Breaking Into Cybersecurity: Your First Steps Explained

Updated on July 15, 2025, by ITarian

Thinking about a career that’s in high demand, offers strong salaries, and lets you protect digital worlds from invisible threats? You’re not alone. With over 3.5 million unfilled cybersecurity jobs worldwide, many professionals—from IT managers to career changers—are asking how to get in cyber security and what it takes to succeed.

Whether you’re coming from tech, business, or a non-technical background, cybersecurity is one of the most accessible (yet misunderstood) fields. This post will break down practical steps on how to start a career in cybersecurity, which cybersecurity certifications for beginners make a difference, and how you can learn cybersecurity from scratch—no experience required.

Why Choose a Career in Cybersecurity?

Before diving into the how, let’s talk about the why. Cybersecurity is:

High-paying: Average entry-level salaries start from $70,000+
Ever-evolving: Always something new to learn
Mission-critical: You help protect data, privacy, and businesses
Remote-friendly: Plenty of opportunities for flexible work

According to (ISC)², the global cybersecurity workforce needs to grow by 65% to meet current demand. That means opportunity is knocking—loudly.

Step-by-Step: How to Get in Cyber Security

1. Understand the Basics of Cybersecurity

Before you choose a path, learn the foundation:

What is a cyberattack?
What’s the difference between a vulnerability and an exploit?
What is the CIA Triad (Confidentiality, Integrity, Availability)?

You can start with free resources like:

2. Choose a Role That Matches Your Strengths

Cybersecurity isn’t just about hacking. Roles vary widely:

Security Analyst: Monitors and defends systems
Penetration Tester: Simulates attacks to find weaknesses
Incident Responder: Handles breaches in real-time
GRC Specialist: Manages compliance and policies
SOC Analyst: Works in the Security Operations Center

Tip: If you’re unsure where to start, aim for Security Analyst—it’s a common entry point.

3. Learn Cybersecurity from Scratch

Not sure where to begin? Here’s a structured path for how to learn cybersecurity from scratch:

Start With:

Networking Basics (TCP/IP, DNS, HTTP/S)
Operating Systems (Windows, Linux fundamentals)
Security Concepts (firewalls, encryption, authentication)

Suggested Resources:

CompTIA Security+ books
TryHackMe and Hack The Box for hands-on labs
YouTube: Professors like NetworkChuck and The Cyber Mentor

Use these to build a strong foundation without spending thousands on a degree.

Cybersecurity Certifications for Beginners

Certifications validate your knowledge and open doors—especially if you don’t have a degree.

Here are the top cybersecurity certifications for beginners:

Certification	Purpose	Recommended For
CompTIA Security+	General cybersecurity knowledge	Absolute beginners
Certified Cybersecurity Entry-Level (CC)	Offered by (ISC)², free entry-level cert	Career changers
Cisco CyberOps Associate	Security operations focus	SOC aspirants
Google Cybersecurity Certificate	Practical cloud-based security	New tech learners

Tip: Start with Security+ and then specialize based on your interests.

Do You Need a Degree to Get into Cybersecurity?

No. Many professionals enter the field through:

Bootcamps
Self-study
Industry certifications
Internal company transfers

However, a degree in Computer Science, IT, or Cybersecurity may help with long-term growth and roles in management or research.

Essential Skills to Succeed in Cybersecurity

Here’s what employers often look for:

Technical Skills:

Networking & protocols
System administration (Linux/Windows)
Scripting (Python, Bash)
Understanding firewalls, IDS/IPS, SIEM tools

Soft Skills:

Problem-solving
Critical thinking
Communication (to explain risks to stakeholders)
Continuous learning mindset

Where to Find Entry-Level Cybersecurity Jobs

Job Boards:

LinkedIn
Indeed
CyberSecJobs.com
Dice

Pro Tips:

Look for titles like “Junior Security Analyst,” “SOC Analyst I,” or “IT Security Intern.”
Consider working in IT or helpdesk first—it’s a great stepping stone.

FAQs: How to Get in Cyber Security

Q1: Can I start a cybersecurity career with no experience?

Yes. Many roles are open to motivated learners with certifications, lab experience, and strong foundational knowledge.

Q2: How long does it take to get into cybersecurity?

With focused study and certification prep, you could land your first job in 6–12 months.

Q3: What’s the best beginner-friendly certification?

CompTIA Security+ is widely recognized and provides a solid knowledge base.

Q4: Are cybersecurity jobs only for technical people?

No. Roles in policy, risk, governance, and compliance require more analytical than technical skills.

Q5: How do I transition from IT to cybersecurity?

Leverage your IT skills in areas like system admin, networking, or cloud—then specialize with certs like Security+ or CySA+.

Final Thoughts: It’s Never Too Late to Start

Figuring out how to get in cyber security might feel overwhelming, but it’s absolutely achievable. With a clear path, the right resources, and consistent effort, you can go from novice to professional—whether you’re switching careers or entering the job market for the first time.

Cybersecurity is more than a career—it’s a mission. And the world needs defenders now more than ever.