Top 5 Entry-Level Jobs for you to Build a Career in Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity has become an island of many opportunities. Therefore, many business owners and individuals have begun to explore the field to grab the amazing opportunities it holds. One of the many options nearly everyone now pursues is a career in cybersecurity.

However, building a career in cybersecurity will not fall on you like the cool morning dew. It requires efforts that come in the form of formal education, bootcamps, and training. So, if you’ve been looking for the answers to your questions about cybersecurity, look no further. This post is all you need. Let’s jump right in.

Cybersecurity Courses and Training Available in Nigeria

Cybersecurity is not restricted to the western world. We know what cybersecurity means and how it works in Naija too. So, if you are thinking of which courses to study to become a cybersecurity expert, there are some here. 

1. Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity expert working with secure access on internet.

Many institutions used to make this a course in another department. Now, these schools have begun to accredit cybersecurity as a department. Upon admission, you’ll learn how to defend computers, data, and networks from attacks. 

In addition, you’ll be exposed to tools that can help you prevent attacks or recover from them. Then, during practice sessions, you’ll use those tools to protect networks, systems, or databases. This course will also show you various specializations from which you can pick.

2. Computer Science

This course is the mother of many specializations, including cybersecurity. If you think about it, you will realize that you know quite a few people who are studying computer science or have studied it. This sometimes makes it seem like the course is not a big deal, but it is.

Studying computer science exposes you to programming, computer systems, networks, software design, and other current technology trends. This way, you have a wide option of careers from which you can choose.

Read also: Top 6 Exciting Technology Trends for Young People

3. Ethical Hacking

Ethical hacking is a legit form of hacking. In this case, the company you’re hacking allows you to penetrate their systems, computers, networks, etc. While at it, you’ll discover vulnerabilities through which attackers can infiltrate the company.  

It’ll be impossible to find a department called ethical hacking. However, some companies offer ethical hacking training. The training helps you to develop the grit and skills needed to find and fix loopholes. It also helps you to secure networks, respond professionally to attacks, etc. 

4. Forensic Science

Detective board with fingerprints, photos, map and clues connected by red string on white brick wall

Forensic science is another career in cybersecurity you should consider. The course equips you with the skills to collect, process, analyze, and interpret data uncovered from networks or devices. They further use the information gathered as evidence in criminal cases. Check out other cybersecurity entry-level certifications here. 

Schools and Training Centres that Offer Cybersecurity Courses in Nigeria

Whether you’re seeking admission or thinking of switching careers, these are the institutions to learn cybersecurity. 

1. Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA)

This university equips students with theoretical and practical knowledge of technology-related courses, including cybersecurity. While enrolled, you will learn a series of cyber-related processes. The processes are systems security, database management, wireless network security, ethical hacking, etc. 

To get admitted through UTME, you must have five credits in English Language, Mathematics, physics, chemistry, and biology or Agricultural science in not more than two sittings. 

To study cybersecurity in FUTA through DE(Direct Entry), you must first possess the requirements for UTME (Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination) candidates. In addition, you must also pass two A-level subjects – Mathematics and Physics/Chemistry.

In addition, you must have at least an Upper Credit in ND (National Diploma) in computer science (or its equivalents) from a polytechnic. If you are coming in from a college of education, you must have at least a credit pass in computer science, mathematics, or physics.

The course takes five years for those admitted with UTME (Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination) and four for DE (Direct Entry) students.

2. Admiralty University of Nigeria (ADUN)

ADUN, Delta State is a private university where you can study Forensic Science. Upon completion after four years for UTME students and three years for DE students, the school awards a Bachelor’s Degree. 

Admission requirements for UTME candidates are at least five O-Level credit passes in English Language, Mathematics, Biology/Chemistry, and other sciences courses. You must also pass your UTME. 

Direct entry requirements are O-Level credit passes plus two A-Level passes in Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, etc.

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3. Cyberroot International Limited

At Cyberroot, you can register for any cyber-related certification programme. If you are thinking of building a career in cybersecurity through Ethical Hacking, Network defence, etc., the company can help you. It offers its training mostly onsite in Ado-Ekiti.

4. Udemy

This virtual learning platform can help you establish a career in cybersecurity. It has tons of cybersecurity courses you can learn as a beginner, including ethical hacking. 

If we start to write the list of Nigerian universities that offer computer science, this blog post won’t take them all. So, check out the JAMB brochure to view the full list and admission requirements. 

Read also: ​​Insights on the Top 10 Most Lucrative Careers in Tech

Top 5 Entry-Level Jobs for you to build a Career in Cybersecurity

1. Cybersecurity Analyst

A cybersecurity analyst researches IT trends, sets disaster recovery plans, and reports security breaches. To bag this role, you need CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional), CISA (Certified Information Systems Auditor), and CEH (Certified Ethical Hacking).

2. Penetration Tester

You’ll help organizations identify their systems’ weaknesses and look for malicious behaviours in them. Some of the certifications you need for this role are CEH and GIAC Certified Penetration Tester (GPEN).

3. Cybersecurity Manager

As a cybersecurity manager, you’ll oversee an organization’s security infrastructure. Also, you’ll mitigate risks and ensure cybersecurity rules and regulations compliance. You need CISSP and CISM (Certified Information Security Manager) to be considered for this role.

4. A security operations center Analyst (SOC Analyst)

In this role, you’ll respond to cyber incidents, manage security tools, and investigate suspicious activities. You need CompTIA Security+, CEH, etc., for this role.

5. Cybersecurity Engineer

Some of your roles as a cybersecurity engineer include developing security standards and best practices. Likewise, you’ll design models to protect your organization’s networks, computers, and systems from attacks. To get this role, you need CISSP and CCSP (Certified Cloud Security Professional). 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you do cybersecurity without a degree?

The jobs discussed above require at least a Bachelor’s degree plus the certifications listed. However, if you are switching to cybersecurity from another field, you can still get a cybersecurity job without a degree. In this case, you must have attended enough bootcamps, and training, done practical and acquired relevant certifications. 

Can I learn cybersecurity without coding?

Many cybersecurity entry-level jobs might not require coding. Yet, if you want to advance your career in cybersecurity, you‘ll need to learn to code for advanced positions.

How much does Cybersecurity pay?

There’s no fixed price for how much cybersecurity experts earn. Instead, a cybersecurity personnel’s salary depends on their level of expertise (entry, mid, or advanced), the company they work with, and their job role.

Summary

Cybersecurity is an ocean of opportunities you shouldn’t ignore. You can build a career in cybersecurity whether you have studied a related course or not. If you want to learn more about available jobs in cybersecurity, check the job section on LinkedIn or job sites like Indeed and Glassdoor. Then, master their requirements and work towards acquiring them.

Do you have any opinions on this post? You are free to express your thoughts in the comments section. For more discussion on Cybersecurity and technology at large, you may also reach out to Insight.ng via our WhatsApp community.

About Author

Oluwatosin Ajayi

Oluwatosin Ajayi studied Mass Communication in Adekunle Ajasin University. She has a flair for content writing in cybersecurity. Her journalism experience helps her to research topics in-depth. She then uses her communication skills to pass across facts in digestible forms. Oluwatosin also writes fiction in her leisure time.

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