Can A Non-IT Person Learn Cybersecurity? | Cybrary (2024)

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Career Development

March 2, 2020

Can A Non-IT Person Learn Cybersecurity? | Cybrary (68)

Jenna Crawford

Can A Non-IT Person Learn Cybersecurity? | Cybrary (69)

Cybersecurity is a serious buzz word these days, and jobs in cybersecurity are in high demand. It might seem like a highly specialized skill set, but I’m going to let you in on a little secret. Anyone can learn cybersecurity! You don’t need an IT background to jump in and start learning about cybersecurity; anyone, regardless of their background, can learn cyber. You just need to be willing to invest the time to learn something new! I had a Sociology degree and knew nothing about Cybersecurity. In two short years I went from knowing nothing to knowing enough to score a highly coveted job doing vulnerability analysis for the Department of Defense. If I can do it, you can too!

How can I learn more about Cybersecurity?

Learning more about cybersecurity has never been easier! There are so many amazing resources out there to help you get started. These resources include college degree programs, online training platforms that offer a variety of courses and hands-on practice labs, classroom style training in-person courses, certification bootcamp classes, and good old fashioned books for learning too.

The method or methods you choose for training will depend heavily on your preferred mode of learning and your budget for training. College degree programs are generally going to be the most expensive, ranging anywhere from around $23,000 to $61,000 in tuition. Cybersecurity bootcamp style training courses can be taken in person or virtually and are geared toward specific skills. These training classes run anywhere from 1 week to 16 weeks+, and can cost from $900 to $19,000+. Books are going to be one of your cheaper ways of learning, especially if you have a local library that keeps an up to date supply of cybersecurity books or eBooks in their collection.

Create a FREE Account To Enroll In Any Of These Courses:

  • Intro to AWS
  • CompTIA Security+

There are a variety of online training platforms that offer video and live virtual courses on a variety of cybersecurity related courses. Some of these platforms include hands-on practice labs to help you really learn the concepts being taught in the courses and allow you to practice until you master the concepts.

Do I need a Cybersecurity certification?

You have probably heard about industry certifications at some point, which can seem overwhelming, but don’t be intimidated! Certifications can be a great way for a person without an IT background to break into a cybersecurity career path. A great introductory certification for cybersecurity is CompTIA Security+, which teaches a beginner level of competency in core cybersecurity-related topics. Cybrary’s CompTIA Security+ certification course is a fantastic way to help you develop competency in cybersecurity topics in preparation for the certification exam. The course also includes hands-on labs, which provides students with practical hands-on experience to apply the concepts taught in the course.

CompTIA Security+ Course (SYO-501) helps students develop skills in:

  • Threats, Attacks & Vulnerabilities
  • Technologies & Tools
  • Architecture & Design
  • Identity & Access Management
  • Risk Management
  • Cryptography & PKI

What kind of job can I get in Cybersecurity?

There are so many different jobs and careers that you can pursue and obtain as a cybersecurity professional. There is a huge demand in both the public and private sectors for qualified cybersecurity practitioners, so do some research and see which of these positions interest you. The average salary for a cybersecurity professional is about $90,000, so keep this in mind as you’re debating whether this career path is worth pursuing.

Some of in demand jobs in the cybersecurity industry:

  • Computer Network Defense Analyst
  • Cyber Defense Analyst
  • Forensics Analyst
  • Penetration Tester
  • Security Administrator
  • Security Analyst
  • Security Software Developer
  • Systems Security Analyst
  • System Vulnerability Analyst

Where do I start?

A great way to start learning the skills, tools, and technologies to start your journey in information security and cybersecurity is Cybrary’s Information Security Fundamentals career path. This is a comprehensive learning path that will guide you through a curated learning path that includes all the fundamental concepts and practices used by information security practitioners. The Information Security Fundamentals career path uses a combination of video training, hands-on labs, and assessments to help students develop real-world information security skills. This career path allows students to track their progress as they move closer to their goal, which is great to see how far you’ve progressed with your learning. At the end of the career path training, students will understand a variety of cybersecurity topics, such as risk management, security policies, password cracking, cryptography, malware, mobile security, and so much more. There is no shortage of training materials here!

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FAQs

Can A Non-IT Person Learn Cybersecurity? | Cybrary? ›

Cybersecurity is a technical field, but any non-technical person can become technical by learning cybersecurity basics. Soft skills are also highly important, and there are project management roles that focus more on management skills than technical skills.

