Cybersecurity Career Pathway
IT Fundamentals > A+ > Network+ > Security+ > CySA+ or PenTest+ > CASP
With cybercrime on the rise and vulnerabilities constantly being exposed, it is imperative that organizations take a proactive stance to protecting assets and employing skilled cybersecurity professionals. In fact, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the number of information security jobs will increase 28 percent from 2016 to 2026, making it one of the fastest-growing fields. Jobs requiring cybersecurity skills continue to grow rapidly, with more than 313,000 cybersecurity job openings, according to Cyberseek. Employers, from government to Fortune 500 companies, value CompTIA as an authority in cybersecurity certifications.
$116,323/year; Average Salary for Penetration Tester for 2021 (ZipRecruiter).
$99,815/year; Average Salary for Cybersecurity Analyst for 2021 (ZipRecruiter).
Information security jobs will increase by 28% from 2016 to 2026
There are more than 313,000 cybersecurity job openings
96% of managers use certifications as recruitment criteria.
How to Get into Cybersecurity
The CompTIA Cybersecurity Career Pathway helps IT pros achieve cybersecurity mastery, from beginning to end. The centerpiece is the CompTIA Security+ certification. It establishes the foundational knowledge required of any cybersecurity role and provides a springboard to intermediate-level cybersecurity jobs. With performance-based questions, it emphasizes the hands-on practical skills used by junior IT auditors, systems administrators, network administrators and security administrators.
After earning CompTIA Security+, cybersecurity professionals can take the next step by pursuing an intermediate skills-level cybersecurity certification, such as CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+) or CompTIA PenTest+.
The CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst certification assesses the skills needed to apply behavioral analytics to networks to improve the overall state of IT security. The certification covers tools such as packet sniffers, intrusion detection systems (IDS) and security information and event management (SIEM) systems. After the seminal Target attack of 2014, the security analyst job role has gained more importance, making these skills essential for most organizations.
While CySA+ focuses on defense through incident detection and response, CompTIA PenTest+ focuses on offense through penetration testing and vulnerability assessment. It involves launching attacks on systems, discovering the vulnerabilities and managing them and is intended for cybersecurity professionals tasked with identifying, exploiting, reporting and managing vulnerabilities on a network.
As of Jan 28, 2021 the average annual salary for Penetration Tester is $116,323*.
The Average Salary for Cybersecurity Analyst for 2021 is $99,815/year (ZipRecruiter).
This career is in one of the fastest-growing job markets**.
The progression from CompTIA Security+ to CompTIA CySA+ and/or CompTIA PenTest+ is logical because Security+ assesses the knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) an IT professional demonstrates after two years of cybersecurity field work, and CySA+ and PenTest+ assess three to four years of cybersecurity field work.
IT pros can pursue CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+) to prove their mastery of cybersecurity skills required at the 5- to 10-year experience level. CASP+ is the pinnacle of cybersecurity certifications and includes performance-based questions. It is intended for those who wish to remain immersed in hands-on enterprise security, incident response and architecture, for example, as opposed to strictly managing cybersecurity policy and frameworks.
The Building Blocks of Cybersecurity
But how do you get into cybersecurity with no experience? If you have limited experience in IT and aren’t quite ready to start with CompTIA Security+, then you’ll want to start earlier on the pathway.
CompTIA A+ validates the skills employers look for in new and aspiring IT support professionals. In addition to covering today’s core technologies in operating systems, cloud, data management and more, the new CompTIA A+ Core Series covers baseline security skills at the end point device level, including malware detection and removal, privacy concerns, physical security and device hardening.
Where CompTIA A+ considers connectivity from the perspective of the user and their device, CompTIA Network+ focuses on the connections from (and between) the core systems to the endpoint devices. It validates the essential knowledge and skills needed to design, configure, manage and troubleshoot wired and wireless networks. To best support and ultimately secure the systems that exchange information on your network, you must first understand how the network functions.
CompTIA A+ and CompTIA Network+ follow a progression consistent with the KSAs an IT professional exhibits as they move from an early career technical support role with 9 to 12 months of general IT experience to one with 1 to 2 years of general IT experience, and with a significant part of that specific to network support and administration.
