Breaking Into Cybersecurity: Certifications, Skills & Career Tips

Thinking about jumping into cybersecurity? You’re not alone, and you’re not too late. Whether you’re switching careers or just starting out, cybersecurity is one of the most accessible and rewarding paths in tech right now. But let’s be real, entry level jobs are harder to find, but you won’t find them if you don’t prepare and look. It is true that hiring has slowed, but that should not slow you from working on your skills if you want to get into cybersecurity. The need is out there, so you have be determined and stay focused.

Here’s what it takes to land a cybersecurity job in 2025/2026.

Is Cybersecurity still booming? The numbers don’t lie: there’s a massive talent gap in cybersecurity. According to the latest (ISC)² Cybersecurity Workforce Study, we’re short about 4 million professionals globally with over 660,000 open roles in the US.

Cybersecurity Certifications for Beginner/Intermediate
Here’s a quick breakdown of the most beginner-friendly certs (that does not mean easy) and what they tell employers:
CompTIA Security+. It’s the gold standard for entry-level roles. Network security, threats, access control, risk management. The certification supports entry level positions; such as, SOC analyst, IT support, help desk roles.

GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC). GSEC is more technical than Security+ and respected in the government and finance areas. Its focus is on cryptography, access control, incident response. It will help a candidate stand out in competitive entry-level pools.

OffSec CyberCore Certified (OCCC). OCCC is a hands-on, tough, and respected in offensive security. It focuses on red teaming, blue teaming, and secure development. This certification is designed for aspiring ethical hackers and red teamers.

Microsoft SC-900 / AWS Certified Security – Specialty. Let’s face it, cloud security is exploding due the move to cloud platforms. This certification focuses on IAM, encryption, compliance, cloud threat detection. If you are looking into cloud security, DevSecOps, hybrid infrastructure roles, it is one you should review.

Where do you start? Which Cert Should You Start With?

SOC or Help Desk                Security+ and Network+
Cloud Security                      SC-900 or AWS Security Specialty
Ethical Hacking                     OCCC (then OSCP if you’re serious)
Government/Compliance      GSEC or CISSP (once you’ve got experience)

What Really Gets You Hired? Certs are great, but they’re just one piece of the puzzle. Here’s what else helps:
Hands-on practice: I have always advocated hands on! If you don’t like to play around with tech, tech is not likely for you. TryHackMe, Hack The Box, or build your own home lab.
Soft skills: Communication, curiosity, and teamwork are huge, especially during incidents.
Networking: Join local meetups, LinkedIn groups, or hit up conferences like BSides or DEF CON.

Cybersecurity isn’t about being perfect, it’s about showing up, learning, and staying curious. Start with one cert, build your skills, and keep going. The threats are real, the work is meaningful, and the community is full of people who want to help.

Find you path, and stay the course.
Mike

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