How to Become a Cyber Security Professional?

Becoming a cybersecurity professional is a rewarding career choice in today’s digital world. To start your cybersecurity career, it is important to have a strong understanding of computer networking and operating systems. 

After earning your degree, enhance your credentials by obtaining key certifications such as CEH v13 and CompTIA Security+. Staying informed about the latest cybersecurity trends is also essential to excel in this ever-evolving field.

Follow these ten steps to embark on your journey toward a successful career in cybersecurity:

  1. Complete your formal education
  2. Obtain industry-recognised cybersecurity certifications 
  3. Build a strong foundation in cybersecurity principles
  4. Network with cybersecurity professionals
  5. Apply for internships and entry-level positions
  6. Refine your hard and soft skills
  7. Create a standout resume
  8. Stay current with the latest trends
  9. Commit to continuous learning
  10. Apply for higher-level positions

Ready to dive deeper? Let’s explore each of these steps in detail!

10 Steps to Become a Cybersecurity Professional

The cybersecurity profession starts with completing the required formal education from a recognised university. Have a look at the detailed description of the 10 steps to become a cybersecurity professional. 

1. Complete your formal education

The cybersecurity profession starts with completing the required formal education from a recognised university. 
Formal educational requirements for a cybersecurity professional vary depending on the job role or organisation where you intend to work. To start a career in cybersecurity, one must primarily meet the necessary educational qualifications.  It is to be noted that, Some cybersecurity career requires;

  • A bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Information Technology or Computer Application. 
  • Whereas, some cybersecurity job roles only require a minimum of; A 12th-grade education/ high school diploma. 

2. Obtain Industry-recognised cybersecurity certifications            

Industry-recognised cybersecurity certifications will help you strengthen your resume and give you a competitive edge over others in the job market. Once you finish your formal education, pursue entry-level cybersecurity certification.  

There is a wide range of cybersecurity certification courses for freshers in cybersecurity. A foundational cybersecurity training starts with the strategies and management of cybersecurity tools. You can pursue the following foundational/ entry-level cyber security certification to kick-start your professional journey:

  • Certified Cybersecurity Technician (CCT):

Certified Cybersecurity Technician (CCT) is an entry-level cybersecurity certification by EC Council. Joining CCT Training will help you gain practical skills in ethical hacking, digital forensics and network security. This certification provides foundational knowledge and skills to pursue advanced-level certification. 

  • Requirement for Joining CCT Certification Course: 12th Grade or High School Diploma 
  • Entry-level Jobs After Getting CCT Certification:  Cybersecurity Technician, Junior Level Cyber Security Engineer, and Junior Network Security Analyst. 
  • CompTIA Security+: 

CompTIA Security+ is a globally recognised certification that validates your skills to start your cybersecurity career. CompTIA Security+ Certification is beneficial in acquiring skills to secure hybrid environments like cloud and IoTs. You will also learn to identify and analyse different types of malware attacks. 

Joining the CompTIA Security+ Course will help you receive effective training to prepare for the CompTIA Exam. You can also pursue CompTIA Certifications like CompTIA A+,  CompTIA Network+, and CompTIA Cloud+ to strengthen your skills.

  • Requirement for Joining CompTIA Security Certification Course: At least a year of experience in IT Security is required.  
  • Entry-level Jobs After Completing CompTIA Security Certification: Junior-level Penetration Tester, Junior Cybersecurity Architect, and Junior-level  Security Analyst. 

Read more to know about the benefits of CompTIA Security + Certification for Cybersecurity Professionals. 

  • Certified Ethical Hacking Certification (CEH v13 Certification): 

The CEH v13 course is the perfect way to build your knowledge and understanding of the latest tools and techniques used for ethical hacking. CEHv13 Training will teach you ethical hacking skills to become job-ready.  

The latest version CEHv13 will help you master AI-powered tools to combat cyber attacks. You will learn how malicious attackers exploit the vulnerabilities and help you master tools that secure your networks, applications, and other assets.

