Can I Be a Cybersecurity Professional?

The decision to change or start a new career path can be a daunting one. Suddenly, you are staring down the barrel of long years of study towards a college degree. Plus, there’s a whole new industry to learn and networks you need to build in order to succeed.

But here’s the good news. If you’re considering a career pivot to cybersecurity, there’s a better way to get prepare yourself for a professional role and the certifications that will help get you there – without having to take a four-year hiatus. 

How? With an accelerated professional cybersecurity certification program.

Before we dive in, let’s first consider the state of the cybersecurity industry today.

There is a serious workforce gap of skilled cyber experts. 

By 2022, there will be an estimated 1.8 million unfilled cyber jobs worldwide. Corporate businesses and government organizations are scrambling to recruit qualified cybersecurity professionals – fast.

This has given rise to high-quality cybersecurity certifications and programs designed for the fast track.

When it comes to cybersecurity, there is no time to lose. Universities are now offering accelerated cyber education programs and career services to match credentialed candidates to their ideal job, within months rather than years.

How You Can Become a Cybersecurity Pro

In order to qualify as a certified cybersecurity professional, candidates must pass a range of global and industry-recognized certification exams.

These certifications are vital to regulating the quality of the industry all over the world by ensuring that only properly credentialed individuals can call themselves “experts.”

Technology is moving so fast, a four-year degree can only prepare students so much for the world they’ll face once they graduate.

Traditional college is an expensive and time-consuming way to get a cybersecurity education, and it won’t deliver the dynamic, hands-on, up-to-date knowledge necessary to get certified.

There’s another way to get into the cyber workforce – faster.

An accelerated professional certification program can help you get the focused and comprehensive training you need to pass the industry exams. The best program is designed to provide hands-on experience with modern systems and tactics, delivered by cyber professionals who are working in the industry today.

It’s the only way to get into the active workforce fast with the most up-to-date skills.

What Professional Cybersecurity Certifications Do You Need?

Here’s a breakdown of the certifications you will need if you want to be a cybersecurity professional:

AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner

This is a general exam covering the knowledge and skills necessary for an overall understanding of the AWS Cloud. Candidates should have some background in IT and some prior technical experience with AWS Cloud. The exam can be taken at a testing center or online at home. Find out more about AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner certification.

LPI Linux Essentials

This certification exam tests your general knowledge about Linux OS and provides an overall introduction to the Linux essentials. Candidates should have a basic understanding of Linux and the open-source industry, understand the basic technical aspects of Linux, and be familiar with some of the security and administration issues of Linux. Find out more about the LPI Linux Essentials certification. 

CCNA CyberOps

In mid-2018, the US Department of Defense approved the Cisco CCNA CyberOps certification for a number of training categories, which demonstrates the importance of this critical certification. It is comprised of two exams, focusing on Cisco cybersecurity fundamentals and operations. Find out more about CCNA CyberOps certification.

CompTIA

CompTIA is a world-leading tech education and research association, and three of its many certifications are key to a professional cyber career. 

• The Network+ core exam covers the essentials of network infrastructure, including configuration, management, and troubleshooting. 

• The Security+ core exam certifies successful candidates for the baseline skills and knowledge of core security functions and a career in IT security. 

• The CySA+ exam is an intermediate-level Cybersecurity Analyst credential, covering areas such as security analytics, intrusion detection and response. 

Find out more about CompTIA certifications.

(ISC)² SSCP

The SSCP certification is offered by (ISC)², a world-leading professional cybersecurity association founded in 1989. SSCP is a globally recognized, advanced security administration and operations certification, ensuring hands-on operational security skills for candidates such as IT admins, managers, directors, and security professionals. Find out more about (ISC)² SSCP certification.

READ: Why Do I Need a Cisco Certification?

Beyond Cybersecurity Certifications

Qualifying for these certifications is an important part of becoming a cybersecurity professional. An accelerated certification program is the ideal way to do it; however, networking and job placement support are also critical to a successful transition.

That’s why it’s important to choose a certification program that offers comprehensive career services, opportunities for networking, and more.

Want to find out if you can be a cybersecurity professional? Learn about the University of Miami Cybersecurity Bootcamp and get on the fast track to your new career in cyber. Schedule a call with an admissions advisor today to learn how you can enroll in our 30-hour Introductory Course!