Landing a cybersecurity career is likened to landing a job for a lifetime. One position to consider is the Cybersecurity Engineer.
So how can you become a cybersecurity engineer?
Who is a Cybersecurity Engineer?
A cybersecurity engineer is a professional who can design a system that can secure the network of a particular company or government agency.
Although they don’t have a degree in computer science. They are able to defend the systems they create from hackers and other cyber threats.
The job of a cybersecurity engineer is to design the security system of a company or organization.
A security system is created by analyzing the work environment of their clients. Then, determine how to prevent hacker attacks from disrupting their work. They also come up with ways that will help prevent criminal activities. For instance, preventing it from occurring in the network they are working with.
Common Roles & Duties:
They use their knowledge of system operations, computer science, mathematics, and networking to solve problems encountered by their clients. Their knowledge about the workings of different networks, operating systems, and software will also come in handy when developing firewall rules and policies.
And since their knowledge is primarily based on computer systems, it’s important that they understand how to solve problems using a computer language like C++ or Java.
Another key skill needed is the ability to be able to develop algorithms for solving problems they’ll encounter.
A few more skills needed are:
- being able to create prototypes for products and solutions
- being able to carry out installation procedures on different networks
- having excellent writing and speaking skills (in order to communicate their findings clearly)
- excellent research skills (so they can keep themselves up-to-date with what’s going on in the field)
- excellent problem-solving skills (since there are other engineers and hackers trying to break into the networks they’re working with).
So if you’re interested in this profession, here are some steps you can take on your way to becoming a cybersecurity engineer.
How to Become a Cybersecurity Engineer
1. Complete a Degree
Completing a degree in computer science or information technology will be helpful because it will provide you with an understanding of how computers operate. This will also provide you with an understanding of how operating systems work as well as how the software operates so you’ll know where flaws might be present when trying to secure these systems.
2. Math Skills are Important
You’ll need to have solid math skills because cryptography uses algebraic equations before it can be deciphered or hacked by other people. And since you’ll need knowledge about networking protocols like TCP/IP, working knowledge about hardware platforms like routers and switches is needed too.
3. Consider Internship
Completing an internship in this field is another great way of learning more about this profession because it provides you with hands-on experience. And even if you’re only a college student, it will be a great experience for your resume.
4. Consider Volunteering in the Field
Another way to learn more about this field is by volunteering in the field. You can try to volunteer in a company that has a team of cybersecurity engineers and sees how they do their work. Perhaps you can also check the job boards of companies that are looking for cybersecurity engineers and see if you can volunteer your services to them for free.
5. Consider Taking Courses
If you’re a college student, taking some courses about security will help prepare you for this profession. Courses like cryptography, network security, and computer forensics will be beneficial in preparing you for this career.
