The Comprehensive Guide to Cybersecurity Careers

Retail Price: $49.95

Direct Price: $44.95

A Professional’s Roadmap for the Digital Security Age
Dr. Jason Edwards, DMIST, CISSP
Softcover, 6×9, 280 pages
ISBN: 978-1-60427-202-4
e-ISBN: 978-1-60427-855-2
May 2024
Part of the J. Ross Publishing Cybersecurity Series

This book is also available for rent

ISBN: 978-1-60427-202-4 Categories: ,

Description

The Comprehensive Guide to Cybersecurity Careers is the definitive resource for aspiring and established cybersecurity professionals. This guide delves deep into the ever-changing cybersecurity landscape, providing insights into the diverse career paths within the industry. From technical roles like security analysts to strategic positions in policy development, this book covers a broad spectrum of opportunities in the field. It highlights the importance of staying ahead in the cybersecurity arms race, emphasizing continuous learning and adaptation to face advanced threats. The guide also offers practical advice on essential skills, understanding industry trends, and the impact of high-profile cyber incidents.

This book is more than a mere information source; it’s a dynamic tool that evolves with the field and its readers. It encourages active engagement and contribution to the cybersecurity community. With its focus on building professional networks, navigating the hiring process, and strategies for career advancement, The Comprehensive Guide to Cybersecurity Careers is an invaluable asset for anyone aiming to forge a successful and impactful career in cybersecurity. Whether starting fresh or seeking to enhance existing expertise, this guide is an indispensable companion in the journey through the complex world of digital security.

Key Features

  • Comprehensive Career Exploration: Explores responsibilities, necessary skills, and qualifications for a wide range of cybersecurity roles, from technical positions to management, and emerging fields like AI and cloud security.
  • Educational Pathways Overview: Offers insight into various educational options for cybersecurity, including university programs, adult professional programs, and self-study methods, emphasizing the importance of lifelong learning.
  • Certification Guidance: Details information on essential cybersecurity certifications, including a roadmap for obtaining them and a comprehensive list of certifications suitable for beginners and advanced professionals.
  • Emphasis on Soft Skills: Discusses the importance of soft skills like teamwork, critical thinking, and stress management in cybersecurity.
  • Portfolio Development: Provides strategies for building a strong professional portfolio, including tips on showcasing problem-solving skills, gaining credibility, and leveraging experiences for career advancement.
  • Job Market Navigation: Offers practical advice on job search strategies, resume tailoring, interview preparation, and effective use of professional networking.
  • LinkedIn Networking: Features specific tactics for optimizing LinkedIn profiles for cybersecurity professionals and strategies for engaging with the industry through this platform.
  • Sector-specific Cybersecurity Insights: Details cybersecurity challenges and opportunities in various sectors like finance, healthcare, government, and more.
  • Future Trends and Career Adaptation: Discusses adapting to evolving roles in cybersecurity, including the impact of automation, AI, and the importance of keeping skills relevant in a fast-paced industry.
  • WAV features a Behavioral Interview Prep Guide for cybersecurity professionals—available from the Web Added Value Download Resource Center at www.jrosspub.com/wav

About the author(s)

Dr. Jason Edwards has over 25 years of experience in Cybersecurity & technology across various industries, including finance, insurance, and energy. He holds several credentials, such as a Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC), a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), and a Doctorate in Management, Information Systems, and Technology, specializing in Cybersecurity. He also served with the US Army for 22 years, earning a Bronze Star for service during multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Besides his professional achievements, Dr. Edwards is passionate about sharing his knowledge and expertise. He has been an Adjunct Professor of Cybersecurity at multiple universities, teaching professional and graduate-level courses. He has also authored numerous books on Cybersecurity, including a children’s series. He is highly active, with a large following on LinkedIn, where he is the author of the Cyber Spear educational newsletter, which offers free daily and weekly educational newsletters to enhance cybersecurity awareness and build skills within the industry. Jason lives with his family in San Antonio, Texas.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1: Introduction to the Cybersecurity World

 

Chapter 2: Paths of Cybersecurity Education

University Programs

Adult Professional Programs

Self-study Programs

Importance of Continuous Learning

 

Chapter 3: Certifications and Their Significance

Recommended Certifications for Beginners

Roadmap to Obtaining a Certification

Comprehensive List of Cyber Certifications

 

Chapter 4: Personal Development and Soft Skills in Cybersecurity

Teamwork and Collaboration

Problem-solving and Critical Thinking

Stress Management and Work-life Balance

 

