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8 entry level cyber security jobs

Entry level cyber security jobs are roles that require limited working experience to attain. However, these roles do still require knowledge of cybersecurity concepts as well as some practical training experience with cybersecurity tasks. With this said we will look at some popular roles in the cybersecurity space for those that are less experienced.

Considerations with entry level cyber security jobs

The cyber security industry can be very rewarding both in making a difference and financially as a tech career. However, it is also a unique discipline that requires diverse skills and experience to be successful.

There is a lot of bad information about getting entry level cyber security jobs

The industry is great, but there is widespread misinformation regarding available cybersecurity jobs and the qualifications needed. Automation, AI, and high skill requirements restrict entry-level opportunities in cybersecurity. Keep this in mind as it has reduced the availability of entry level positions and made them highly competitive.

Gaining proficiency in cyber security takes time

It takes time to develop in any technical job and cybersecurity is no different. Even an entry level position will take time and concepts for you to learn, then practice, then execute at an entry level. As a result, if you are looking to attain ones of these positions, you are going to need 1-2 years of initial learning and training experience.

You still need to understand what you are securing in entry level cyber security jobs

Aside from learning and training in cyber security, the cyber security domain is also unique in that you also have to learn about what you are securing. In most instances for many this will be helping to secure businesses. So as a result, you will want to learn about how businesses work from their structure to business culture and more.

Security job descriptions are often vast

Because cyber security is often about securing all aspects of a business, the job descriptions for cyber security positions can cover many different areas of a business. So this is important because many job descriptions reflect this and have many responsibilities and accountabilities.

Analyst jobs are easier then engineering ones

There are two main career paths in cyber security: analytic roles and technical engineering roles. Both require training and skill development, but technical positions typically take longer to master. Consequently, there are usually more entry-level analyst related positions available for beginners.

Overview of entry level cyber security roles

Here are eight entry level cyber security jobs to consider in the discipline. Note that the first four are not cyber security related at all. However, they will provide you a strong entry point at the entry level.

Business analyst

Understanding the business is essential in securing it in cybersecurity. A business analyst role is a good entry point for gaining this understanding, as it requires less specific experience compared to many other cyber roles. Use this understanding to transition into a cybersecurity role within the company.

Data specialist

As technology has grown in our lives and in businesses, there has been massive amount of data created that needs to be managed. As a result the need for data specialists has grown and is another good entry point into cyber security. These positions let you find hidden patterns, categorize information and help businesses make smarter decisions.

IT support specialist

In this role you will work with individuals or business users who are having technical issues. You will learn to use great support software, and keep businesses and users effectively running. Also, if you’re patient, enjoy critical thinking, and enjoy helping others, this may be a strong entry point into cyber security for you.

Tech sales analyst

If you have strong communication skills, enjoy working with people and can explain complex tech tasks in a simple way this might be a strong entry point into cyber security as well for you.

Cyber security entry level job roles

These roles are directly in the world of cyber security and can be entry level jobs. However, a key consideration in this is that the more specific you get into a cyber security role, the more experience and proficiency it will take. So while these roles do exist, few are available at the entry level.

Junior cyber security analyst

As mentioned in the considerations analyst related positions are generally more available then technical ones at the entry level. These positions spend a lot of time communicating and training others in an organization. So if you’re a strategic thinker with good communication skills who loves a good challenge, this can be a strong option for you

Cybersecurity school teacher

It seems counterintuitive that someone that is entry level could actually teach cyber security. However, being a cybersecurity teacher, especially at the high school level is essentially just an analyst position teaching others about cyber security. At CyberForward Academy, we have a whole pathway designed for bringing more tech teachers into cybersecurity.

Cybersecurity technician apprentice entry level cyber security jobs

As mentioned earlier technical cybersecurity roles can be challenging to find at entry level due to high technical requirements. These positions allow you to build and maintain cybersecurity defenses, protecting valuable data under the guidance of more seasoned teachers and coaches. So the best path for this is to look at tech apprenticeships that will take you early on without experience and provide this needed support as you develop. Because this approach is so valuable these opportunities are highly competitive and take years of training and preparation to qualify at the entry level.

Jr security operations center (SOC) analyst

So SOC roles are more technical in nature, however some of the more research related aspects of the positions can be performed by more entry level individuals. Since security operation centers work as teams, often times the more junior workers have close senior support around them to help them develop. However, these positions are again highly competitive because of the level of competition around them.

Information security intern

Tech internships are short term work experiences that truly are entry level opportunities. These work opportunities can be a strong entry point for those that want to experience what cybersecurity is like. Because of this though they are still highly competitive.

What do I need to get an entry level cyber security job?

To move forward in cyber security, even for entry level entry level jobs you need some proficiency in related tech skills.

Tech proficiency is your ability to use tech skills to meet objectives. Note this is different then simply understanding what tech skills are. To become proficient, you need the right development pathways that let you first learn concepts and skills, then practice using them to build proficiency. As mentioned earlier this takes time but is possible with the right training and development

Steps to move forward in cybersecurity

Now that you have a better understanding of the different roles and skills required for an entry level cyber security job

• Measure your current level of proficiency and skills – Because of the importance of proficiency in getting any tech job, you will want to start by measuring your current levels with tech skills. The good news here is you may be surprised with how many are not tech specific and that you may already have.
• Build an action plan forward – Once you understand your current state, then you want to build a development plan forward in order to choose the right pathway for you.
• Learn how to develop in tech – Another good starting point early on is to learn the basics of how to learn tech and build a tech foundation. This can be helpful to save wasted time since there are so many options and directions you can go.
• Learn, train then work – With an understanding of where you are at and how to get there, the next step is to start learning, training and then working to get there. It is possible and we are here to help you.

Start moving forward now

A good place to start is to learn about the various types of tech skills assessments and how they can measure your current level of proficiency. You can also get your tech readiness score now with CyberForward Academy.