How to Start Your Information Security Career?
Adriano Dias Leite | Feb 03, 2010 | Comments 49
- Another way to begin an information security career is to start your own security consulting firm. This is the route many former self taught hackers/crackers have taken after they’ve established that they have the skill set to do computer security. Even being convicted of a crime is not a bar (sometimes it even boosts your career
) to getting an information security job , since many of those who have served jail time have successfully gone straight and rehabilitated themselves, going on to become successful security consultants. Free-lance IT security professionals, in particular, should expect to see job growth, since many companies are trimming down their IT costs by outsourcing their computer security needs.
Once you’ve established that you have the qualifications for an information security career, you can begin looking for positions online (My Infosec Job is here for you! 
). In my case, being an Information Security Professional with experience plus certifications opened some doors abroad, and that’s definitely achievable if you plan. If you don’t want to relocate, you may be able to find jobs locally by networking through your contacts in the security association that you have joined.
I would appreciate to hear your comments and experiences in the topic!
Good luck!
Adriano Dias Leite
PS: Although using the words “Information Security”, the same rules apply when searching for IT Security, Compliance and Risk Management jobs.
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Filed Under: Articles • Certifications • Featured • From me to you • Job Market • My career • News
I working as a test engineer. I like to shift my career to IS.
Please any one suggest me this is the right idea. if so plz let me know what are the things i have to do.
Excellent post! It really gave me some much needed insight; I’m going to start on my SANS GISF certification. Wish me luck!
Very good blog Adriano. I am very much interested in Information Security Career. I am a recent graduate and without having certifications and experience you are left jobless. Now I am CCNP and recently became an Associate of (ISC)2 toward CISSP. I want to know if there are truly jobs for junior Infosec guys like me. Although I havn’t started working, I am looking for great opportunities for Infosec career/jobs. Responses will be very much appreciated. Thank you
Thanks Adraino, just found your blog it is very helpful for me.
Very interesting post. I think the best way to get into IT security is not by academic credential but through an experience in another related domain (software, network, …). People “from the job” will see you as having some “real world experience” when you will be doing security analysis and recommendations that impact them. Seasoned network engineers are unlikely to take a young “security professionnal” seriously, unless he shows top gun hacker skills.
[...] article is also useful if you’re considering to start your Information Security career or looking for some career [...]
Hello,
I wanted to say that your article gave me a good insight on some of the problems I will encounter trying to start a career in infosec. I actually have been trying to network and find other security professionals.. mostly to find hackers and crackers. I possess some skills in cracking and practice new skills daily. I do have one question that you may be able to answer. If starting an info security consulting firm, how does one portray themselves as a legitimate business and not someone trying to scam or create problems for a business? I’ve done several other startups before, and would like to with infosec, but I just don’t know how to get past this road block.
Thanks.
hi sir , i am judith
i did my master in biomertic security system and i am trying very hard to get a job in
access control companies or internet security organization, the problem is i cant understand the fact of them asking for experience. i am fresh graduate, i finished my bachelorsin Btech Information techology and then went on for my masters, so i dont knw where to start or which palce to apply for ? where ever i go they r asking for experience:(
right now i am preparing for doing a ccna ceritfication . could you please advise want i should now
hi every one, just concluded my Bsc in computer information system and am considering doing my Msc in information security. but am alittle bit confused bcos i think Msc in another field like risk management will be better. although am aware that infosec is a lucrative field, am also thinking an MSC in inforsec is not worth it since an infosec professional certification should be more respected by employers. please i will appreciate a swift reply to dis as am supposed to make a decision soon. thanks everyone.
lol lesson learned never respond from a smart phone with auto word change on lol…but I think you’ll get most of my previous post….sorry..& thanks
Even having a bachelors in information sciences & technology…now doing a Masters with an Information Security & Forensics focus…trying to get a CISSP, CEH and or on the job experience is still ridiculous…the ISC & EC don’t want you to take the test without years of “experience” on the job & the damn job won’t let you in with that same “experience” and or already being eligible to get the certifications…I guess a degree has no fricken value these days? Chicken or egg or just a plane joke…it’s frustrating & how can you break into consulting? Won’t those companies still seek the same chicken vs. Egg prerequisites…I’m getting the feeling there us also an age & race perception factor coming into play on opportunity for “experience” to begin with….just my experiences the past 5 1/2 years moving around the IT skill…unlike it seems most people put here my education in IT is comprehensive & I’d like the same level of “experience” seems to be immpossible…has this happen to others? How’d you get around the road blocks…I’m not ok with just collecting my pay check anymore but I don’t want to be at risk in not finishing this Masters either…because of taking too much risk…need advice finding the balance but still getting around the road blocks….thanks for the posts & the community website…it’s pretty good
[...] article is also useful if you’re considering to start your Information Security career or looking for some career [...]
Hi,
I work as a trainer for CPEH, CPTE(Penetration test engineer, CDFE(Digital Forensic Examinar). I am into this from last 8 months. I want to learn more and would like work for some company where i can understand real life issues.
How to start with it? Its not possible to get a job coz they ask for experience.
Please guide me on this….
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HI
I have done ccna,ceh,rhce certifications and i find it very difficult to get in to information security side like penetration tester or as an ethical hacker.I also have around 2 yrs of technical support experience in virus and spyware support. can anyone guide or help me to find jobs in penetration testing …..
pls help…
thanks in advance
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Many are the post i have read but this is a piece i could imagine my self been talked to,Good piece,keep the good work going.God bless
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I have become a fan of your posts now. Personally, I have taken up a job as a Pre-sales executive with a leading IT Security company in India and was thinking whether I have made the right decision as I have a non-technical background ( B.Com ) and MBA ( HR and Marketing, but I came across one of your articles and all the doubts in my mind have settled forever. Also it helped me realize the different aspects of my job and what my employer would be expecting from me.
Thanks for all the help.
Regards,
Mukesh Sharma
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I have seen some crappy posts but this one really impresses me. Good work!
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Excellent article Adriano. You’re really doing a great job with this site. It’s becoming more interesting every day.
Regards,