What skills do I need to work in Cyber Security?

Cybersecurity is an imminent need for all personal and professional sectors. Due to the constant traction around this sector, it is natural for so many to develop both their soft and hard skills. Companies are constantly on the hunt for experienced cybersecurity

professionals who have strong command not only on the technical skills but also the softer skill sets such as communication. Following the sentiment, plunging into the cybersecurity sector is better approachable if you exhibit the following traits. Understanding some job responsibilities and the characteristics and personality traits of these jobs may help you decide if a career in cybersecurity is right for you.

The Top Skills Required for Cybersecurity Jobs

• Problem-Solving Skills
• Technical Aptitude
• Communicating Up, Down, and Across All Levels of the Organization
• Knowledge of Security Across Various Platforms
• Analyzing Security System Logs, Security Tools, and Data
• Attention to detail
• Communication Skills
• Fundamental Computer Forensics Skills
• Analytical ability
• An Understanding of Hacking
• Creating, Modifying, and Updating Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS)
• Administering Information Security Software and Controls

Who is Ethical Hacker?

We share a lot of familiarity with the term ‘Hacking,’ which is generally strung along with acts that harm the integrity of what we hold exceptionally near our hearts- cybersecurity! However, on the other spectrum of things, there exists a form of hacking that is good and is conducted to reinforce the cybersecurity of a network or system of networks. This practice that counters everything that is rightfully deemed as ethically wrong in hacking is called ‘Ethical Hacking.’

In simple terms, an ethical hacker is the goodie goodies, who learn the skills to employ various tools and parameters to protect the breaking within a between by unethical hackers. They are trained to analyze the vulnerabilities in a network’s security and how susceptible it is to potential cyber threats or crimes.

What skills do ethical hackers need?

• Computer Networking Skills.
• Computer Skills. 
• Linux Skills. 
• Programming Skills.
• Basic Hardware Knowledge. 
• Reverse Engineering. 
• Cryptography Skills.
• Database Skills.

Does Cyber Security require a lot of maths?

Cybersecurity aspirants often wonder what sort of mathematical background is required to enter the sector. Understandably, there is a severe gap between the demand and the actual availability of professional cybersecurity experts, with the latter case being grossly lacking. Following that sentiment, understanding the role of mathematics for entering into a position in the industry will be beneficial from the very first day of your journey. Most positions naturally need high dexterity in critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision making. It is safe to say that for breaking through an entry-level cybersecurity position, a basic knowledge and hold on mathematics is non-negotiable. Determining risks, clarifying vulnerabilities, and analyzing the probabilities or losses are math intensive skills. Calculating risk as a cybersecurity expert is a role that continually comes during the time you will be executing your duties. Math-related concepts such as binary codes, hexadecimal counting, computer coding, Boolean algebra, and algorithms are daily ingredients required for optimal performance for a cybersecurity specialist. Hence, mathematics is indeed quite an authority subject when it comes to a career in this industry.

Is coding necessary for Cyber Security?

Yes, an understanding of computer coding and programming is an essential element for landing an entry-level position as a cybersecurity specialist. You need to have a firm understanding of concepts, including variables, constraints, and basic programming logic. In fact, maths and computer coding are both essential factors for a career in cybersecurity. A better understanding of which is a phenomenal channel of career advancement in the industry.

What major is best for Cyber Security?

Although not all Cyber Security professionals hold college degrees, many Cyber Security positions today require a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity, information technology, computer science, or a related field.

Choose from three streams to match your interests and industry demand:

• Master of Cybersecurity (Computer Science) – Learn to think like a hacker to detect better, deter, and respond to cybersecurity threats.
• Master of Cybersecurity (Business Operations) – Use analytics and risk management processes to bridge the technical IT functions with the broader business cyber strategy.
• Master of Cybersecurity (Law) – Be at the forefront of defense against cybercrime and explore the emerging legal challenges created by the networked world.

How Long Do Cyber Security Degree Programs Take? 

Education has become an impeccable element for all career outcomes, and the cybersecurity field is not shy of the same sentiment. Multiple academic channels allow aspirants to enter the industry and accelerate their career prospects from an existing situation. An associate’s or bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity are the perfect tools for stepping afoot as a cybersecurity professional, while a master’s degree will gradually reinforce your prospects of career advancement.

• Associate’s degree in cybersecurity – 2 years/4 semesters
• Bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity – 4 years/8 semesters
• Master’s degree in cybersecurity- 4 years for a bachelors + 2years/ 4 semesters

Which degree is best for cybersecurity?

An associate degree in cybersecurity is one of the most primary tools to enable you to start your career as a specialist. However, qualifications, including a bachelor’s or master’s degree, will enhance your skill credibility, career advancement prospect, and ensure better chances at job satisfaction. The best degree in cybersecurity is relative to your career goals, resources, commitment, and time.

5 Best Universities in Australia offering a Cyber Security Degree:

• University of Southern Queensland (USQ)
• Macquarie University
• Monash University
• Charles Darwin University (CDU)
• Griffith University

Cyber Security Degrees in Australia

The Best Bachelor of Cyber Security Courses in Australia:

• Bachelor of Cyber Security – Deakin University
• Bachelor of Cyber Security and Behaviour – Western Sydney University Online
• Bachelor of Science (Cyber Security)- Edith Cowan University 
• Bachelor of Criminology/Bachelor of Cyber Security – Deakin University
• Bachelor of Advanced Information Technology with a Major in Cyber Security Macquarie University

The Best Certificates of Cyber Security Courses in Australia:

• Certificate IV in Cyber Security – Box Hill Institute
• Graduate Certificate in Cyber Security – University of Adelaide
• Certificate in Cyber Security – The University of Adelaide
• Graduate Diploma of Information Technology (Cyber Security and Networks)- Queensland University of Technology Online

The Best Master of Cyber Security Courses in Australia:

• Master of Cyber Security – Deakin University
• Master of Cyber Security – Monash University
• Master of Information Technology (Cyber Security) – Charles Darwin University (CDU)
• Master of Cyber Security – Griffith University