concepts and principles of operating systems. These include processes, threads, memory management, file systems, networking, security models, and system calls. You should also be familiar with the common operating systems used in different environments, such as Windows, Linux, MacOS, Android, and iOS. Knowing the strengths and weaknesses of each operating system, as well as their similarities and differences, will help you identify and mitigate potential vulnerabilities and threats.

2 Learn the basics of hacking

Hacking is the art of finding and exploiting weaknesses in a system or network. To be a good hacker, you need to think like one. You need to learn how to use various tools and techniques to scan, probe, analyze, and attack operating systems. Some of the tools you should master include Nmap, Metasploit, Wireshark, Burp Suite, and Kali Linux. Some of the techniques you should practice include reconnaissance, enumeration, vulnerability assessment, exploitation, privilege escalation, persistence, and covering your tracks. By learning the basics of hacking, you will be able to assess the security posture of an operating system and find ways to improve it.

4 Get certified

One of the best ways to demonstrate your operating systems and cybersecurity skills is to get certified. Certifications are widely recognized and respected in the industry, and they can help you stand out from the crowd and land your dream job. There are many certifications that cover both operating systems and cybersecurity topics, such as CompTIA Security+, CompTIA Linux+, Microsoft Certified: Azure Security Engineer Associate, Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP), and GIAC Certified Windows Security Administrator (GCWN). Depending on your level of experience and interest, you can choose the certification that suits your goals and needs.

5 Network with other professionals

Networking is another important aspect of pivoting your operating systems skills into a cybersecurity career. Networking can help you learn from other experts, find mentors, get feedback, discover opportunities, and build your reputation. You can network with other professionals through various channels, such as online forums, social media, blogs, podcasts, webinars, conferences, workshops, and hackathons. You can also join or create local or online communities that share your passion and vision. Networking will help you stay updated, motivated, and connected in the fast-paced and dynamic field of cybersecurity.