For those that want to explore a career in cybersecurity, we first want to say, “Welcome, we need the help!” A job in cybersecurity is dedicated to a mission to protect. At the same time, it is very rewarding—both in knowing that what you do makes a difference and, frankly, unmatched job security. The cybersecurity field has many more positions available than qualified candidates.
In the CISO Desk Reference Guide: Develop Your Cybersecurity Career Path, we’ll show you how to break into cybersecurity at any level. Whether you are just starting and are looking for an entry-level position or want to translate many years of experience to the right level, this book will help. We start at the beginning of your journey and help you determine if this is the right field for you. Then we give you’re the tools to conduct a self-assessment to see how you stack up to the requirements of the field. After the self-assessment, we transition to your human network, the job search itself, and then guide you through the transition into your cybersecurity career.
Gary has been writing articles and mentoring would-be cyber-warriors for several years. He has selflessly shared every aspect of his journey, from the head-shaking behavior of clueless recruiters to the vulnerabilities of not feeling qualified for the job that would help him provide for his family when he left the military after a long and secure career. Chris and Renee have been hosting a weekly podcast called Breaking into Cybersecurity since September of 2019, having met just before then online, engaging with the community. The three authors met online, using the same networking techniques they recommend throughout this book.
There is no better way to blend these varied perspectives than to use the tri-perspective storytelling technique that Gary helped pioneer along with Bill Bonney and Matt Stamper, the three amigos that authored the CISO Desk Reference Guide and now publish the CISO DRG catalog of titles. Gary, Christophe, and Renee care deeply about their chosen career field and our collective mission. In addition to shepherding their own careers, each has been involved in hiring, developing, and mentoring cyber-pros and would-be cyber-pros for years. In Develop Your Cybersecurity Career Path, they each share their perspective about the career, the community, and the commitment and how you can develop your cybersecurity career and land your first cybersecurity job.
