How Do I Become a Cyber Security Manager?


To become a cyber security manager, individuals need an education as well as experience protecting information from cyber threats and attacks. As we live in this technology-booming world, keeping your home and office safe is everyone’s priority.

Whether it is in the workplace or at home, we continue to increase our connection through digital devices and data. This can cause unwanted guests to attack our privacy. However, having expertise in the security field can better prepare you for these types of cyberattacks. Knowledge of cybersecurity is essential for security positions with small businesses, consumers, and government agencies.

What Does it Take to be a Cyber Security Manager?

Security managers combine their talent of technology with the ability to protect and serve. As a cyber security manager, your job also consists of protecting technological systems and digital information from cyber threats and attacks. This is why cybersecurity professionals are in so much demand and are highly trained and skilled to handle the job. 

Cyber Security Education Plan

As a cybersecurity professional or manager, earning a degree in cybersecurity would be a good beginning to a rewarding career. There are a few different degree options as well. Students can choose from an associate-level degree, a bachelor’s, or a master’s program. Courses in cybersecurity may include cyber law, cyber ethics, Information Technology, ethical hacking, and network programming. In addition, students in the programs will learn cybersecurity principles, methods, and tools that may aid in the defense against cyberattacks.

Students may also develop techniques that decrease system vulnerabilities through integrated technologies. As a graduate, you will also study how to gather data and evidence employed in prosecuting cybercrimes. The most common degree chosen by students is the Bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity. The average degree is 120 credits and may take from three to four years to complete. 

Certificates in the Cyber Security

There are also some colleges and universities that offer certificates in the cyber security field. The certificate option is similar to a master’s degree. It usually takes anywhere from four to eight months to complete and can range from 15 to 24 credits. Certificates in Cybersecurity consist of the most advanced IT courses and prepare students for the skills needed to succeed in the cybersecurity industry.

Is there Extra Training or Internships?

For some employers, there may be no need for extra training once a student receives their cybersecurity degree or certificate. However, depending on which place you receive your education, there may be internship opportunities or additional training during or after graduation. Some schools or institutions will offer on-the-job training to help students be well-prepared for the cyber security field as a professional and cyber security managers.

Most internships may take only a few weeks or a few months to complete. To participate in an internship program, some schools may require students to complete the first half of their program. For example, some bachelor’s degrees in cybersecurity require a completion of 60 credits or more to enter an internship. In some cases, a certificate can be applied to a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity.

Do I Need a Certain Amount of Experience?

Getting an education degree in cybersecurity is sometimes all you need for an entry-level position in cybersecurity. However, for cyber security managers or any career path heading into management levels, it helps to have the experience to back up the degree. On average, cyber security employers look for candidates with at least five years of experience working in the field, according to the BLS. Yet, some may have a minimum of only two to three years.

Employers may also hire a candidate with exceptional years of expertise in the field, compared to a newly graduated degree holder with no experience in the field of cyber security. So, there are times when the experience may outweigh the cybersecurity education earned.

Is a Cyber Security Manager a Good Job?

Whatever a student acquires first can determine their future outcome in the cybersecurity field. Especially since there are more technological advances within the cyber security field as our world continues to grow. Companies and businesses search for the right candidate for the management position being offered and many expect applicants to have at least some expertise in the field.

In fact, our children become more tech-savvy with each generation that passes. Which makes finding candidates with computer experience easier with each passing year. Children are learning more and more on their own about computer technology as the technology becomes smaller and cheaper about every six months.

One drawback at the moment is the tech industry is having a chip shortage which is making it harder to find the latest cutting-edge technology to learn on.  This may be a reason why it is hard to find cyber security managers with the most recent experience required. Plus, if companies do find an experienced cyber security manager, they tend to be more expensive to hire.

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