How Hard Is It to Learn Cyber Security?

Most businesses, particularly those in the technology industry, require cyber security in order to protect data and information. This makes it an intriguing and promising career path to pursue, and learning cyber security is the first step. It’s natural for anyone interested in the field to wonder if cyber security is hard to learn.

In this guide, you will learn about

how to get a job in cyber security

, learning paths and duration, and tips to help you along your learning journey. You will also learn about entry-level jobs and other ways to enter the industry as a cyber security student. Becoming an ethical hacker, chief information security officer, or cloud security analyst may be easier than you think.

​​What Is Cyber Security Used For?

Cyber security is majorly used to protect the data and information of individuals and organizations. It helps to protect this information from malicious threats and can be divided into various categories. You can find the different uses of cyber security below.

• 
  Data protection.
  
  Cyber security can be used to secure the privacy of data stored within a system or database from cyber attacks and criminals. This is vital for organizations that deal with sensitive information.
• 
  Network protection and security.
  
  Network security helps to protect the integrity and confidentiality of computer networks and all network-related databases from external access, intrusion, and attacks.
• 
  Software protection.
  
  This is used to prevent unauthorized access to an organization’s software. Cyber security allows you to protect your software using tools, libraries, and technologies.
• 
  User protection.
  
  Also known as end-user protection or security, this is an aspect of cyber security that protects users of software systems, digital systems, and computers rather than an organization. It allows them to protect themselves from malware and other cyber security threats.
• 
  Business protection.
  
  This involves the protection of the entire systems of an organization or business. It includes protecting the business systems from malware, phishing, and other cyber attacks. It also involves the organization’s response to cyber attacks and the operating capacity of the computer systems.

How Hard Is Cyber Security to Learn?

Cyber security is not hard to learn when you are willing to put in the required effort and time, like any other field. It doesn’t involve advanced math, making it easier to navigate than most other fields. If you have problem-solving skills, technical experience, and other requisite skills, you will be able to become a cyber security engineer.

The most difficult aspect of cyber security is maintaining continuity, as you will need to continue learning and staying updated with cyber security industry trends regardless of your experience level in order to stay competitive. However, cyber security will be easier to learn and practice if you have a passion for the field and enjoy the thrill of new and ongoing challenges.

Is Cyber Security Harder Than Programming?

Cyber security can sometimes be more difficult than programming because it includes many different elements, including programming itself. As a

cyber security analyst

, you must understand how to code, infiltrate code, and prevent infiltration. This is one of the most difficult aspects of cyber security.

Tips to Learn Cyber Security

1. 
   Enroll in a program.
   
   Enrolling in a program is the first step towards learning cyber security. Whether you opt for an online course, a coding bootcamp, or a college degree in cyber security, you must determine the best learning path for you.
2. 
   Practice the skills you learn.
   
   Every step you take in your cyber security education must be followed by continuous practice. This is to help you understand what you’ve learned and ensure that you can work independently and remember your skills. You can accomplish this by working on individual
   
   cyber security projects
   
   .
3. 
   Utilize online resources.
   
   Online resources can be extremely beneficial when learning cyber security, and you should take advantage of them. You can use the Internet to find tutorials, videos, books, and courses to help you improve your skills.
4. 
   Get professional help.
   
   You should not hesitate to seek professional help if you are stuck or confused. Cyber security isn’t overly technical, but it can be difficult. Getting assistance from an experienced cyber security specialist will help you learn more quickly.
5. 
   Earn a certification.
   
   Cyber security certifications demonstrate your technical skills and can help you secure cyber security positions faster. More importantly, they can help you learn and understand
   
   cyber security best practices
   
   beyond regular classes. They can also help you weigh your skills and determine your area of expertise.
6. 
   Get experience.
   
   Nothing helps you learn faster than real-world experiences. You can get this by applying for internships or
   
   cyber security apprenticeships
   
   where you will work on real projects for real clients, significantly improving your hard and soft skills.

How Long Does It Take to Learn Cyber Security?

