Learning cybersecurity in this technology-driven era is like having the ability to secure yourself from threats that can compromise your data. The ever-evolving nature of big data requires precautions and safeguards to secure your information. 

That’s where cybersecurity comes into the picture. I am sure at this moment you are thinking about how cybersecurity works. And how can you become a cybersecurity professional, i.e., a cybersecurity engineer?

To become a cybersecurity professional or cybersecurity engineer, you must inculcate relevant skill sets and learnings. There are various ways to do that, like learning from multiple sources online, enrolling in a degree program, or opting for a boot camp or a short cybersecurity program from a well-reputed institution or organization. 

In this article, you will learn how to become a cybersecurity professional and choose the right cybersecurity program for yourself. 

What is Cybersecurity? 

Cybersecurity deals with analyzing lines of code safeguarding computers, networks, and systems from unethical and unauthorized threats, access, and damage. In simple terms, it is the process of saving yourself from threats like unethical data manipulation, data breaches, and network protection. 

It involves utilizing and implementing safety measures to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data in the digital domain. 

Scenarios like phishing attacks, malware infection, unauthorized network access, and insider threats can do great damage. The prevalence of internet and data threats is increasing day by day, leading to the need for cybersecurity professionals for the protection and safety of your data. 

Things to Keep in Mind Before Enrolling in a Cybersecurity Program 

On-Campus vs. Online Programs 

According to your learning abilities and motivation, you have to choose between an online cybersecurity program or an on-campus or offline cybersecurity program. When it comes to pros and cons, there is a set list for both of them. If you are a working professional or an individual seeking affordability and flexibility, then an online cybersecurity program is ideal for you, because many online cybersecurity programs provide rigorous learning leading to enhanced learning experience. If you are seeking traditional learning via a cybersecurity program, then you can go with an on-campus or offline cybersecurity program. 

Curriculum and Learning Objectives

The quality of the curriculum of any course, program, or boot camp is directly proportional to the quality of learning that the students are going to get. Making it a crucial factor in selecting a program. You have to choose a cybersecurity program that not just only teaches you basic cybersecurity concepts, but also provides you with a practical skill set and emphasizes life-long learning because of the ever-evolving nature of cybersecurity. A good cybersecurity program should have the following aspects: 

• Core Principles: Cybersecurity core principles in theoretical and practical forms. 
• Risk Management: how to handle risk and evaluate various scenarios. 
• Data Protection Guides: Safeguarding various types of information through encryption, privacy legislation, etc. 
• Practical Activities: Practical usage of cybersecurity skills for various purposes. 
• Problem-Solving Skills: A necessity for a cybersecurity professional. 
• Certification Preparation: Cybersecurity programs that prepare for CISSP or CompTIA Security+

• Faculty Expertise

Learning from the professionals who have dedicated their careers to cybersecurity can provide you with the best learning. Faculty can make or break your future in cybersecurity, making it a very crucial aspect. Trainers or Instructors with real-world experience can give invaluable learning experiences in cybersecurity. So you should choose a cybersecurity program that is industry expert-led and focuses on teaching practical skills rather than just theoretical knowledge. 

• Accreditation and Reputation 

It is very important to check the credibility and authenticity of the cybersecurity program that you are willing to enroll in. Getting the knowledge of accreditations and the reputation of a cybersecurity program is very crucial for further seamless learning. When you are choosing a cybersecurity program, ensure that the cybersecurity program is accredited with top institutes or universities, so that it can add value to your candidature. Accreditation does not just add value to the quality of learning but also enhances employability. Additionally, consider choosing a cybersecurity program that has a great reputation within the cybersecurity industry. 

• Placement and Career Support Services 

Many of the online and on-campus cybersecurity programs offer placements after the completion of the program. You have to be very careful because nowadays many institutions and organizations are running scams in the name of providing placements. That’s where checking the authenticity and credibility of a cybersecurity program comes into the picture. You have to talk to alumni of the cybersecurity program and inquire about how well the program prepares students for the professional world and employment. Look for cybersecurity programs that offer placement support like building your candidature, preparing you for interviews, and finding the best employment opportunities. 

• Prerequisite and Background Knowledge 

Yes, having a background in computer science can be beneficial, it will give you an edge in the learning process. You don’t have to have a degree in computer science to become a cybersecurity professional. If you have the relevant key skills and knowledge, you can become a cybersecurity professional. It is your choice of a cybersecurity program if you forward with basic learning or intermediate learning. If you want to transition your career from any domain to cybersecurity, you have to learn from the basics, that may take time, but you have to stay motivated and consistent. 

• Specialization and Certification 

You have to choose the top-rated specialization according to your will and technological advances. You can consider the cybersecurity program that offers specialization in high-demand sectors of cybersecurity such as ethical hacking, penetration testing, or networking security. Additionally, you have to gather a certificate after completing any cybersecurity course or cybersecurity program. You can pursue cybersecurity certifications like Ethical Hacking Certificates, CompTIA Security+, and more, which will help you land a job easier and faster alongside a cybersecurity program. 

