book

Cybersecurity Career Guide

by Alyssa Miller

June 2022

Beginner

200 pages

6h 27m

English

Manning Publications

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prefaceacknowledgmentsabout this bookWho should read this bookHow this book is organizedliveBook discussion forumOther online resourcesabout the authorabout the cover illustration
1.1 What is cybersecurity1.2 The role of cybersecurity1.2.1 Cybersecurity in the business world1.2.2 Cybersecurity defending society1.3 The cybersecurity culture1.3.1 Privacy and liberty1.3.2 Open information sharing1.3.3 Do no harm1.4 The cybersecurity “industry”1.4.1 Is cybersecurity an industry?1.4.2 The effects of digital transformation1.4.3 The human element1.4.4 The internet of everything1.4.5 So, is cybersecurity an industry?1.5 The value of human diversity in cybersecurity1.5.1 The cybersecurity diversity gap1.5.2 Why it matters1.5.3 How it applies to your career pathSummary
2.1 The many disciplines of cybersecurity2.1.1 Security operations2.1.2 Digital forensics and incident response2.1.3 Security architecture and design2.1.4 Security assessment and verification2.1.5 Application, software, and product security2.1.6 Governance and compliance2.1.7 Education and awareness2.1.8 Sales and sales support2.1.9 Leaders and executives2.2 Characteristics of a security professional2.2.1 Inventors and creators2.2.2 Obsessively inquisitive2.2.3 Compulsive learning2.2.4 Idealism2.2.5 Forget about the “infosec rockstar”2.3 Considerations of anonymitySummary
3.1 Job seekers vs. job openings3.2 Cybersecurity job role progression3.2.1 Entry-level roles3.2.2 Senior roles3.2.3 Architect roles3.2.4 Security leadership3.2.5 Executive leadership3.3 Common skills for security roles3.3.1 Common technical skills3.3.2 Soft skillsSummary

4.1 The entry-level challenge4.1.1 Considering cybersecurity degree programs4.1.2 Finding your path to security4.2 Know yourself4.2.1 Identifying the authentic you4.2.2 Finding your passion4.2.3 Developing your personal objective4.3 Own yourself4.3.1 Technical capabilities4.3.2 Core skills4.3.3 Soft skills4.3.4 The capabilities inventory4.4 Connect yourself4.4.1 Choosing a focus discipline4.4.2 Identifying gaps and challengesSummary
5.1 The alphabet soup of security certifications5.1.1 Security certification overview5.1.2 (ISC)2 Certified Information Systems Security Professional5.1.3 CompTIA Security+5.1.4 EC-Council Certified Ethical Hacker5.1.5 Other certifications5.1.6 How many is too many?5.2 Academic cybersecurity programs5.2.1 Degree programs5.2.2 Advanced research programs5.3 Less formal skills building5.3.1 Industry conferences5.3.2 CTFs, playgrounds, and personal labs5.3.3 Webinars, podcasts, and live-stream events5.3.4 Other community meetupsSummary
6.1 Mastering the resume6.1.1 One document is not enough6.1.2 Format6.1.3 Check the boxes6.1.4 Proofreading6.2 Choosing and applying to job openings6.2.1 Using job search tools6.2.2 Finding the right roles6.2.3 Matching requirements6.2.4 Office, remote, or hybrid working environments6.3 Crushing the job interviews6.3.1 The recruiter or HR screen6.3.2 The hiring manager interview6.3.3 The technical interview6.4 Considering the job offer6.4.1 Don’t rush things6.4.2 Negotiating for something better6.4.3 Employment agreementsSummary
7.1 Building a professional network7.1.1 Social media7.1.2 Industry groups and networking events7.1.3 Other meetups, conferences, and events7.1.4 Making your network productive7.2 Exploring the role of mentorship7.2.1 Qualities of a good mentor7.2.2 What to expect from a mentor7.2.3 What your mentor expects7.2.4 How many mentors should a person have7.3 Managing the mentor relationship7.3.1 Forms of mentoring relationships7.3.2 Structure of a mentoring relationship7.3.3 Ending a mentor relationship7.4 Building those relationshipsSummary
8.1 Defining impostor syndrome8.1.1 What is impostor syndrome?8.1.2 Why do we care about impostor syndrome?8.1.3 Who experiences impostor syndrome?8.2 Understanding the causes of impostor syndrome8.2.1 Perfectionism8.2.2 Industry expectations8.2.3 Comparison to others8.2.4 Lack of representation8.2.5 Diminishing accomplishments8.3 Overcoming impostor syndrome8.3.1 Avoid competition8.3.2 Set goals and define what success means to you8.3.3 Turn to colleagues and peers8.3.4 Be a resource to others8.3.5 Acknowledge and celebrate your achievementsSummary
9.1 Overcoming challenges in cybersecurity careers9.1.1 Burnout9.1.2 Gatekeeping9.1.3 Stagnation9.2 Building your career strategy9.2.1 Describe your long-term vision9.2.2 Identify your personal growth needs9.2.3 Build a 1, 3, 5 plan9.3 Pivoting9.3.1 Recognize when change is needed9.3.2 You need to pivot, now what?9.3.3 Shoot your shot9.4 Putting it all into motionSummary

