How to Get a Job in Cybersecurity from IT
No one tells you the truth about how difficult it is to land even an entry-level role in cybersecurity. What I’ve seen in the job market in the past years is that even an entry-level role requires experience. Without that, even getting an interview can be a challenge.
But if you have previous IT experience, you are already ahead of the crowd. The skills and experience you may have gained in IT roles provide a solid foundation for transitioning into the world of cybersecurity. IT is considered one of the easiest and most natural paths in the cybersecurity field.
In this article, I would like to share how IT positions can be a springboard into a cybersecurity career. It will be important to highlight your transferable skills and take advantage of your IT experience when making this career transition.
The Natural Progression from IT to Cybersecurity
The IT field can include a range of roles. The most common IT positions are Help Desk Technician, Network Administrator, Systems Administrator, Database Administrator, IT Support Specialist, Cloud Engineer, and DevOps Engineer. Each of these roles contributes to the design, implementation, and maintenance of an organization's technology infrastructure.
Overlap Between IT and Cybersecurity Responsibilities
While IT and cybersecurity are distinct fields, there is a natural bridge between IT and cybersecurity roles. Because IT tasks also involve security, there is a big overlap in the responsibilities and knowledge of these two areas.
Some of this overlap happens when IT professionals work on configuring firewalls and network security devices. They will also manage user access and maintain secure systems and applications. IT professionals must also regularly conduct system updates, monitor anomalies, and respond to technical incidents.
Why IT Professionals are Well-Positioned for Cybersecurity Careers
IT professionals have significant advantages over other jobseekers who are new to the job market. Because they already have a strong technical foundation and understanding of IT systems, networks, and infrastructure. This basic knowledge and experience is needed in all cybersecurity roles. The experience from troubleshooting IT issues directly translates to mitigating security threats.
Understanding how various components of a system interact is a skill used every day in IT. Because technology keeps changing, IT professionals have already learned to be adaptable and keep up with it. They require less training than individuals from non-technical backgrounds or with no experience.
Core Technical Skills Gained in IT
IT professionals develop a range of technical skills that are directly applicable to cybersecurity roles. These skills cover anything from networking fundamentals to system administration, and scripting and automation.
Networking Fundamentals
Understanding the TCP/IP protocols governing internet communication is necessary in the IT field. This knowledge is also used to analyze network traffic, identify potential threats, and secure network structures in the cybersecurity field. A common task in IT is firewall configuration which directly translates to configuring and managing firewalls in network defense. Remote work has also increased the use of VPN setup and IT management. Cybersecurity roles also work on the maintenance of secure remote access to corporate resources.
System Administration
Skills in managing computer systems are very useful when moving to cybersecurity jobs. Cybersecurity experts need to understand how to work with Windows and Linux in order to find weak spots, make them safer, and fix problems.
Experience in handling user accounts is also necessary. IT professionals have a lot of experience in making new accounts, changing them, and removing old ones, which is essential. Typically, they will know how to set up who can access what. This skill helps keep systems secure by giving people only the access they need. Another important task they have is keeping systems up-to-date. Having experience here will help them fix known problems and keep the whole organization safer when working in a cybersecurity role.
Scripting and Automation
Scripting and automation skills developed in IT roles are transferable to cybersecurity. Being proficient in PowerShell allows for efficient system administration and automation. PowerShell skills in cybersecurity are useful for threat hunting, incident response, and automating security tasks. Experience with Bash scripting in Linux environments is needed for log analysis, system hardening, and automating security checks.
IT professionals who have used Python for automation tasks will be valuable because they can use this experience to develop security tools, analyze data, and automate repetitive security processes.
How These Skills Translate to Cybersecurity Roles
The skills you learn in IT jobs are really helpful for many cybersecurity jobs. For example, network security experts use what they know about networks to keep them safe. System security experts use their knowledge of computers to make them stronger against attacks. Security automation engineers use their programming skills to create tools that increase security. Incident response teams use their broad tech knowledge to solve security problems. People who work in IT can move into cybersecurity jobs more easily than others because they already know a lot of the basics. This natural move from IT to cybersecurity is good. It creates security experts who understand both how technology works and how to use it safely in real situations. They are great at keeping digital spaces secure because they see the big picture of tech and security.
