(upbeat music)
- Practically all cybersecurity jobs require
at least a basic understanding of IT.
But you might be in a job right now
that doesn't require IT skills.
If that's the case
and you don't already know IT fundamentals,
now's the time to come up to speed.
IT basics can be divided into six broad categories,
computer hardware and peripherals, operating systems,
office productivity software, servers,
networking, and coding.
As I walk through these areas,
ask yourself how well you know them.
All of them can be important
to a successful cybersecurity career.
Computer hardware and peripherals includes processors,
hard drives, memory, printers, and other items.
These might not seem like they're related to security,
but all of these items can be
the source of security problems.
For instance, design flaws
in computer processors called Spectre and Meltdown,
made headlines because they could allow attackers
to capture information they shouldn't be able to access.
A cybersecurity professional needs to have
at least a fundamental understanding of what these items are
and how they work.
A working understanding of operating systems like Windows,
Linux, and macOS is also important.
All of these operating systems are susceptible
to vulnerabilities if they're not patched
or configured correctly.
If you have a home computer, then you probably have
a basic knowledge of at least one operating system,
but you might want to go a little deeper
if you're planning on a cybersecurity career.
Office productivity software, like Word processing,
Spreadsheet, and Presentation applications
can also be sources of security problems.
For instance, some of these applications
can run code called macros that can be malicious.
Not only should you know how to use these applications,
you should have a good understanding of
how they can be configured to be more secure.
Servers are a special purpose systems
like windows domain controllers, web servers,
and DNS servers.
These are often targeted by attackers
because they contain valuable data and can give access
to other systems or parts of the network.
You'll need to have at least a general idea
of what various servers can do,
and the role they play in network security.
Networking refers to all of the protocols
and technologies related to computer networks.
This includes LANs, WANs , Wi-Fi, TCP/IP,
DNS, DHCP and more.
Weaknesses in the network can allow attackers
to gain unauthorized access to systems and networks,
or capture data moving between systems.
If you don't have a basic understanding
of how networks operate,
then I recommend focusing on this one.
Encoding includes understanding of
at least basic coding concepts like variables and loops,
and familiarity with one or more popular scripting languages
like HTML, Python, JavaScript, or PowerShell.
Scripts can be useful or malicious.
They can help automate tedious tasks
or they can be used to attack systems or networks.
You will find many ways to apply coding knowledge
throughout a cybersecurity career.
If you know you have knowledge gaps
when it comes to IT fundamentals,
take the time to educate yourself,
then find ways to apply your new knowledge,
either at work or at home.
You'll need this understanding of IT basics
when you transition to a cybersecurity career.
The best way to learn is by doing.
And if you want to really understand IT,
you'll benefit more by doing an IT job
than studying on your own, or going to a tech school.
Plus this way you'll earn while you learn,
versus paying for training.
A great example of an entry-level job
that will give you a crash course in everything IT
is a help desk technician.
While you'll need at least a year of it experience
to work on an IT help desk,
soft skills like good verbal communication, organization,
and time management are almost as important.
You'll encounter real-world problems that will force you
to learn new IT concepts
you might not have learned otherwise.
You should be able to find plenty of entry-level IT jobs
by searching job sites like LinkedIn for entry-level IT.
You may also run across it intern jobs
which are also entry-level jobs,
but usually require you to be enrolled
in a bachelor's degree program.
If you can't find an entry-level job,
or you still need a little experience,
consider volunteering at any organization
which needs IT help but can't afford it.
They'll appreciate your help
and you'll gain skills and experience.
Of course, if you're already mid career
in a different field,
starting an entry-level IT job may be a step down in pay,
not to mention pride.
While an entry-level IT job can help you gain the skills
you need for a cybersecurity career,
it might not be the right move for you.
Look at your career plan and decide
if that's the way you want to go.
(upbeat music)