If you’re up on current events, then you’ve seen incidents of major companies having breaches in cyber security and the chaos that follows. Cyber security is what protects computers, mobile phones, and all types of networks from malicious attacks. It’s part of daily life though people don’t give it a second thought as they go about their online business. If you’re a computer science major and this branch of technology fascinates you, here’s how to know if fighting cyber crime is the right career for you.
You Have a Desire To Help
Cyber security is in high demand and can be extremely lucrative, but you need to be more than money-oriented to succeed in this field. Like any type of security, you should have an underlying desire to help people. If your goal is to protect companies and prevent their client’s information from being stolen, consider jobs in information security, penetration testing, incident responding, and more career options. Other security jobs include program development or consulting. Before you put your talents to work in security, be honest about what your particular skills are best suited for.
You Can Take the Heat
Cyber security is an ever-changing field that requires your complete focus on the task at hand and, at the same time, anticipating what’s next. Fast changes also mean that criminals are finding new and improved ways of infiltrating systems. A cyber incident respondent, for example, is like any other first responder that deals with the brunt of an attack head-on while maintaining complete composure. If you can take the heat, this career might be for you.
Your Intuition Is Top-Notch
Although you’ll possess an admirable skill set to be considered for a cyber security specialist, you need to be naturally intuitive. Being perceptive keeps you ahead of potential cyber threats and weak spots. It also doesn’t hurt to be able to think like a criminal and anticipate their next move.
Someone that sees cyber security career choices as fields of interest has dedicated a good part of their life to computers. Their technical abilities go far beyond just “enjoying” computers. They’re the one that figures out problems better and quicker than anyone else and most of the time before they happen.
You’re a Good Communicator
If cyber security meant you were alone all day long, communicating wouldn’t be an issue, but the reality is you’ll need to collaborate with a lot of people whether you’re working for a bank, retailer, corporation, or one of many jobs in government. You must also have the ability to communicate with clients and those that aren’t versed in computer tech language. You’ll need skills to bounce between a variety of people you’ll come into contact with on a daily basis.
Choosing a career in cybersecurity can be extremely exhilarating to the right person. If you have an eagerness to help, are extremely motivated, and can roll with the changes of a constantly evolving career, cybersecurity may be exactly the right place to put your skills to good use.