So, you want to learn cybersecurity. Perhaps you’re intimidated by what you’ve read online. Maybe you’ve seen first-hand accounts from people about how difficult it is, or you’re experiencing imposter syndrome.
We’ve all been there.
However, we’re here to tell you that you can learn cybersecurity. In fact, in just 24 weeks, you can go from knowing nothing about cybersecurity to having the fundamentals you need to land your first job in the field.
It’s absolutely possible. You just need to put in the work.
What is Cybersecurity?
In its simplest form, cybersecurity protects systems and data against threats, viruses, and cyber attacks.
Today, cybersecurity is the practice of securing networks, resources, and systems. Those who work in cybersecurity aim to defend technology networks (i.e., servers, mobile devices, electronics) against malicious attacks, unauthorized access, and security breaches.
Is Cybersecurity Hard to Learn?
Cybersecurity is not hard to learn. However, some aspects of cybersecurity may seem challenging, particularly if you’re entirely new to the field.
An example is learning how to code. It takes time to learn and patience to master, and it can feel very challenging if you aren’t familiar with programming.
(Psst… Lucky for you, we’ve got a free Intro to Python course to get you started).
As you learn the foundational knowledge, things will begin to fall in place. Courses like our Cybersecurity Bootcamp will provide you with all the necessary information, build on those skills, and give you a headstart in your career with a cybersecurity certificate.
Not to mention, there are multiple facets of cybersecurity. If analytics and engineering aren’t your thing, you can pivot into another branch such as consulting, administration, or management.
5 Reasons to Learn Cybersecurity
If you’re interested in cybersecurity, chances are you’re all ready to begin your learning. If you’re unsure, here are five reasons why cybersecurity is a great field to get into.
1. Demand for Cybersecurity Proffesionals
Experts estimate that there will be 3.5 million job openings in cybersecurity by 2025! With technology and the internet ever-evolving, the need for cybersecurity and data protection has never been greater.
2. Various Career Branches
If you’re ambitious and you like having options when it comes to your career growth, then cybersecurity is a great field to get into. From analysis and IT to administrative and engineering, there are many branches available with cybersecurity.
3. Opportunities for Growth
Each branch of cybersecurity has plenty of growth opportunities. As you learn new skills and niche down, you can easily move into a more senior-level role.
4. Keeps Your Mind Sharp
Threats to online security constantly evolve, so remaining vigilant is essential in this job. When you’re always learning, looking out for new innovative ways hackers are trying to infiltrate systems, and solving complex technical puzzles, it helps your brain! You can grow new neural connections and strengthen your memory, problem-solving abilities, and more.
5. Excellent Pay
While it shouldn’t be the only reason you get into cybersecurity, the base salary is quite lucrative. This role is vital, and the entry-level salary can begin around $71,000, capping around $200,000+ for senior-level roles.
How to Learn Cybersecurity for Beginners
We all start somewhere! Here are some tips to start your cybersecurity learning journey.
1. Narrow Down Your Scope
Before you begin learning everything there is to know about cybersecurity, you should consider which branch of cybersecurity you’re interested in. Our practical guide can help.
Once you have figured out which facet of cybersecurity you’re most interested in, you can narrow down and focus on the fundamentals and learn what goes into your specific branch. If you’re new to the field, learning everything can feel overwhelming. Taking it a step at a time and focusing on only what’s relevant to you is an excellent place to start.
2. Read Cybersecurity Books
In the age of Google, why pick up a book to learn something new? Well, information online isn’t always accurate. Anybody can claim they know something and charge a small fee for access to this information.
In reality, the internet generally isn’t vetted for accuracy.
Cybersecurity books, on the other hand, are written by experts, reviewed by editors, and published. It’s a long, iterative process that deep-dives into a topic specifically to teach you and share information.
Check out our list of the 11 best cybersecurity books for beginners. We’ve broken down what their focus is on – and some are even interactive.
Speaking of learning by doing, check out our next tip!
3. Enroll in a Cybersecurity Bootcamp
One of the best ways to learn is by getting real, hands-on experience. By joining a cybersecurity bootcamp, you’ll learn the fundamentals and then apply those to more advanced learning, constantly building on your knowledge.
Coding Dojo offers an online Cybersecurity Bootcamp that will prepare you for a career in this field in 24 weeks. Bootcamps are not for the faint of heart and require a lot of hard work and dedication, so if you’re serious about committing, our program will kickstart your new cybersecurity career!
5 Most In-demand Cybersecurity Skills to Learn
You’ve already got your suite of soft skills – excellent communication, attention to detail, problem-solving, and an interest in learning and personal development.
But on the technical side, here are 5 important cybersecurity skills you should have:
- Programming languages (C, C++, Python, JavaScript, PHP, SQL)
- Knowledge of different operating systems, applications, networks, etc.
- Ethical hacking
- Network security control
- Computer forensics
The Types of Cybersecurity to Learn
As we mentioned earlier, there are many branches of cybersecurity that you can get into. Here is a list of different types of cybersecurity you could focus on:
- Network Security
- Application Security
- Cloud Security
- Information Security
- Endpoint Security
- Mobile Security
- Infrastructure Security
- End-User Education
- IoT Security (Internet of Things)
Learn Cybersecurity at Coding Dojo
At Coding Dojo, we make learning accessible. Experts in their respective fields have developed our curriculum. It is backed by thousands of hours of research to teach anybody cybersecurity fundamentals and more advanced principles – even if you’re starting with no programming knowledge.
Our Cybersecurity Bootcamp curriculums builds a solid foundation of knowledge, and you’ll have access to lifetime support from our services team. We’re not only here to teach you. Our goal is to teach, train, and support you before, during, and after graduation.
FAQ: Is Cybersecurity Hard?
Frequentlybasked questions about learning cybersecurity.
Is Cybersecurity a Good Career?
Cybersecurity is a great career! In 2021, Information Security Engineer was the number 1 most in-demand tech job. In our age of technology, there is high demand for this career, and it pays well because it’s such an important job.
How Hard is Cybersecurity?
Becoming a cybersecurity professional can be challenging. Specific topics may take extra time to understand and master, but it is a rewarding career that anybody can learn. You just need to have the passion and dedication to learning.
How Long Does it Take to Learn Cybersecurity?
Cybersecurity is a lifelong learning process. There’s no “one-and-done” course because technology and cyber attacks constantly evolve. However, to learn and apply the fundamentals of cybersecurity, it generally takes two years.
Does Cybersecurity Require Coding?
Entry-level cybersecurity jobs do not generally require coding. However, it will help. As you advance in your career, more knowledge will be required. It also helps to have the fundamentals of coding languages down. Coding Dojo offers a free Intro to Python workshop that can help you understand the basics of coding.
Where Can I Learn Cybersecurity?
Coding Dojo offers an online, part-time Cybersecurity Bootcamp to make it easy to fit into your schedule. Over 24 weeks, you’ll learn everything you need to know about cybersecurity to kickstart your new career.
Coding bootcamps are short, intensive training programs that require your full attention and dedication. With our part-time program, you can expect to dedicate 20 hours per week to this course, and in turn, we’ll prepare you for a cybersecurity career.