Does anyone have any tips about getting into the Cybersecurity Sector?

SSG Tim Jessen — Thu, 20 Aug 2015 10:26:59 -0400

I am getting ready to start my bachelor degree at ITT Tech for Cyber security and information systems. I know that I am going to need certifications, I am just not sure where to start. Is anyone else having that problem?

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 20 at 2015 10:28 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 20 Aug 2015 10:28:51 -0400

What certifications have you looked at getting? I would get at a minimum get security +.

Response by SFC Michael Jackson, MBA made Aug 20 at 2015 10:45 AM

SFC Michael Jackson, MBA — Thu, 20 Aug 2015 10:45:19 -0400

Like SSgt Private RallyPoint Member suggested, start with Security+. Then, you need to decide whether you want to be tech or mgmt. For mgmt. CISSP or CISM
for tech, depends on what you like but CEH, Certified Penetration Testing Engineer (CPTE), and EC-Council Certified Security Analyst (ECSA) are a few to choose from. Most of infosec team have either CEH or CISSP, but all of these are good.

Response by CW4 Abdulaziz Bulling made Aug 20 at 2015 10:54 AM

CW4 Abdulaziz Bulling — Thu, 20 Aug 2015 10:54:26 -0400

Certified Information Systems Security Professionals CISSP are always in high demand, but a lesser know certification is growing, Systems Security Certified Practitioners SSCP.
SSCPs are deep in IT, CISSPs assure security of the business – SSCPs have experience administering and specializing in core enterprise technologies, including data center systems, databases, Web services, directory services, virtualization, mobility and networking, etc.
CISSPs bring a breadth and depth of security expertise and managerial skills to their role, including understanding new threats, technologies, regulations, standards, and practices, which are critical to establishing a holistic information security program that protects the business.
To get more information on these certifications go to http://www.isc2.org; International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium ((ISC), a non-profit organization which specializes in information security education and certifications.

(ISC) - IT Certification and Security Experts

(ISC) IT security certifications are the industry's Gold Standard. Get CISSP, CAP, SSCP, CSSLP, CCFP, and HCISPP information security certification, training, resources, and career assistance straight from the source.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Aug 20 at 2015 10:59 AM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Thu, 20 Aug 2015 10:59:18 -0400

Sometimes they higher hackers lol

Response by CCMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 20 at 2015 11:01 AM

CCMSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 20 Aug 2015 11:01:09 -0400

Look at the government contractors. They like hiring former military, guard, and reservists. You can check the larger contractors websites for veterans hiring fairs or job fairs. Take what you can to get started, but don't sell yourself short. You can also look for Field Service Rep jobs that will have you working as local service rep on base. We sometimes have jobs listed in Germany, Korea, Hawaii, etc...

Response by CMSgt Mark Schubert made Aug 20 at 2015 1:46 PM

CMSgt Mark Schubert — Thu, 20 Aug 2015 13:46:02 -0400

Tell the VA you know how to block the Ashley Madison website!? You should get a job pretty quick! (sorry, I don't have a more serious answer)

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 20 at 2015 2:25 PM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 20 Aug 2015 14:25:15 -0400

Get with SSgt Chaz Regan here on RP. He may be able to point you in the right direction. Good luck!

Response by SGT Tom Kelly made Aug 20 at 2015 2:34 PM

SGT Tom Kelly — Thu, 20 Aug 2015 14:34:57 -0400

SSG Jessen....You have some really good certification intel here....this is not my field....that said.....what I did after ETS is go to indeed.com or government agency relevant websites....pull up relevant job postings and see what comes up as requirements....certifications change over time as technology progresses. Use the intel you have already received and use those as your search criteria on corresponding job sites to determine what the plan of attack would look like. Develop the plan and execute.....wish I had more.....as always....networking on LinkedIn and other networking of professionals will be extremely helpful for you. Kind Regards.

Response by SPC Ernest James made Aug 20 at 2015 2:38 PM

SPC Ernest James — Thu, 20 Aug 2015 14:38:06 -0400

USAJOBS.GOV search on "cyber" will give you an ideal on types of jobs and what skills are needed at different grade level

Response by SSG Derek Scheller made Jun 6 at 2016 12:29 PM

SSG Derek Scheller — Mon, 06 Jun 2016 12:29:25 -0400

It really depends. Definitely start with a sec+ and go from there. I am on LinkedIn and Facebook and have a lot if connections that can help. I have been doing this for quite a while so just let me know what you need.

Response by CPL Norris Carden made Nov 22 at 2016 2:51 PM

CPL Norris Carden — Tue, 22 Nov 2016 14:51:25 -0500

Fortinet has a program that provides free training and counseling, then presents veterans to their many partners as well as to their internal recruiters. Google "FortiVet" ... not a whole lot out there on it, but you should be able to find enough to get you in contact with the right people.