6 Steps to Become a Cyber Security Expert

Cybercrime has risen at alarming rates over the years. During the 2021-2022 financial year, in fact, the Australian Cyber Security Centre recorded over 76,000 cyber crime reports — an increase of almost 13% from the past year.

Such incidents typically cost Australian business a lot of money. For instance, the 2022-23 ASD Cyber Threat Report found that small businesses lose an average of $46,000, while medium and large businesses incur average costs of $97,200 and $71,600, respectively.

With companies growing increasingly reliant on the digital space, hackers are finding new, sophisticated ways of breaching confidential data across industries.

Fortunately, the Australian Government has stepped forth on this issue, with a plan to invest more than $586 million as part of the 2023-2030 Cyber Security Strategy. This aims to make Australia a world leader in cyber security by 2030 by improving cyber security initiatives, managing cyber risks, and supporting citizens and organisations to manage the cyber environment around them.

This means that if you're looking to specialise in cyber security, now would be the best time to do so.

Those passionate in the area will find plenty of pathways to the sector; though if you’re unsure of where to start, we recommend these 6 steps to launching your cyber security career.

Step 1: Do Your Research

Your first step is to decide on the type of cyber security role you’d like to pursue.

There are those more focused on the business, regulatory aspects of the industry, while others concentrate on technical skills and system administration. Your ultimate career pathway will depend on your interests and natural skills base.

Typical cyber security jobs in Australia include cyber security consultants, computer forensics analysts, penetration testers, and security systems administrators.

Once you have an idea of your desired role, do your research on commonly required skills for the position, and character traits of those usually employed.

Try picking up as well on additional statistics or facts on the industry (i.e. salary potential, projected growth, gender split) to help truly decide if this is the field for you.

According to Job Outlook, the ICT security sector is currently a large one, set to experience steady growth in the coming years to 2026. In this timeframe, job-seekers can expect around 29,100 job openings, both from new roles created and worker turnover.

Step 2: Pursue a Qualification

Once you’ve gathered all the necessary information, you need to pursue an educational pathway.

While there are Australians working in the ICT security industry who hold no formal qualifications, vendor and industry certifications are highly regarded, and can improve your chances in the job market.

Reports show a growing need for cyber security workers in Australia, with an estimated additional 20,000 professionals needed by 2026. To meet this goal, the government is working hard to enhance the quality of courses in the sector.

For those swamped with full-time work, study, or family commitments, online programs in the field are fortunately on the rise; providing the opportunity of studying on a flexible basis. We at Lumify Learn, for example, offer our cyber security courses 100% online – allowing students (employed or otherwise) to train according to their personal needs and schedule.

Step 3: Invest in Self-teaching and Personal Projects

Apart from the certification or qualification you’re striving towards, it’s also important to take the time to teach yourself.

A lack of certification shouldn’t hold you back from pursuing projects or further learning on the side. Explore the plethora of online videos and forums available in your profession, gaining new knowledge from industry veterans across the globe.

Software development platforms such as GitHub, for instance, allow aspiring cyber security experts to contribute to open source projects. This is an effective way of testing your current skillsets, connecting with fellow professionals, and beefing your resume up with personal ventures to impress potential employers.

Moreover, take the time to invest in your soft skills. Reach out to other students in your course, or communicate with other aspiring experts online. Brushing up on your social and marketing skills can help prepare you for the job-hunting process, as well as the workplace.

Step 4: Pursue an Internship If Necessary

Once you attained your first qualification, it’s time to prep for the workforce.

After your training, you may just snag full-time employment. But an internship is common to gain further industry experience.

An internship is the perfect opportunity to put your classroom skills to practical use. While you aren’t expected to have the seasoned knowledge of long-time industry professionals, you’re still immersed with the responsibilities and conduct required of a formal workplace. You'll also get to collaborate with other aspiring experts, helping you grasp “workplace dynamics” and enhance your communication skills.

Lastly, you’ll get to make common rookie mistakes and learn from them – helping you avoid the same pitfalls come your first official job.

Step 5: Snag your first job

When hunting down your first, professional role, don’t expect the grandest opportunities immediately

Rather than scouting for prestige, six-figure earnings and exciting tasks glorified by hacker-themed movies; it’s more important to focus on all you can learn from your first job experience, these including the new skills and knowledge you’ll gain from working with field professionals.

You’ll also gain an in-depth understanding of what employers value in a today’s security experts. According to Telstra’s Lead Discovery Analyst, Skye Wu: “An aptitude for learning and critical thinking are the main skills needed… technological skills can be taught, but essential skills like problem solving and critical thinking are much harder to develop.”

It’s thus important to develop a growth-centred, open mindset. This means welcoming new views, methods, and unfamiliar discoveries to enhance your current knowledge base and progress you along your career journey.

Step 6: Never stop learning – network, attend events, learn from the best

Though getting a job may seem like the end goal, it’s crucial to remain curious and inquisitive.

Surround yourself with new insights and expertise, whether it’s through YouTube videos or browsing through your favourite tech websites. Sign up for new courses if it suits, or attend conferences to network with other like-minded professionals.

If you’d like, it can also help to share your knowledge with others. This can be done through blogging, social media posts, even public speaking – whatever helps you start a discussion, and receive feedback or constructive criticism from others. These exchanges can help you further improve and grow in your profession. 

Kickstart your Cyber Security Career Today!

For those seeking a rewarding career in this growing industry, Lumify Learn offers a wide variety of courses:

• Certified Cyber Security Professional: Learn to troubleshoot, configure, and manage both wired and wireless networks. You will also discover how to prevent and manage cyber threats.

• Cyber Security Governance, Risk, and Compliance Certified Professional: This interactive course, which includes two globally recognised certificates from ISACA, demonstrates how you can excel in IT risk management and auditing.

• ICT30120 Certificate III in Information Technology Elective Focus Basic Cyber Security Awareness: Understand common IT skills and concepts. It focuses on protecting computer networks, data, and operating systems from cyber threats.

• ICT50220 Diploma of Information Technology (Cyber Security): Learn to design systems that prepare for and manage cyber threats. The course aims to help aspiring cyber security engineers improve their workplace security awareness.

• CompTIA PenTest+ Certified Professional: This self-paced boot camp course provides practical experience in penetration testing. It will also help you complete the CompTIA PenTest+ certification.

As soon as you complete any of the courses above, you can join our exclusive Lumify Edge career support program. Through this initiative, we will help you prepare your professional brand by revamping your resume and updating your LinkedIn profile.

We will also connect you with like-minded professionals, industry leaders and IT experts, and help you attend exclusive events through our partners like the Australian Computer Society. Lastly, we can help you gain experience and increase your employability through internships.

Enquire today to kickstart a fulfilling career in the world of cyber security.