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As companies struggle keeping up with escalating cyberthreats, demand has exploded for IT security engineers responsible for safeguarding systems, networks and data. But transitioning into the role without prior directly related experience can seem daunting.
Through the right roadmap of education, certifications and initiative however, those with IT expertise can successfully shift into IT security engineering even lacking years as a security admin or analyst.
Let’s decode exactly what steps enable aspiring IT professionals to pivot into IT security engineering positions.
Build Core Security Knowledge
Before directly focusing on security engineering specifics, it’s wise to establish fundamental literacy around information security principles, vulnerabilities and protocols.
CompTIA’s Security+ certification provides vendor-neutral grounding in areas like threats/attacks, risk mitigation, PKI, cryptography, identity access management and more. Think of Security+ as laying the security mindset cornerstone to then construct engineering capabilities on.
Cultivate Key Technical Skills Of course the ability to implement security controls relies on possessing diverse technical abilities including:
- Networking: Protecting systems requires comprehending components like servers, routers, firewalls.
- Operating systems: Understanding how OSes like Windows and Linux function aids troubleshooting issues.
- Coding: Fluency in scripting languages enables automating security tasks. Python particularly valuable.
- Cloud platforms: With data/apps increasingly cloud-based, grasp platforms like AWS.
Hands-on learning labs from providers like Cisco Networking Academy offer affordable ways to hone these operational skills without professional experience.
Obtain Essential Certifications
While skills get your foot in the door, sought-after certifications make you stand out as someone committed to managing infrastructure security long-term.
- Cisco Certified CyberOps Associate: Proves proficiency specifically applying Cisco tools to safeguard networks.
- (ISC)2 SSCP: Validates ability to implement/maintain information security controls protecting assets.
- EC-Council CEH: Demonstrates skills around detecting network vulnerabilities, penetration testing, stopping data breaches.
- ISACA CSX Practitioner: Assesses competence implementing enterprise-wide cybersecurity frameworks.
Certifications signal to employers your depth of theory and hands-on security engineering abilities.
Perform IT Projects Expanding Security Exposure
Beyond formal training, companies want candidates exhibiting initiative growing security skills. This means pursuing practical learning opportunities that introduce you to tools and responsibilities similar to what security engineering roles entail.
If your current IT position allows, spearhead projects like:
- Automating security scanning using scripts
- Researching new firewall solutions for trials
- Documenting network system components and connectivity
- Helping respond to internal security events
This demonstrates proactive interest while allowing you to absorb specialized security engineering workflows.
The Bottom Line
Missing years specifically as a security analyst or administrator no longer bars IT professionals from pivoting into security engineering.
Strategically supplementing your abilities with security knowledge, key technology skills, premier certifications and résumé-building projects can directly qualify you for engineering roles safeguarding company infrastructure, data and operations.
Let the guidance above streamline your path forward embracing IT security engineering career aspirations!