Chapter 5: Building a Strong Portfolio

Building a Track Record

Showcasing Problem-solving Skills

Gaining Confidence and Credibility

Getting Involved in Open Source Projects

Internship Search and Application Tips

Benefits of Participating in Hackathons

Leveraging Experiences for Career Advancement

Recommended Cyber News Websites

 

Chapter 6: Navigating the Cybersecurity Job Market

Submitting Resumes to Jobs: Tailoring for Each Role

In-person Networking and Opportunities

Interview Preparation and Techniques

Resume Review Checklist

 

Chapter 7: Social Networking Strategies on LinkedIn

Optimizing Your LinkedIn Profile

Engaging with Industry Content on LinkedIn

Networking and Building Connections on LinkedIn

Networking and Job Search Strategies on LinkedIn

 

Chapter 8: Technical Roles in Cybersecurity

Application Security Engineer

Blue Team Operator (Defender)

Cybersecurity Engineer

Firewall Administrator

Identity and Access Management (IAM) Specialist

Industrial Control Systems (ICS) Security Specialist

Internet of Things (IoT) Security Specialist

Malware Analyst

Mobile Security Engineer

Network Security Engineer

Penetration Tester

Network Security Engineer

Security Analyst

Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) Specialist

Threat Hunting

Wireless Security Specialist

 

Chapter 9: Management Roles in Cybersecurity

Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)

Security Architect

Security Consultant

Security Director

Compliance Officer

 

Chapter 10: Research and Development in Cybersecurity

Cryptographer

Security Software Developer

Security Researcher

Security Systems Administrator

Vulnerability Analyst

 

Chapter 11: Policy and Training Roles in Cybersecurity

Awareness Program Coordinator

Cybersecurity Policy Maker

Cybersecurity Trainer

Security Curriculum Developer

 

Chapter 12: Risk and Compliance Roles in Cybersecurity

Business Continuity Planner

Compliance Director

Data Protection Officer

Information Security Auditor

Regulatory Compliance Analyst

Risk Analyst

 

Chapter 13: Threat Intelligence Roles in Cybersecurity

Cyber Counterintelligence Specialist

Cyber Intelligence Researcher

Intelligence Operations Manager

Open Source Intelligence Analyst (OSINT)

SOC (Security Operations Center) Analyst

Threat Intelligence Analyst

 

Chapter 14: Cloud Security Roles in Cybersecurity

Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB) Specialist

Cloud Compliance Manager

Cloud Security Architect

Cloud Security Analyst

Cloud Security Consultant

Cloud Security Engineer

 

Chapter 15: AI Roles in Cybersecurity

AI Data Scientist

AI Ethical Hacker

AI Security Analyst

AI Security Product Manager

AI Security Researcher

Machine Learning Security Engineer

 

Chapter 16: Cybersecurity Across Different Sectors

Finance Sector Cybersecurity

Government and Public Sector Cybersecurity

Healthcare Cybersecurity

Retail and E-commerce Cybersecurity

Military and Defense Sector Cybersecurity

Manufacturing and Industrial Cybersecurity

Energy and Utilities Cybersecurity

Transportation and Logistics Cybersecurity

Education Sector Cybersecurity

Telecommunications Cybersecurity

 

Chapter 17: Future Trends in Cybersecurity Careers

Adapting to Evolving Roles

Role of Automation and AI in Shaping Cyber Roles

Transitioning to New Cybersecurity Domains

Lifelong Learning and Skill Development

Keeping Skills Relevant in a Fast-Paced Industry

Mentorship and Knowledge Sharing

Balancing Specialization and Versatility

Planning for Career Longevity and Satisfaction

 

Index

Reviews

“This is the perfect book for any leader, entry-level employee, or anyone in between seeking a long-lasting career in cybersecurity. It provides the context for different roles and features a roadmap to finding your true calling in cybersecurity.”
James Azar, CISO and Host of the CyberHub Podcast

“Many students and professionals from diverse backgrounds struggle to make the right decisions regarding a cybersecurity career path. This book is a centralized treasure house where you can find all the necessary gems to start or uplift your cyber career. Great advice, including realizing the importance of mentorships and your LinkedIn branding, will help to boost your profile.”
Subash Poudyal, PhD, Walmart Global Tech

“Meticulously crafted, each chapter offers a blend of educational theory and practical advice, providing comprehensive insights into this rapidly evolving field. From understanding the fundamentals in the introduction to navigating specialized roles like threat intelligence and AI security, this book equips professionals with the knowledge needed to pursue a rewarding cybersecurity career.”
Rob Fisher, CISSP, Principal, GenAI Security for Amazon Security, and AI Security Program Pioneer

You may also like…