DON’T Start Cybersecurity - Do THIS instead

Summary

In this video, Soan, a Cloud engineer and security firm owner, shares why beginners should consider cloud computing over cybersecurity in 2024. Based on insights from a major survey of cybersecurity professionals, Soan explains the overwhelming challenges faced by newcomers in cybersecurity, such as a steep learning curve and difficulty in securing entry-level jobs. In contrast, cloud computing offers a structured path for beginners, abundant job opportunities, and a broad skillset that can later be specialized in Cloud security. Soan also provides a step-by-step roadmap to kickstart a cloud engineering career, even without prior experience.

Takeaways

• 😀 Choosing between a career in cybersecurity and cloud computing can be overwhelming, but cloud computing offers clearer pathways for beginners.
• 😀 75% of cybersecurity professionals find the current threat landscape challenging, making it difficult for beginners to break into the field.
• 😀 The cybersecurity industry faces a significant skills gap, with 92% of organizations reporting shortages in their teams, and 45% of hiring managers reluctant to hire entry-level candidates.
• 😀 To succeed in cybersecurity, you need deep knowledge of systems, networks, and vulnerabilities, which takes years to build, making it hard for newcomers to gain entry.
• 😀 Cloud computing offers a more structured and accessible learning path with clear starting points, such as foundational certifications and hands-on projects.
• 😀 Unlike cybersecurity, cloud computing offers abundant job opportunities at the entry level, with many companies willing to train beginners who demonstrate a solid understanding of core concepts.
• 😀 The cloud computing market is projected to reach $1.6 trillion by 2030, growing at an annual rate of 18%, providing significant job growth potential.
• 😀 Cloud engineers have a broader skill set than cybersecurity specialists, making them more versatile and valuable to employers.
• 😀 Cloud engineers can also specialize in cloud security later on, and this specialization is in high demand, with the largest skills gap in the field.
• 😀 A clear roadmap to entering cloud computing includes starting with basics, getting certified, building hands-on projects, landing an entry-level job, and then specializing in cloud security.
• 😀 Starting in cloud computing provides a solid foundation for cloud security, allowing professionals to understand architecture deeply before implementing security measures.

Q & A

Why is cybersecurity considered a challenging career for beginners in 2024?

Cybersecurity is considered challenging for beginners because the current threat landscape is more complex than ever. With 75% of cybersecurity professionals viewing it as the most challenging it's been in five years, newcomers often feel overwhelmed by the constant changes and the need to catch up. Additionally, there is a significant skills gap, with many companies preferring candidates who already have hands-on experience, making it harder for beginners to break into the field.

What is the main reason beginners struggle to break into cybersecurity roles?

The main reason beginners struggle in cybersecurity is due to a reluctance from hiring managers to hire entry-level candidates. 45% of hiring managers admit their organizations are hesitant to hire candidates with little experience, and 70% of them value hands-on experience more than a degree. This creates a catch-22 where beginners need experience to get hired, but can't gain experience without a job.

How does the skills gap in cybersecurity impact beginners?

The skills gap in cybersecurity means there are more job openings than qualified professionals. However, despite the shortage, hiring managers often seek candidates with advanced skills and experience. This makes it difficult for beginners to find entry-level positions, as employers expect candidates to have a deep understanding of systems, networks, and security practices before they can contribute effectively.

Why is cloud computing a better choice for beginners compared to cybersecurity?

Cloud computing is a better choice for beginners because it offers a more structured and accessible learning path. There are clear entry points such as certifications, hands-on projects, and a growing job market. Cloud computing allows newcomers to develop a broad skillset, with fewer barriers to entry and a lower learning curve compared to the more specialized and demanding cybersecurity field.

What is the growth potential of the cloud computing industry?

The cloud computing industry is booming, with projections showing it could reach $1.6 trillion by 2030, growing at an annual rate of 18%. This growth translates to abundant job opportunities, especially for entry-level candidates, as many companies are eager to hire and train cloud enthusiasts who show a strong understanding of core cloud concepts.

How does cloud computing offer a broad skillset to beginners?

Cloud computing exposes professionals to a wide range of IT concepts, including networking, storage, security, and application development. This broad skillset makes cloud engineers versatile and valuable to employers, enabling them to work on diverse projects. It differs from cybersecurity, where professionals typically specialize in a narrow range of security-focused tasks.

Can you specialize in cloud security after starting with cloud computing?

Yes, cloud computing offers a solid foundation from which you can later specialize in cloud security. In fact, cloud security is one of the most in-demand skills in the tech industry, and having a broad understanding of cloud computing first makes you a more effective cloud security professional. Starting with cloud engineering allows you to gain a well-rounded skillset before diving into a specialized field.

What steps should beginners take to start a career in cloud computing?

To start a career in cloud computing, beginners should follow these steps: 1) Learn the basics, possibly by starting with a free beginner's guide. 2) Get certified, beginning with foundational certifications like the AWS Cloud Practitioner. 3) Build projects that form your portfolio. 4) Apply for entry-level cloud roles, even if job descriptions require experience. 5) Spend a few years working in the cloud and then specialize in cloud security.

Why are cloud computing certifications important for beginners?

Certifications help solidify a beginner’s understanding of cloud computing concepts and provide credibility in the job market. While certifications alone may not land a job, they demonstrate a commitment to learning and can make a candidate more attractive to employers, especially when combined with hands-on projects and practical experience.

What is the difference between cybersecurity specialists and cloud engineers in terms of their skillsets?

Cybersecurity specialists tend to focus on a specific set of skills related to securing systems, networks, and data. In contrast, cloud engineers have a broader skillset that spans multiple IT areas, such as networking, storage, application development, and security. This makes cloud engineers more versatile and capable of addressing a wider range of technical challenges.