Can a normal person learn cyber security? ›

Certifications can be a great way for a person without an IT background to break into a cybersecurity career path. A great introductory certification for cybersecurity is CompTIA Security+, which teaches a beginner level of competency in core cybersecurity-related topics.

Can a non-IT person learn cybersecurity? ›

Absolutely, you can acquire knowledge in cybersecurity even without any prior expertise in the field of information technology. Cybersecurity is an inclusive field that welcomes learners from diverse backgrounds, not exclusively those with a technical or IT background.

Can a non-programmer learn cyber security? ›

This is a very common misconception. In fact, there are several roles in IT and cybersecurity where coding is not required. While having a basic understanding of scripting languages is helpful, you can easily find entry-level positions with or without any prior coding and programming knowledge.

Is cybersecurity hard to learn with no experience? ›

Like any other profession, learning cyber security is not difficult if you are ready to put in the necessary effort and time. Because it doesn't require complex arithmetic, it is simpler to understand than most other subjects.

Is cybersecurity a lot of math? ›

Does cybersecurity involve math? Computing careers, including those in cybersecurity, generally require a foundational knowledge of mathematics. For example, any time you run penetration tests to get ahead of hackers or compile data reports to identify threats, your system is crunching numbers.

Is cyber security harder than coding? ›

Knowledge Level: Cybersecurity involves less coding but demands a deeper comprehension of networks, operating systems, system management, and core security principles. Coding, on the other hand, necessitates expertise in programming languages and frameworks.

What is the easiest field in cybersecurity? ›

Security analysis is considered an entry-level cybersecurity job, often requiring a bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field. Most companies seek analysts with one to five years of on-the-job experience in systems administration.

Do you need an IT background to get into cybersecurity? ›

You don't need to have an IT background or degree to embark on an exciting career in cybersecurity! The field is open to anyone with the right skills, passion, and determination.

Do you need to be smart for cyber security? ›

Anyone can learn to become a cyber security expert with a basic level of intelligence and plenty of hard work.

How hard is cyber security? ›

Many people hold the idea that cybersecurity is hard - hard to study, hard to become an expert in, and hard as a career. While cybersecurity does require highly technical skills, attention to detail, and excellent time management, the rewards for developing your skills in this field are well worth the effort.

How long does IT take to learn cyber security? ›

How Much Time Does It Take to Get a Degree in Cybersecurity? Bachelor's degrees commonly require 120-125 credits and take four years to complete. Advanced degrees, such as a master's in cybersecurity, typically require 30-36 credits and take two years to complete.

Does cybersecurity need math? ›

Cybersecurity majors with a computer science focus often need a strong background in math, particularly in areas like calculus, discrete mathematics, and statistics. On the other hand, cybersecurity-focused degrees like information technology may have fewer math requirements, occasionally skipping advanced calculus.

Is 40 too old to learn cyber security? ›

If you ask, ' Is 40 too old for a cybersecurity degree?' The answer is no. Age is no longer a barrier to professional achievement. Contact Learn.org today and get assistance to begin a fulfilling career in cybersecurity at any age.

How do you know if cyber security is for you? ›

Cybersecurity professionals exhibit meticulous attention to detail, from mitigating attacks and identifying bugs to decoding ciphers. Each approach relies on creative solutions. If this excites you, put your problem-solving skills to work and start training for a career in cybersecurity.

Why is cybersecurity so hard? ›

Organizations need to comply with various regulations and standards, which can be challenging to navigate. All of these factors make cybersecurity a challenging and ever-changing field that requires constant attention and effort to keep information and systems secure.

Can you get a job as a self taught cyber security? ›

Many in the industry report being self-taught or being taught on the job the skills they need,” said Michael Alicea, chief human resources officer at Trellix. “The key to a career in cybersecurity isn't in degrees and certifications, but rather in soft skills such as teamwork, critical thinking, and problem-solving.”

Is 1 year enough to learn cyber security? ›

The good news is there are opportunities to learn cybersecurity in one to two years — or less.

Can I learn cyber security without college? ›

A degree is not the only path to a career in cybersecurity. Non-degree approaches, such as certificates, certifications, bootcamps, and self-directed learning, can also jumpstart a career.

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