Top 5 Reasons Not to Become a Cyber Security professional

Summary

In this insightful video, the speaker, a seasoned cybersecurity professional, shares five red flags to consider before pursuing a career in cybersecurity. He emphasizes the importance of self-learning, the lack of immediate recognition, the chaotic nature of the field, the contrast between reality and media portrayal, and the pitfalls of prioritizing money over passion. The speaker encourages viewers to reflect on their motivations and interests, advocating for a genuine love for the work over chasing high salaries or titles.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker emphasizes the importance of self-learning in cybersecurity, as one must be proactive in acquiring knowledge and certifications outside of formal education.
• 🏆 The lack of immediate recognition or praise in cybersecurity can be a red flag for those who seek constant validation for their work.
• 🌀 Cybersecurity is a field that thrives on adaptability and thinking on one's feet, which may not suit those who prefer structured and predictable work environments.
• 🎥 The portrayal of cybersecurity in movies and TV shows is often misleading, as the job is more about office work and less about the action-packed scenarios depicted on screen.
• 💰 While high salaries can be a draw, they should not be the sole reason to pursue a career in cybersecurity, as job satisfaction and genuine interest in the work are paramount.
• 🚫 The speaker discourages those who are not passionate about self-learning and continuous education from entering the cybersecurity field.
• 🤔 The speaker suggests that those who are used to a structured military or corporate environment might find the chaotic nature of cybersecurity challenging.
• 🎓 The speaker shares personal experience, moving from a hands-on penetration tester to a more managerial role, highlighting the diverse career paths within cybersecurity.
• 🛡️ Recognition in cybersecurity often comes in the form of preventing attacks rather than public accolades, which may not appeal to those who seek external validation.
• 🤝 The speaker encourages seeking mentorship and shadowing professionals to get a realistic view of the cybersecurity career before committing to it.
• 💼 The speaker warns against pursuing a cybersecurity career solely for the money, as the day-to-day tasks and work environment are more critical to long-term job satisfaction.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of the video?

The main purpose of the video is to share five red flags for people considering a career in cybersecurity and to provide guidance based on the speaker's 20 years of experience in the field.

Why did the speaker decide to make these videos?

The speaker decided to make these videos to be the mentor they never had when they started in cybersecurity, helping others avoid the mistakes they made due to a lack of guidance.

What was the speaker's initial career goal in cybersecurity?

The speaker's initial goal was to become a professional hacker, specifically a penetration tester, inspired by Kevin Mitnick.

What is the first red flag mentioned for someone considering a career in cybersecurity?

The first red flag is the lack of self-learning ability; if someone doesn't enjoy self-studying and doing certifications on their own, cybersecurity might not be suitable for them.

Why is self-learning so important in cybersecurity?

Self-learning is important in cybersecurity because the field is constantly evolving, and professionals need to continually update their knowledge and skills through certifications, courses, and practice.

What is the second red flag to look out for in the cybersecurity field?

The second red flag is the expectation of constant recognition and praise for good work, which is not common in cybersecurity due to the nature of the work and the lack of visible outcomes.

Why might someone be frustrated in cybersecurity if they seek constant recognition?

Someone might be frustrated because cybersecurity work often involves preventing issues or responding to incidents, which may not be recognized or could even lead to blame if an attack occurs.

What is the third red flag mentioned for a career in cybersecurity?

The third red flag is the inability to work in chaotic environments, as cybersecurity often lacks structured procedures and requires professionals to think on their own and adapt to different situations.

How does the lack of structure in cybersecurity affect professionals?

The lack of structure can be challenging for those who prefer a set procedure or step-by-step guide, as cybersecurity professionals often have to adapt quickly to new threats and changing circumstances.

What is the fourth red flag regarding the portrayal of cybersecurity in media?

The fourth red flag is the misconception that cybersecurity is as exciting and action-packed as depicted in movies and TV shows, which can lead to disappointment when the reality of the job is more office-based and less glamorous.

Why might someone be disappointed if they enter cybersecurity expecting it to be like the movies?

They might be disappointed because the actual work involves more routine tasks, meetings, and administrative work rather than constant action and interaction with criminals.

What is the fifth and final red flag discussed in the video?

The fifth red flag is pursuing a cybersecurity career solely for the money or high salaries, without enjoying the day-to-day tasks and work environment, which can lead to dissatisfaction even with high earnings.

Why is it important to genuinely enjoy the work in cybersecurity rather than just focusing on the salary?

It is important because job satisfaction and enjoyment of the work itself contribute to long-term happiness and fulfillment, whereas focusing only on salary can lead to a lack of motivation and dissatisfaction.

What advice does the speaker give for those still interested in cybersecurity after considering the red flags?

The speaker advises them to watch additional videos they've made on how to get into cybersecurity, discussing the importance of education, certifications, experience, and a genuine interest in the field.