How 2nd & 3rd line IT support can build a career in cyber security

With cybercrime damage costs predicted to hit $6 trillion annually by 2021 and an anticipated worldwide shortage of 1.8 million cyber security professionals by 2022, businesses are scrambling to hire the qualified people they need to secure systems, combat threats, and protect crucial data.

Whilst the common approach for many companies may be to search for those elusive niche security skills, which can be costly and time consuming, a better approach may be to hire IT professionals with transferable skills that could transition into a cyber security role, given the right training and development.  There’s been a trend in many companies choosing to recruit more junior security practitioners who have the potential to progress into higher positions. From a business perspective, offering candidates clear progression opportunities can encourage company loyalty and aid staff retention.

However, some companies have opted for a different strategy in their pursuit of cyber security professionals and look internally at building up the capabilities of 2nd and 3rd line IT support staff. These are both common paths into cyber security due to similarities in the skill sets required, such as problem-solving, attention to detail and crisis management. If your long-term aim is to get into cyber security as a career, building your experience in a 2nd or 3rd line support role will stand you in good stead.

If you’re already in 2nd and 3rd line support likelihood that you already have some exposure to security of a form. Investing in cyber security certifications, such as ‘Certified Ethical Hacker’, ‘Certified Information Security Manager’, and ‘Certified Information Systems Security Professional’, could instantly boost your employability. A combination of your experience to date and these certifications could be enough to reinforce to prospective employees your motivation to progress and give them the confidence to support you ambitions to embark on your cyber security career.

Take a look at our latest cyber security jobs.

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