Beginner Roadmap to Break into Cybersecurity | Step-by-Step Guide

Summary

In this video, Boyd KS, a six-figure tech career coach and cybersecurity expert, shares a unique roadmap for breaking into the cybersecurity field. Instead of starting with certifications, Boyd advises beginning with self-assessment of natural strengths to identify suitable roles. He highlights fields like GRC (Governance, Risk, and Compliance) as a non-technical entry point. Boyd emphasizes the importance of hands-on experience, strategic training, and reverse-engineering a career plan. Viewers are encouraged to explore programs like Simply Learn’s cybersecurity course in collaboration with MIT to boost their skills and job prospects.

Takeaways

• 🚀 Start with the end goal in mind and reverse engineer the steps to break into cybersecurity.
• 📝 Take inventory of your natural strengths and abilities before diving into certifications and technical skills.
• 🛠 Cybersecurity is a vast field—find a role that aligns with your natural skills rather than forcing yourself into a box.
• 🧠 Analytical thinkers might thrive in roles like threat intelligence, vulnerability management, or incident response.
• ✍️ Strong writers can consider roles like policy or technical writing, which don't require technical experience.
• 🖥 Tech-savvy individuals might fit roles in penetration testing or network security.
• ⚠️ Identify not only your strengths but also your limitations to avoid pursuing roles that aren't a good fit.
• 📊 GRC (Governance, Risk, and Compliance) analyst roles are recommended for beginners, as they often require non-technical skills.
• 🎓 Certifications like Simply Learn's postgraduate program in collaboration with MIT can provide hands-on experience and help build cybersecurity careers.
• 💡 Certifications alone won't secure a job; understanding the 'why' and 'how' of tasks in real-world scenarios is key to standing out.

Q & A

What is the main approach suggested in the video to break into cybersecurity?

The main approach suggested is to start with the end goal in mind and reverse-engineer the steps to get there. This involves self-assessing one's strengths and finding cybersecurity roles that align with those skills.

Why is it important to start with an inventory of your natural strengths before pursuing a cybersecurity career?

Starting with an inventory of your natural strengths ensures that you build a career that aligns with your abilities, making it more sustainable and enjoyable in the long run. It prevents you from forcing yourself into a job that may not be a good fit for you.

What are some cybersecurity roles suitable for analytical thinkers?

Analytical thinkers are well-suited for roles such as threat intelligence, vulnerability management, and incident response.

How can someone who is strong in writing find a role in cybersecurity?

Someone with strong writing skills can consider roles like policy writing or technical writing in cybersecurity, which do not require technical experience.

What personal limitation did the video speaker face and how did they adjust their career path because of it?

The speaker has dyslexia, which made coding difficult for them. Instead, they focused on roles like auditing and compliance that aligned better with their strengths.

What role does the speaker recommend for beginners in cybersecurity, and why?

The speaker recommends starting with a GRC (Governance, Risk, and Compliance) analyst role because it is non-technical for the most part and can serve as an easier transition into cybersecurity.

What job search platform does the speaker recommend, and how did they use it to find opportunities?

The speaker recommends using Dice.com, a tech job search platform. They searched for GRC audit roles based on their analytical strengths, leading them to a suitable GRC analyst position.

What kind of training does the speaker recommend for those looking to break into cybersecurity?

The speaker recommends Simply Learn's programs, specifically highlighting their postgraduate program in cybersecurity, which is designed in collaboration with MIT and the EC Council. The program offers hands-on projects and AI-related coursework to enhance technical skills.

What does the speaker emphasize about the role of certifications in landing a cybersecurity job?

The speaker emphasizes that certifications alone will not help you land a job. It's crucial to understand the 'why' and 'how' behind the tasks you'll be performing and be able to relate those tasks to real-world business challenges.

How does the speaker suggest you approach cybersecurity training to align it with your career goals?

The speaker suggests identifying your strengths first, choosing the right role based on those strengths, and then securing training that aligns with your skills and career goals. This approach ensures that the training will be relevant and help you succeed in the long run.