  • Requirement for Joining CEH V13 Course: A 12th-grade or High School Diploma is enough to take this certification course.  
  • Entry-level Jobs After Completing CEHV13 Course: Ethical Hacker and Junior Level Cyber Security Engineer.

Do you aspire to work in Cyber Forensics?

Join Edoxi CHFI Training to learn the best practices!

  • Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA):  

If you want to start your career in Network Security, Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Certification is the best choice. CCNA Certification validates your skills in networking technologies and security to become a CCNA Professional.  

Joining CCNA Training will help you master network security management and achieve the best results for the CCNA certification exam. Getting CCNA Certification enables you to start your career as a Network Security Engineer. As per Edoxi’s latest findings on 2025 cybersecurity job trends in the Middle East, Network Security Engineer has the second-highest cybersecurity job demand in the Middle East.

  • Requirement for Joining CCNA Course: 12th Grade or High School Diploma.  
  • Entry-level Jobs after Completing CCNA Course: Junior Level Network Security Engineer

3. Network with cybersecurity professionals

Networking with cybersecurity professionals will help you create long-lasting professional relationships and learn more about what it's like to work in cybersecurity. 

You can look for local groups or communities, or connect with people online through social media and LinkedIn. Here’s how you can build a professional network through LinkedIn:

  • Create your LinkedIn Profile
  • Connect with professionals on Linkedin. 
  • Engage with the audience by posting relevant and engaging cybersecurity contents on Linkedin.
  • Search for fresh groups within your industry and join them. 
  • Look for webinars or any educational workshops on Linkedin 

4. Choose your area of specialisation 

After pursuing relevant cybersecurity certification and acquiring essential industry knowledge, you can choose an area of specialisation according to your interest and expertise. 

Knowing industry requirements and job relevance before entering a cybersecurity career is important. Here is what Lori Crooks CEO of Cadra has to say about staying job-relevant in cybersecurity,

“With AI continuing to advance, one cybersecurity job at risk of becoming obsolete is the manual threat detection analyst.  Additionally, ethical hacking, red teaming, and threat-hunting fields requiring creative problem-solving are less likely to get replaced by AI.

Focusing on cybersecurity strategy and leadership is another way to future-proof your career. Areas that intersect with business strategy, regulatory needs, risk tolerance and human decision-making will  remain relevant.“  

5. Apply for internships and entry-level jobs

Once you get the clarity and decide upon the area of specialisation,  the next crucial step is to apply for internships and entry-level jobs. When you start working in an organisation you will gain essential experience and knowledge about the roles and responsibilities of cybersecurity professionals. 

While choosing the organisation for your internship or entry-level job, you should consider these factors, 

  • Choose an organisation that has a positive work culture.
  • Look into the pay package that the organisation provides.
  • Duration of the internship/ Job Contract if any.
  • Experience of past employees who worked in the organisation.
  • Skills that you will learn from the organisation.
  • Ensure the nature of work aligns with your career goal. 
  • Do not choose an organisation with a toxic work environment. 

6. Refine your hard and soft skills

Once you get into a cybersecurity career, the next thing you should focus on is refining your skills. Other than cybersecurity skills, a cybersecurity professional also has to develop soft skills. Joining soft skill training will enhance your soft skills and help you survive in the competitive work environment. 

Hard Skills Soft Skills
Ethical Hacking Communication
Penetration Testing Critical Thinking
Cloud Computing Decision Making
Networking Problem-solving
Programming & Coding Leadership
Digital Forensics Documentation
Security Incident Handling & Response
Crisis Management
Malware Detection & Prevention
Observation & Analytical Skills
AI & Machine Learning
Risk Management

 

7. Build a resume that stands out:  

To advance in your Cybersecurity Career, you need to build a resume that stands out. The resume needs to be clear and concise, and it should highlight your skills and experience. It shows potential employers that you have the eligibility to do the job. Here is what a cyber security resume must include:

  • Contact information
  • Career objectives
  • Work experience
  • Education
  • Soft skills and technical skills
  • Certifications and professional memberships
  • Achievements and awards
  • References

You can also seek the help of professional experts to build a catchy resume. 

