Breaking Barriers: How to Become a Cyber Security Specialist Without a Degree

Introduction

Cybersecurity is a rapidly growing field, with an increasing demand for professionals who can protect organizations from cyber threats. However, many people believe that a degree is necessary to enter this field. While a degree can certainly be helpful, it is not always required. In this article, we will explore how to become a cyber security specialist without a degree.

Why a Degree is Not Always Necessary

While a degree in cyber security or a related field can be helpful, it is not always necessary. Many employers are more interested in practical experience and skills than formal education. In fact, a recent survey found that 84% of employers believe that experience is more important than education when it comes to hiring cybersecurity professionals.

Additionally, there are many resources available for individuals who want to learn about cyber security on their own. Online courses, certifications, and self-study can all be effective ways to gain the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in this field.

Steps to Becoming a Cyber Security Specialist Without a Degree

If you are interested in becoming a cyber security specialist without a degree, there are several steps you can take to achieve your goal.

Step 1: Gain Knowledge and Skills

The first step to becoming a cyber security specialist is to gain knowledge and skills in the field. There are many resources available for individuals who want to learn about cyber security on their own. Online courses, certifications, and self-study can all be effective ways to gain the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in this field.

Some popular online courses for cyber security include:

• Cybersecurity Essentials
• CompTIA Security+
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

Certifications can also be a valuable way to demonstrate your knowledge and skills to potential employers. Some popular certifications for cyber security include:

• CompTIA Security+
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
• GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC)

Step 2: Gain Practical Experience

In addition to gaining knowledge and skills, it is important to gain practical experience in the field. This can be done through internships, volunteer work, or entry-level positions.

Internships can be a great way to gain practical experience in cyber security. Many companies offer internships to students or recent graduates, and these can be a valuable way to gain hands-on experience in the field.

Volunteer work can also be a valuable way to gain practical experience. Many non-profit organizations need help with cyber security, and volunteering can be a great way to gain experience while also giving back to the community.

Entry-level positions, such as security analyst or security engineer, can also be a valuable way to gain practical experience in the field. While these positions may not pay as well as more senior positions, they can be a valuable way to gain experience and build your resume.

Step 3: Build Your Network

Building your network is an important part of any career, and cyber security is no exception. Networking can help you learn about job opportunities, gain valuable insights from experienced professionals, and build relationships that can help you throughout your career.

Some ways to build your network in cyber security include:

• Joining professional organizations, such as the Information Systems Security Association (ISSA) or the International Association of Computer Security Professionals (IACSP)
• Attending industry conferences and events
• Participating in online forums and discussion groups
• Connecting with professionals on LinkedIn

Case Studies

There are many examples of individuals who have become successful cybersecurity specialists without a degree. Here are a few examples:

Case Study 1: Chris Roberts

Chris Roberts is a well-known cyber security expert who has worked with companies such as Microsoft and Symantec. However, he does not have a degree in cyber security or a related field. Instead, he gained his knowledge and skills through self-study and practical experience.

Roberts began his career as a system administrator but quickly became interested in cyber security. He began studying on his own and eventually started working as a security consultant. Today, he is a respected expert in the field and is frequently called upon to speak at industry events.

Case Study 2: Brian Krebs

Brian Krebs is a journalist and cyber security expert who is best known for his work on the KrebsOnSecurity blog. Krebs does not have a degree in cyber security or a related field but has gained his knowledge and skills through self-study and practical experience.

Krebs began his career as a journalist but became interested in cyber security after his own computer was hacked. He began studying on his own and eventually started writing about cyber security for The Washington Post. Today, he is one of the most respected experts in the field and is frequently called upon to speak at industry events.

Conclusion

While a degree in cyber security or a related field can be helpful, it is not always necessary to become a cyber security specialist. By gaining knowledge and skills through online courses and certifications, gaining practical experience through internships, volunteer work, or entry-level positions, and building your network through professional organizations, conferences, and online forums, you can become a successful cyber security specialist without a degree.