Hands-on experience with Systems and Networks
One of the most valuable assets IT professionals bring to cybersecurity roles is their hands-on experience with systems and networks. They have a deep understanding of how technologies work in real-world scenarios.
IT professionals develop strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills through their daily work. They're often the first line of defense when systems malfunction or users encounter issues. They have experience thinking critically, analyzing complex situations, and developing effective solutions quickly. All these skills are directly useful to cybersecurity roles.
Through their work, IT professionals also gain familiarity with common attacks. They understand how systems can become compromised, whether through social engineering, unpatched vulnerabilities, or misconfigurations. This knowledge helps them anticipate potential threats and implement proactive security measures.
Understanding system vulnerabilities is another crucial skill that IT professionals develop. They know how to identify weak points in systems and networks. In cybersecurity roles, this understanding is needed for conducting meticulous risk assessments and implementing security controls.
Real-world scenarios where IT and cybersecurity collaborate are common. For instance, an IT professional troubleshooting a network performance issue might discover signs of a malware infection. They will collaborate with the security team to eliminate it. Or, during a system upgrade, they might identify and patch critical vulnerabilities. Their efforts directly contribute to the organization's overall security. Thanks to all their experience, IT professionals have a holistic view of how security integrates with broader IT operations. This perspective is highly valuable in cybersecurity roles.
Understanding of Compliance and Regulations
IT workers often learn about rules and standards for keeping digital information safe. They work with guidelines like ISO 27001 or NIST, which tell them how to protect data. They also know about laws like GDPR or HIPAA that explain how to handle private information. This knowledge is really useful in cybersecurity jobs, where following these rules is very important. IT workers understand how to apply these rules in real life, like setting up strong passwords or keeping data safe.
IT professionals also help create safety rules at their work. They may include rules about how to use computers safely or set up ways to save important information. This experience helps them understand how to keep things safe in everyday work. In cybersecurity jobs, this knowledge is extremely necessary. With it, they can create and enforce safety rules, manage risks, and be ready for compliance auditing. This understanding of both the why and how of regulation makes IT workers great at cybersecurity jobs.
Collaboration with Cybersecurity Teams
IT professionals often have opportunities to collaborate with cybersecurity teams exposing them to security practices and methodologies. This collaboration can take various forms and is beneficial when transitioning to a cybersecurity career.
Cross-functional projects involving security teams are common in many organizations. For example, an IT professional might work alongside security experts when implementing a new system. These projects provide insights into security methods, familiarizing IT professionals with cybersecurity practices.
Incident response is another area where IT and cybersecurity teams often collaborate. When a security incident occurs, IT professionals may be called to help contain the threat, gather forensic data, or restore systems. This hands-on experience in dealing with security incidents is great when transitioning to cybersecurity roles.
IT professionals may also be involved in security assessments and audits. They will work with security teams to evaluate the security of systems they manage, or assist in preparing for external audits. Having this experience shows them how security professionals approach risk assessment and mitigation.
Through these collaborations, IT professionals have the opportunity to build relationships with security professionals. They can learn from seasoned security experts, understand the challenges faced by security teams, and understand the day-to-day responsibilities of various cybersecurity roles. These relationships can also be valuable when seeking mentorship or job opportunities in the cybersecurity field.
Working alongside cybersecurity teams teaches them to view systems and processes through a security lens. IT professionals will consider potential threats and vulnerabilities in every aspect of their IT operations. This shift in perspective is necessary for those transitioning into cybersecurity roles.
Pursuing Certifications and Training
If you're in IT wanting to move into cybersecurity, getting special certificates and training is really important. These show that you know your stuff and are serious about the job. A good certificate to start with is the Network+, which teach you about networks. You can get certificates like CompTIA Security+ as you learn more about cybersecurity. These teach you how to keep computers safe and how hackers think. For mid-level and advanced positions, certificates like the CEH and CISSP are good to have.