CompTIA Network+ is also an important and strongly recommended prerequisite to CompTIA Security+. Before you can secure a network, you must understand how it functions. In other words, you shouldn’t skip algebra to start with calculus. Otherwise, you are learning security skills and applying them to a network you don’t understand.
Talk to you next week,
Mike
Live 8-week CompTIA Security+ training for only $500!
US and International Discount Exam Vouchers: Purchase a CompTIA voucher and save on the cost of your exams.
Interactive simulations: TotalSims for A+, Network+, and Security+, hundreds of online simulated labs. Prepare for CompTIA’s performance-based questions and learn technical concepts covered on the exams.
E-books are available: Check out our e-book titles. Available 24/7 for immediate access on the Total Seminars Training Hub
Chart Your Path: Find True North in Your Career
The IT field is vast, and there is not a “one-size-fits-all” in IT. An IT career offers a number of career paths to follow. It is best to choose a path that aligns with your interests and strengths and be prepared for continuous learning and adaptation. If you work in a career path that is in your interest area, then the ongoing learning of an IT career will not seem tiring, learning new skills and trends for your job will be something you look forward to completing.
People ask me, “what is the easiest way to get started”. While “easy” is relative, honesty with yourself is the best way to get started in changing your career path. Here are a few questions that I tell people to answer honestly that can help them direct their next path. These work for changing your field of career or deciding where to go in the future of your current career.
Ask yourself, what are you missing in your current job that makes you unhappy?
Are you looking for a better work life balance?
Do you want more challenging work?
Maybe you just want to get paid more?
When changing careers, you must list what you want (and don’t want) form a future career. Ask yourself these questions to help figure out what you want to do:
What can you do that would make you look forward to your work day?
Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
What do you need from a career to help you reach your goals?
How much money do you need to make to live comfortably?
What does your dream life look like?
What jobs tasks are deal breakers for you?
Once you find the job tasks you think you will enjoy, begin to look at careers that use those skills. Be certain to research the type of work and salary in the careers to be certain it will meet your expectations. You want to be able to love your work but support your lifestyle.
Finally, and be the most honest here!
What are your skills? (analytical, problem-solver, knack for tech)
Where is your skill gap for the career you want?
How can you fill that gap?
You don’t jump into a relationship; you should not jump into a career change without thinking it through. It’s also smart to consider any facets of a job that might be deal breakers. Anyone can work a job to make a living, but when you take the time to make a change, make it something you will enjoy, so making a living does not feel like work.
Talk to you next week,
Mike
Live 8-week CompTIA Security+ training for only $500!
US and International Discount Exam Vouchers: Purchase a CompTIA voucher and save on the cost of your exams.
Interactive simulations: TotalSims for A+, Network+, and Security+, hundreds of online simulated labs. Prepare for CompTIA’s performance-based questions and learn technical concepts covered on the exams.
E-books are available: Check out our e-book titles. Available 24/7 for immediate access on the Total Seminars Training Hub
Finding the Right Certification
I am often asked, are certifications worth it? My answer is yes, as long as you identify the certification in your career path. Certifications are not a replacement for experience, but they can be an asset, especially for those who are new to the IT field.
The tech industry is constantly evolving, so I make ongoing learning a habit. I love learning tech, its just fun to me, but I don’t pay for certification for all the areas of tech that interest me. Certifications can be expensive!
Certifications demonstrate to employers that you have the knowledge and skills necessary for a specific IT role. They can be more powerful than simply listing skills on your resume. The IT job market can be competitive, certifications can help you stand out from other applicants.
Many employers consider certifications when making promotion decisions. Earning relevant certifications shows your commitment to professional development and your desire to take on more responsibility.
When you know the direction you want to take in your career, find the certifications that can make a difference in how quickly you can achieve the position you desire. Those are the certifications you want to obtain. Specialize in a specific technology, move into management, or another area – target relevant certifications.
So how did you identify the certifications to take? Look at job postings for the career you want. Does the employer ask for certifications? If so, pursue the certifications that are most commonly requested in job postings. Network, network, network! Find an online or local group of IT professionals. Visit with them and find out what certifications they suggest for the position you are working toward.
