Getting Started in Cybersecurity – Fundamentals You Should Not Miss.

Last Updated : May 17, 2022

Getting started in cybersecurity with no previous IT knowledge is possible and doable. I have seen a lot of amazing people excelling in the field without prior knowledge of IT. If you have little or no knowledge of IT and you are interested in pursuing a career in cybersecurity, this is for you(I wrote it from the “bottom part of my heart”).

While starting a career in cybersecurity is not cast and stone, follow me on some steps you need to take to start your cybersecurity journey.

I used to ask “why cybersecurity?” but not anymore. It is not an interview (I still occasionally ask though, out of curiosity). Whatever your reasons are, there are some key things you need to know.

1. IT fundamentals: If you do not have any prior IT skills, it will be great to start by understanding the fundamentals of Information Technology. Cybersecurity revolves around protecting IT devices. An IT fundamental course will provide skills such as understanding the Domain name system (DNS), Windows operating system, Linux command line, systems administration, and so on. These skills will come in handy as you progress. Google has a fantastic course on this via Coursera. If you have any resource that has come in handy for you as well, please drop in the comment session.
2. Essentials of Networking: Understanding the basic networking concepts is non-negotiable (please do not ignore this ). You need to understand how systems/devices are connected and how communication is possible. Cisco network academy has a fantastic course on this.
3. Understand the key concept of cybersecurity: The key concept of cybersecurity popularly known as the CIA(confidentiality, integrity, and availability) triad is one thing you will want to understand and have at the “front of your hand”(Not back). The CIA triad consists of Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability. It provides vital security features.
4. Understand the essentials of cybersecurity: Understand cybersecurity, impact, attacks, and some of the essentials of cybersecurity. This will also introduce you to a lot of key terms. Cisco network academy has a very good course on this.

What next?

Everyday, people talk about how overwhelming it is starting a career in cybersecurity because there are two many resources out there. What do you do?

1. Make your research on the various domains of cybersecurity : Cybersecurity is broad and there are a lot of domains applicable. You need to make your research and see what area currently seems interesting to you at the moment.
2. Check for required skills: Review job openings in that domain and see the skills required for those roles and start learning and building your knowledge in those skills (Ignore every other thing at the moment ). Utilize labs. where applicable, watch videos and  read books
3. Document your learnings: While you are learning those required skills, document your leaning on a personal journal, your social media or maybe a blog. Be sure you are able to talk about those skills you are learning.