• Hands-on Experience Opportunities 

Having great theoretical cybersecurity knowledge can boost your marks but having both theoretical and practical knowledge of cybersecurity can increase your marketability. Every firm and enterprise wants a cybersecurity professional who can help in tackling cyber threats, and make their computer or processes as safe as possible. Look for a cybersecurity program that provides hands-on learning and practical experience.

Job Profiles in Cybersecurity

• Cybersecurity Engineer
• Security Analyst
• Network Security Engineer
• Security Consultant
• Ethical Hacker
• Cryptographer 
• Security Architect
• Security Operation Center (SOC) Analyst 
• Security Software Engineer

Top Cybersecurity Programs 

To help you out, we have prepared a list of the top prestigious cybersecurity programs:

• Carnegie Mellon University -  Information Networking Institute 
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology - Computer science and artificial intelligence laboratory 
• University of California, Berkeley
• Georgia Institute of Technology - Institute for Information Security and Privacy
• Stanford University - Cyber Policy Center and Computer Science Department 
• University of Cambridge 
• Hawkins University 
• University of Oxford - Cyber Security Centre 
• Technische Universitat Darmstadt
• Norwegian University of Science and Technology 
• Tallinn University of Technology 

Top Cybersecurity Certifications 

1. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
2. Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
3. CompTIA Security+
4. Certified Information System Auditor (CISA)
5. Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
6. CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+)
7. Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP)
8. GIAC Security Essential (GSEC)
9. GIAC Certified Incident Handler (GCIH)
10. Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)
11. Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate 

These cybersecurity certifications not only validate your learnings and skills but also enhance your marketability and employment making you a valuable asset for your career advancement. 

If you are looking for a cybersecurity program with maximum success rates, exceptional industry expert-led faculty, and a top-notch curriculum focusing equally on theoretical and practical learning then you must check the Prograduate Program in Cybersecurity offered by Learning Saint. This cybersecurity program comes with affordability and flexibility. Doesn’t matter if you are a working professional or a fresher, looking to build your career in cybersecurity, for the 2+ years, Learning Saint has been delivering outstanding cybersecurity learning via various cybersecurity programs. When it comes to the PG Program in Cybersecurity, this cybersecurity program comes with the accreditation of IBM and Microsoft, the two most popular and strong certification providers. In this program, you will have the opportunity to enhance your cybersecurity with advanced cybersecurity certifications. 

Conclusion 

In this technological age, everything revolves around the internet and data and to protect your data and privacy, cybersecurity plays a very important role. Due to this, the demand for cybersecurity professionals has been rapidly increasing. To become a cybersecurity professional you have to learn relevant skills and captivate required knowledge. For that, you must choose the best cybersecurity program that can enhance your chances of landing a perfect job in cybersecurity. For that, you have to be considerate about some factors like credibility, authenticity, placement support, career support, accreditation, curriculum, faculty, and more to make sure you will not waste your time as well as money. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

• What is Cybersecurity?

Cybersecurity refers to the protection of your data and privacy from breaches or threats. It allows the protection of your computer systems and networks from cyber-attacks. At this point, everybody is using the internet and involved with the cybersecurity misshapen. Due to this, the demand for cybersecurity professionals is increasing and it is the best time to learn and be a cybersecurity professional. 

• How to become a cybersecurity engineer?

To become a cybersecurity professional, you have to learn relevant skills by enrolling yourself in a cybersecurity program, be it a degree from a recognized university, or a certification program offered by a great institution. Then you have to choose a specialization. Afterward, you have to find yourself a cybersecurity engineer job. 

• What are cybersecurity certifications?

Cybersecurity certifications help you make your skills credible and provide employment opportunity enhancement. There are various types of cybersecurity certifications. Here is the list: 

1. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
2. Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
3. CompTIA Security+
4. Certified Information System Auditor (CISA)
5. Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
6. CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+)
7. Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP)
8. GIAC Security Essential (GSEC)
9. GIAC Certified Incident Handler (GCIH)
10. Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)
11. Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate 

• How to choose the best cybersecurity program?

To choose the best cybersecurity program for yourself, you have to be clear with your needs and wants. How much time do you want to spend? Which form of learning is ideal for you? Then you have to choose a cybersecurity program that is right for you considering some important factors like faculty, curriculum, accreditation, and more. 

• How much time will it take to complete a cybersecurity program?

Depending on the period and your prerequisite knowledge, a cybersecurity program can vary from 6 months to 2 years. 

• Which cybersecurity field is the best?

The best cybersecurity job depends on your interests and skills. Top positions include Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), ethical hacker, cybersecurity analyst/engineer, network engineer, and junior cryptanalyst. CISOs manage data security and strategy, ethical hackers identify and fix vulnerabilities, analysts/engineers detect threats, network engineers maintain network efficiency, and junior cryptanalysts analyze encrypted data for secure transmission. High salaries and high-paying positions are available.

• Which is better, an online cybersecurity program or an on-campus cybersecurity program?

Depending on your learning ability, cost-effectiveness, flexibility, and interaction with other students will decide, which is better: an online cybersecurity program or an on-campus cybersecurity program.