But remember, certificates aren't everything. You need to keep learning all the time because cybersecurity changes fast. You can take online classes, go to workshops, and practice at home. Try setting up your own computer lab to test security tools. You can also join capture-the-flag contests where you solve security puzzles. It's important to keep up with new security news and threats too. Doing all these things will help you get better at cybersecurity and be ready for a new job in this field.
Networking and Professional Development
Building a strong professional network is invaluable when transitioning from IT to cybersecurity. Networking provides opportunities for learning, mentorship, and career advancement that can significantly help the transition process.
When moving from IT to cybersecurity, making good connections with other professionals is super important. This helps you learn new things, find mentors, and grow your career. One great way to do this is by joining groups like ISACA or (ISC)². These organizations have local chapters where you can meet cybersecurity experts in your area. They also offer training and resources to help you learn more about the field.
Another way to build connections is by going to big conferences like DEF CON. These events let you learn about new security tools and methods, and meet lots of people working in cybersecurity. If big conferences seem too much at first, you can start with smaller local meetups. Don't forget about online communities too! Places like Reddit's cybersecurity forum, the CNE Discord, the BHIS Discord, or LinkedIn groups are great for asking questions and sharing what you know. Being active in these online spaces can help you make a name for yourself in the field.
Building a professional network that spans both IT and cybersecurity is particularly valuable for those in transition. Maintaining connections with IT colleagues while building new relationships in the cybersecurity field can lead to unique opportunities that can utilize your cross-domain expertise. These connections can help you find out about job openings, offer mentorship, and stay informed about developments in both fields.
Strategies for Transitioning from IT to Cybersecurity
Making the leap from IT to cybersecurity requires strategy. Start by identifying your transferable skills. As an IT professional, you will have many skills that are directly applicable to cybersecurity roles. Connect these skills to common cybersecurity job requirements so you can identify your strengths and areas you need to improve.
Seek internal opportunities within your current organization. Express your interest in cybersecurity to your manager and HR department. Look to take on security-related tasks or projects in your current role. Volunteering for security-related projects, such as assisting with security audits or implementing new security tools, can also help you.
Building a personal lab for hands-on cybersecurity practice is crucial for skill development. Set up a home or cloud network with virtual machines to experiment with various security tools, practice penetration testing techniques, or analyze malware in a safe environment. Platforms like Hack The Box, TryHackMe, OWASP WebGoat, and our Cyber NOW® Cyber Range can provide structured environments for practicing cybersecurity skills.
You can gain hands-on experience by taking on side projects or freelance work related to cybersecurity. Build a portfolio of security-related work so you can share when applying for cybersecurity positions.
Conclusion
The path from IT to cybersecurity is not only viable but often advantageous. IT professionals can maximize their transferable skills and experience to form a solid foundation for a career in cybersecurity. From networking fundamentals and system administration to hands-on troubleshooting and compliance knowledge, IT experience helps you build a toolkit that aligns with cybersecurity job functions.
For those with IT experience considering a move into cybersecurity, don't hesitate to take the leap! Your background gives you a significant head start in understanding the complexities of technology infrastructures and the potential risks they face. Your IT knowledge is a unique strength. Focus on building upon it with cybersecurity-specific skills and certifications. Network with professionals in the field, seek out mentorship opportunities and don't be afraid to start with entry-level cybersecurity positions that allow you to gain experience.
To those without experience in either IT or cybersecurity but aspiring to enter the cybersecurity field, consider starting your journey in IT. Since landing a cybersecurity role directly may be more challenging, gaining IT experience can be an excellent stepping stone. IT roles provide invaluable hands-on experience with systems, networks, and technologies that are fundamental to cybersecurity. This experience will not only make you a stronger candidate for future cybersecurity positions but also help you develop a holistic understanding of technology ecosystems. Every step forward in IT is a step closer to your cybersecurity goals.
Tyler Wall is the founder of Cyber NOW Education. He holds bills for a Master of Science from Purdue University and CISSP, CCSK, CFSR, CEH, Sec+, Net+, and A+ certifications. He mastered the SOC after having held every position from analyst to architect and is the author of three books, 100+ professional articles, and ten online courses specifically for SOC analysts.
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