It takes about a year or two to fully understand and grasp cyber security concepts. In contrast to programming fields, cyber security requires more time and cannot be fully understood in three months. The length of time is also heavily influenced by the educational path you choose and whether you already have technical knowledge.

If you attend college, it will take you four to five years to earn a bachelor’s degree and two years to earn a master’s degree. A cyber security coding bootcamp could take anywhere from six months to a year to complete. If you choose the self-taught path, it could take at least two years to fully understand enough to land a job role in the cyber security space.

Where to Start Learning Cyber Security

There are multiple learning paths that you can choose to learn cyber security. If you’re a high school graduate, a cyber security degree program would be appropriate for you. However, if you’re transitioning from a different career, then you can learn through a coding bootcamp, online courses, or free resources. These are all efficient ways to learn cyber security.

Cyber Security Coding Bootcamps

Cyber security coding bootcamps

are designed to teach you the relevant skills to start a cyber security career. They are short, intense programs designed to prepare you with in-demand skills that employers seek. They teach students by utilizing hands-on experience, industry experts, and real-world projects to assist them in developing a portfolio that can be shown to potential employers.

Cyber Security Online Courses

Online courses are another excellent way to learn cyber security. There are numerous online programs that can help you gain the necessary skills as a new or experienced cyber security analyst. If you decide to pursue this educational path, you can begin with beginner-level courses and progress from there. Some of these courses also include hands-on training and certificates of completion.

Cyber Security Degree Programs

The college route is typically the world’s top learning option. You can study computer science, computer engineering, information technology, or any other IT-related degree program. These college programs will teach you all of the concepts you’ll need to start a career in cyber security. You can also choose to pursue a graduate degree after that.

Cyber Security Free Resources

Technology fields are known to have endless resources on the Internet that can be used to learn the skills required to start a career or advance your skills. There are numerous online resources available to help you learn about cyber security. There are free tutorials, videos, publications, articles, books, and libraries that can help you develop and improve your skills.

Is It Hard to Get a Job in Cyber Security?

It is not hard to get a job with cyber security because it is an important aspect of most businesses today. You can work in various industries, including financial institutions, manufacturing, communication, retail, government, and healthcare. There are also numerous job opportunities available in this dynamic field.

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Jobs You Can Get with Cyber Security Skills

• 
  Information Security Analyst.
  
  Also known as security analysts, these professionals install, test, and monitor security systems on computer systems and networks. They also document the security process and write reports on the progress and safety of entire networks. They earn an
  
  annual average salary of $103,590
  
  , according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
• 
  Network Security Engineer.
  
  These professionals secure network systems from cyber attacks, cyber threats, bugs, and malware. They test and configure digital networks to detect threats and prevent them. According to PayScale, network security engineers earn an
  
  annual average salary of $90,566
  
  .
• 
  Security Architect.
  
  Security analysts design, install, test, and implement security protocols and solutions for organizations. They review an organization’s security systems and make recommendations to improve their efficiency. They earn a
  
  median annual salary of $126,019
  
  , according to PayScale.
• 
  Cyber Security Consultant.
  
  Security consultants are professionals who review, analyze, and assess an organization’s security system to detect potential breaches or threats and provide solutions to them. According to PayScale, these professionals earn an
  
  annual average salary of $85,865
  
  .
• 
  Security Administrator.
  
  These cyber security experts work to install, administer, and troubleshoot the security solutions of an organization. They develop security privacy policies, measures, and training documents to help employees of an organization understand security solutions. They have
  
  average salaries of $67,659
  
  , according to PayScale.

Is Cyber Security Worth Learning?

Yes, cyber security is worth learning. If you have a passion for it and are willing to put in the required time and dedication, you will find it challenging but exciting. Naturally, you may experience some stumbling blocks, as with any other field of study, but you will succeed with the right guidance and mindset.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the

job outlook for security analysts is 33 percent

, which is faster than the average for all occupations. You will be able to find work and maintain your job security with the right attitude. Cyber security professionals also earn high salaries. Regardless of how you look at it, a cyber security career path is a great choice.

FAQ: Is Cyber Security Hard to Learn?