Overview

Kickstart a career in cybersecurity by adapting your existing technical and non-technical skills. Author Alyssa Miller has spent fifteen years in cybersecurity leadership and talent development, and shares her unique perspective in this revealing industry guide.

In Cybersecurity Career Guide you will learn:

Self-analysis exercises to find your unique capabilities and help you excel in cybersecurity
How to adapt your existing skills to fit a cybersecurity role
Succeed at job searches, applications, and interviews to receive valuable offers
Ways to leverage professional networking and mentoring for success and career growth
Building a personal brand and strategy to stand out from other applicants
Overcoming imposter syndrome and other personal roadblocks

Cybersecurity Career Guide unlocks your pathway to becoming a great security practitioner. You’ll learn how to reliably enter the security field and quickly grow into your new career, following clear, practical advice that’s based on research and interviews with hundreds of hiring managers. Practical self-analysis exercises identify gaps in your resume, what makes you valuable to an employer, and what you want out of your career in cyber. You’ll assess the benefits of all major professional qualifications, and get practical advice on relationship building with mentors.

About the Technology
Do you want a rewarding job in cybersecurity? Start here! This book highlights the full range of exciting security careers and shows you exactly how to find the role that’s perfect for you. You’ll go through all the steps—from building the right skills to acing the interview. Author and infosec expert Alyssa Miller shares insights from fifteen years in cybersecurity that will help you begin your new career with confidence.

About the Book
Cybersecurity Career Guide shows you how to turn your existing technical skills into an awesome career in information security. In this practical guide, you’ll explore popular cybersecurity jobs, from penetration testing to running a Security Operations Center. Actionable advice, self-analysis exercises, and concrete techniques for building skills in your chosen career path ensure you’re always taking concrete steps towards getting hired.

What's Inside

Succeed at job searches, applications, and interviews
Building your professional networking and finding mentors
Developing your personal brand
Overcoming imposter syndrome and other roadblocks

About the Reader
For readers with general technical skills who want a job in cybersecurity.

About the Author
Alyssa Miller has fifteen years of experience in the cybersecurity industry, including penetration testing, executive leadership, and talent development.

Quotes
Packed with real-world advice on how to enter the cybersecurity field. I’ve never seen all this in a single resource.
- Nathan D’Elboux, ISPAREX consulting

A friendly mentor that helps you plan your career, land your first gigs, and prepare for your ascension. An eye-opening experience.
- Rafik Naccache, fekr Technologies

This amazing book will help you assess, strategize, and successfully transition to a cybersecurity career.
- JMarc Roulleau, GIRO

If you’re new to cybersecurity, this book guides you along the path to get started. If you’re already in the industry, it provides useful exercises to reflect on your career.
- Bobby Lin, Crypto.com