How To Transition From Computer Networking to Cybersecurity

Many IT roles now include some cybersecurity responsibilities, and once you get that taste, you may want to do more. Perhaps you’re even thinking about pursuing a cybersecurity career.

If you currently work in networking, software development, systems engineering, financial and risk analysis, security intelligence or IT support, you’re in luck! CyberSeek has outlined cybersecurity career pathways that begin with these roles, and each pathway includes salary and job data. Read on to discover how your computer networking skills can help you prepare for a cybersecurity career.

Networking to Cybersecurity: The Skills You Need

Your experience in computer networking and IT infrastructure gives you transferable skills that match those required for many job roles.

In the United States, there are currently over 270,000 open jobs that request the following cybersecurity skills from potential networking candidates:

If you have any of the above skills, highlighting them on your resume and during interviews can help position you as an excellent candidate for the large number of jobs currently hiring, according to CyberSeek..

How To Learn These Skills

CompTIA certifications cover the skills you need to move from networking to cybersecurity, and each certification has a full suite of training products so you can tailor your studying to how you learn best.

If you’re not sure which certification is right for you, take a look at the CompTIA Cybersecurity Career Pathway. CompTIA Security+ validates the baseline skills needed to perform core security functions, and CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+) and CompTIA PenTest+ cover the intermediate skills required for defensive and offensive cybersecurity, respectively. Once you have some experience under your belt, CompTIA Linux+ is the perfect complement to your cybersecurity skills.

Once you choose which certification is right for you, download the exam objectives to see what’s covered and then select your training solution. You can take a class, like CompTIA Live Online Training, or self-study with CertMaster eLearning solutions.

CompTIA CertMaster Learn

CertMaster Learn is a self-paced, comprehensive online learning experience that helps you gain the knowledge and practical skills necessary to be successful on your CompTIA certification exam—and in your IT career. CertMaster Learn helps you stay on track with your studies, while robust analytics bring awareness of your strengths and weaknesses.

CompTIA CertMaster Labs

CertMaster Labs make it easy for you to practice and apply your skills in real workplace scenarios in preparation for the certification exam. All lab activities use real equipment and software, are based on scenarios found in the workplace and align with CompTIA exam objectives.

CompTIA now offers integrated Learn + Labs for most CompTIA certifications, giving you a streamlined learning experience. Read more here.

Networking to Cybersecurity: The Education You Need

According to CyberSeek, the following educational requirements represent the percentage of online job listings requiring either less than a bachelor's degree, a bachelor's degree or a graduate degree:

• 17% do not require a bachelor’s degree.
• 65% require a bachelor’s degree.
• 18% require a graduate degree.

While the majority of these jobs require some form of higher education, not all require a degree! Don’t count yourself out of a job if you have relevant certifications and experience.

Networking to Cybersecurity: The Jobs You Could Get

Computer networking can lead you from an entry-level to an advanced-level cybersecurity job down the line, and with this feeder role, the possibilities are limitless!

Entry-level Jobs

Average salary for these job roles: $97,616.

• Cybersecurity specialist/technician
• Cybercrime analyst/investigator
• Incident analyst/responder
• IT auditor

Mid-level Jobs

Average salary for these job roles: $115,885.

• Cybersecurity analyst
• Penetration and vulnerability tester

Advanced-level Jobs

Average salary for these job roles: $139,455.

• Cybersecurity engineer
• Cybersecurity architect

Networking to Cybersecurity: The Certifications You Need

According to CyberSeek, of the 270,956 job openings in the networking feeder role, the following certifications are the most requested by IT employers.

CompTIA Certifications

• CompTIA Security+: Validates the baseline skills necessary to perform core security functions and pursue an IT security career.
• CompTIA CySA+: Applies behavioral analytics to networks and devices to prevent, detect and combat cybersecurity threats through continuous security monitoring.
• CompTIA PenTest+: Confirms the skills of cybersecurity professionals tasked with penetration testing and vulnerability management.

Other Certifications

• Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
• Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP)
• IAT Level II Certification
  • Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE)

As you can see, transitioning to a career in cybersecurity from networking is easier than you may think. Many of the skills you already have are common skills needed for a successful career in cybersecurity. With its detailed, actionable data about supply and demand in the cybersecurity job market, CyberSeek is a great resource to help you learn what skills and certifications are necessary for the cybersecurity job of your dreams.

Check out the CompTIA Cybersecurity Career Pathway to see how CompTIA certifications can help you get into cybersecurity and advance your cybersecurity career.