8. Stay up to date with the latest cybersecurity trends

Getting a job is just the beginning of your professional journey in cybersecurity. Once you have a job, staying updated with the latest cybersecurity trends is important. Follow these tips to stay updated on cybersecurity, 

  • Subscribe to cybersecurity-related newsletters 
  • Read the latest blogs on cybersecurity 
  • Be a part of an online cybercommunity
  • Listen to podcasts on cybersecurity 
  • Join cybersecurity forums
  • Participate in conferences and webinars

If you are based in the Middle East, have a look at Edoxi’s Report on  2025 cybersecurity job trends in the Middle East. 

9. Engage in the continuous learning process

Once you have your job position secured, it's time to think about ways to upskill and improve your career. One great way to do this is by getting higher-level cybersecurity certifications. 

These certifications can show your employer that you are serious about continuing your education and expanding your skill set in cybersecurity. Here are some of the best cybersecurity certifications that you can pursue as a part of the continuous learning process, 

  • Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) Certification: 

The CISSP Certification course provides knowledge on solving primary security problems such as application development security, mobile security, cloud computing, and more.

Enrolling in the CISSP course is the first step towards becoming a Certified Information Systems Security Professional. As a part of the training, you will learn about elements that can minimise security threats and master techniques for identifying network-based attacks. 

  • Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) Certification: 

CISM Certification validates in-depth skills in 4 domains; Security program development and management, Security governance, Security incident management, Risk management and compliance. 

The CISM course gives an in-depth understanding of external & internal audits, that will help you become a Certified Information Security Manager.  

  • Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) Certification: 

CCSP Certification validates skills in identifying strategies for categorizing data, supervising agencies, making sure privacy is established, and protecting the data effectively. Data security experts with a minimum of 5 years of IT experience can pursue the CCSP course

  • Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) Certification: 

CISA Certification gives credibility to your in-depth understanding of security auditing of information systems. The CISA course is specifically for cybersecurity consultants, security audit managers, and IT auditors.

  • Certified Network Defender (CND) Certification: 

The Certified Network Defender (CND) Certification emphasises skills in detecting, safeguarding, and reacting to network threats. The CND course is specifically designed for Network Administrators, Network Defense Technicians, Security Analysts, Network Security Administrators and Network Security Engineers. 

  • Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator (CHFI) Certification: 

CHFI Certification validates your skills in cybercrime investigations and digital forensics. The CHFI course is designed for cybersecurity professionals with more than one year of work experience.

  • CompTIA CySA+: 

CompTIA CySA+ Certification validates your skills in threat intelligence and threat management. The certification exam evaluates your knowledge in Network Security, Cyber Defense and Vulnerability Assessment. The candidates require a minimum of 4 years of work experience as an Incident Handler or SOC Analyst to join the CompTIA CySA+ Course

There are various top cybersecurity certifications that will contribute to your professional growth and help you with job promotions. 

10. Apply for higher-level jobs  

Once you pass the advanced-level cybersecurity certification you can look for job promotion and higher-level positions like Chief Information Security Officer, Cybersecurity Architect, Senior-level Cybersecurity Engineer etc. 

Getting advanced-level cybersecurity certification will give you the confidence to apply for high-paying jobs in well-reputed organisations. It will help you enhance your credibility and contribute to your professional growth.  

Chief Information Security Officer, Malware Analyst, Bugbounty Specialist etc. are some of the high-paying cybersecurity jobs that you pursue. 

Final Thoughts

The professional journey in cybersecurity comes with its own set of challenges and requires constant learning. Even after landing a job, you must keep upskilling yourselves to meet the changing cybersecurity industry demands. If you have already reached top position you can upskill your cybersecurity team

One great way to do this is by earning industry-recognised cybersecurity certifications. Choose the right certification and seek the help of mentors whenever necessary, you are all set for a successful career in cybersecurity.