How To Get A Remote Cybersecurity Job In 2024

With a 33% growth surge in jobs for the next eight years, a six-figure median pay of $120,000 a year, and almost every workforce report (it seems) listing careers in this industry as one of the most essential while cybercrime continues to rise, it's not hard to imagine that a career in cybersecurity is one of the most enviable.

And that's not to mention the fact that cybersecurity roles can easily be performed remotely, making them a favorite for remote job opportunities if you're looking for remote work.

Cybersecurity jobs also offer career stability, due to the essential nature of their roles and also because you can find yourself working in government as a cybersecurity professional. Additionally, you don't even need a degree to start working in this industry.

If you're reading this article, you're likely curious about how to get your foot in the door and land a cybersecurity role.

Here are some essential steps to get started, whether you have prior experience or not:

Cybersecurity is a broad field. There are many routes and careers within it, from cybersecurity analyst, to digital forensics analyst, to security architect, and CISO (Chief Information Security Officer).

Whenever deciding to launch a new career, it's essential to first figure out your long-term goal—whatever cybersecurity job that is. This will help you avoid wasting time, and ensure that your efforts towards landing jobs and securing upskilling and training opportunities will be effective and targeted. This also helps you to stay on track and be more focused with your job search, and eliminates you becoming too comfortable and staying in one role for too long.

2. Get A Cybersecurity Certification

Once you've decided on your career pathway, it's time to pick an appropriate cybersecurity certification. Start by learning the basics, such as in the Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate, which you can get for free if eligible. You can also attend cybersecurity bootcamps which teach you the necessary foundational skills within just a few months.

If you are seeking to get ahead with your career, and especially with one that you have had little previous exposure to or experience with, networking strategically is essential. Pick your professional connections on LinkedIn wisely. Connect with decision-makers, recruiting specialists in the field, and cybersecurity professionals.

These professionals can link you to job opportunities and give you more detailed insights on how to get your foot in the door.

You should also attend cybersecurity conferences and training events to meet other like-minded people, and to immerse yourself in topic areas that you might be unfamiliar with.

4. Land An Entry-Level Cybersecurity Job

Aim to use your networking and foundational-level certifications to help you land an entry-level or helpdesk position. This will get your foot in the door and make it easier for you to consider and work towards your ultimate career goal. Some examples of entry-level cybersecurity jobs include cybersecurity support technician, risk analyst, and network security associate.

Finally, as you commence your entry-level job, continue to upskill by acquiring industry-specific training and certifications, such as CompTIA Security+, CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional), and CCSP (Certified Cloud Security Professional). This will make you a more attractive candidate to employers, and the more niche qualifications you possess, the more opportunities you will have to progress into leadership roles.

If you're wondering if cybersecurity is the right career for you, why not get started on a course or bootcamp and see if this is something you would be interested in long-term?