Future-Proof Your Cyber Career
Cyber moves fast, so staying on top of everything can be difficult to impossible at times. So, to effectively future-proof your cyber career, you can do some or all of the following things. Doing so will ensure you stay ahead of the curve without wasting time looking in the wrong direction. First, you will want to keep up to date with the latest trends and technologies in the cybersecurity field. We recommend the following list:
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning
AI and machine learning are becoming increasingly important in the cybersecurity field. Machine learning can be used to detect malicious activity and identify potential threats. AI and machine learning can also be used to automate processes and improve the accuracy of cyber security solutions.
It is wise to start with the basics and learn the fundamentals of artificial intelligence (AI). This includes understanding the different types of AI, such as machine learning, natural language processing, computer vision, and robotics. Next, you’ll want to get some hands-on experience. This includes learning how to program AI algorithms, create datasets, and develop AI applications. Use online tutorials, and open-source libraries, to help you get started.
There are also a variety of online courses and certifications available that can help you learn the basics of AI and how to apply it. The best online course for Artificial Intelligence (AI) depends on your specific goals and interests. However, some of the top courses include:
To round out your AI learning journey we also recommend attending conferences and events related to AI and machine learning to stay up to date on the latest advancements in the field. Some events for AI and Machine Learning include:
You can also read up on the latest research papers in AI and machine learning to stay informed on the current trends in the field. There are also several excellent books available on the topic such as Artificial Intelligence: A Modern Approach by Stuart Russell and Peter Norvig, or Artificial Intelligence: Foundations of Computational Agents by David Poole and Alan Mackworth.
Cloud Security
Cloud security is a critical component of any organization’s cyber security strategy. As more organizations move to the cloud, the importance of cloud security solutions has increased exponentially. Cloud security solutions can help organizations protect their data and systems from cyberattacks.
We recommend beginning with skill development and certifications. The most effective way to develop your cloud security skills is through hands-on experience. You should be familiar with cloud security technologies and procedures, such as encryption and authentication. Then, to become a cloud security expert, you need to obtain a cloud security certification. A popular certification is the Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) from the Cloud Security Alliance.
Next, to be a successful cloud security expert, you don’t just need to know how to implement cloud security solutions, you also need to understand how they fit into the big picture. This means understanding the business side of the cloud. Knowing how cloud services are priced and how customers use them is essential.
Internet of Things (IoT) Security
IoT security is a rapidly growing area of cyber security. As more devices become connected to the internet, the risk of cyberattacks increases. IoT security solutions can help organizations protect their networks from malicious actors. Begin your studies in this area by understanding the basics of networking and security technologies. This includes knowledge of network protocols, encryption algorithms, authentication mechanisms, and other security best practices.
Next, you will want to learn about common IoT attack vectors. This includes things like cross-site scripting, malware, DDoS attacks, and more. Secure coding and development skills are essential for developing secure IoT applications. This includes knowledge of secure coding principles, secure coding libraries, and secure development methodologies. Deployment strategies are also essential to ensure that IoT devices and applications are properly secured when they are deployed in the field. This entails understanding how to use secure deployment frameworks, secure cloud hosting strategies, and other strategies to ensure that devices are securely deployed. Lastly, become familiar with IoT security standards, including things like the NIST Cybersecurity Framework, the ISO/IEC 27001 framework.
Continuing Education, Conferences and Hackathons
Another big part of future-proofing your cyber career is the pursuit of certifications and continuing education. This can include obtaining a CISSP certification from ISC2 and taking free online resources such as the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE) Cybersecurity Workforce Framework. This framework is a tool used by employers, educators, and other stakeholders to understand, discuss, and analyze the components of the cybersecurity workforce. It also provides a common language among these stakeholders to identify and describe the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed for effective performance in cybersecurity roles. If you are looking to shift to a specific area, you can pursue focused certifications in those areas.
Attending conferences and webinars to remain up to date on the latest security trends is another excellent way to keep ahead of the curve. Conferences provide distilled insights that can guide a deeper understanding of various topics in the industry. Blogs and whitepapers on industry-specific topics will also help you stay informed. The virtual PFIC event from Paraben covers a variety of topics that can help you stay current. Details about this year’s event can be found at https://pfic-conference.com/.
In today’s job market, knowledge alone often isn’t enough. A wise approach is to develop a portfolio of your work to showcase your skills and experience. You can also participate in hackathons and other cybersecurity competitions to stay sharp. Hackathons and other cybersecurity competitions are events where participants compete to solve problems in a limited amount of time.
This article was written by Greg Kipper, VP of Cyber, Paraben Corporation.