There are a lot of established certification bodies nowadays, be certain you find a certification that is recognized in the IT career field. CompTIA, (ISC)², EC-Council, Microsoft, Amazon Web Services (AWS) are all widely recognized. Studies have shown that IT professionals with certifications tend to earn more than those without.
Here are a few ideas:
Certifications that help start a career in IT
Help Desk Support Specialist: CompTIA A+, Google IT Support Professional
Computer Technicians: CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+
Network Technician: CompTIA Network+ , CCNA
Advancing your career
System Administrator: Microsoft MCSA, Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA) , CCNA
Cloud Support Specialist: CompTIA Cloud+, AWS Certified Solutions Architect, Microsoft Azure Administrator
Security Analyst: CompTIA Security+, (ISC)² Certified Secure Incident Analyst (CISSP)
Cybersecurity: CompTIA Security+, (ISC)² Certified Secure Incident Analyst (CISSP)
Bottom line is that if you are, or want to be in the tech field you better love tech. There is always something new out there that you need to learn, and they may come out with something tomorrow that makes what you know today obsolete!
Talk to you next week,
Mike
Live 8-week CompTIA Security+ training for only $500!
US and International Discount Exam Vouchers: Purchase a CompTIA voucher and save on the cost of your exams.
Interactive simulations: TotalSims for A+, Network+, and Security+, hundreds of online simulated labs. Prepare for CompTIA’s performance-based questions and learn technical concepts covered on the exams.
E-books are available: Check out our e-book titles. Available 24/7 for immediate access on the Total Seminars Training Hub
More updates to CompTIA certifications coming!
Today I am talking about cloud computing, a technology that has seamlessly integrated into almost every part of our daily lives. From the way we store and access our personal data to how businesses operate and manage their services, cloud computing is everywhere. Whether you are an IT professional looking to acquire more certifications or simply someone who wants to stay updated with the latest advancements in technology, CompTIA Cloud+ is an excellent certification to consider.
CompTIA Cloud+ is not as widely known as some of the other CompTIA certifications, so why do I suggest it? Cloud adoption is on the rise, and businesses are actively seeking professionals with demonstrable cloud expertise, so techs need to have the skills in their tech toolbox. Knowing cloud administration, cloud security, and cloud architecture can open doors to career opportunities.
This certification is designed to keep you up to date on current technological trends and developments. It provides comprehensive training in cloud infrastructure and services, equipping you with the necessary skills to thrive in a cloud-centric marketplace. With the rapid adoption of cloud solutions across various industries, having a cloud computing knowledge can significantly enhance your career prospects and ensure you remain competitive in the ever-evolving tech landscape.
CompTIA has announced it will update the Cloud+ certification program in 2024 to keep up with the changes. The new Cloud+ exam, launching in September 2024 (CV0-004), will likely be a comprehensive refresh to reflect the latest trends and technologies in cloud computing. CompTIA hasn’t released the specific exam objectives yet, but here are some changes we can expect based on today’s tech.
Cloud Management: Expect a strong emphasis on managing and optimizing cloud deployments, including cost optimization and resource allocation strategies.
Cloud Security: Now a days everything is about more security. We anticipate CompTIA to delve deeper into securing cloud environments, including identity and access management (IAM) best practices.
Emerging Cloud Technologies: We expect to see new cloud technologies like containers, serverless computing, and infrastructure as code (IaC).
For those studying for the certification, don’t panic, continue your study path. CompTIA allows for some overlap where candidates can choose which objectives to test.
Studying the Cloud+ knowledge areas will be an asset for IT professionals looking to solidify their cloud expertise. By staying updated with the latest trends and technologies equips you with the skills to navigate the ever-evolving cloud landscape and thrive in your IT career.
Talk to you next week,
Mike
Live 8-week CompTIA Security+ training for only $500!
US and International Discount Exam Vouchers: Purchase a CompTIA voucher and save on the cost of your exams.
Interactive simulations: TotalSims for A+, Network+, and Security+, hundreds of online simulated labs. Prepare for CompTIA’s performance-based questions and learn technical concepts covered on the exams.
E-books are available: Check out our e-book titles. Available 24/7 for immediate access on the Total Seminars Training Hub