I desire a degree in cyber security, but I have no knowledge of the cyber spectrum. Should I go for it or start with IT program and software?

I am retired from the AF and have been in the field of information security or “Cyber Security”. If this is a field you really want to get into the field there are several fields within Cyber Security you can get into. But back to your question; it is nice to have that practical base of information technology. This is because it gives you a foundation of the technology. A good place to start is NIST’s National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education or NICE

https://www.nist.gov/itl/applied-cybersecurity/nice

It has a bunch of information and resources that lays out requirements for education and job skills, jobs that fit into the cybersecurity role. For free training on top of what was provided here is a good site:

https://www.cybrary.it/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIzpWYy7Ld2gIVSi-BCh0mXQl9EAAYASAAEgLdNfD

If you are active duty, federal employee, or state employee here is a site that can be used for free:

https://fedvte.usalearning.gov/

I have done this job for over 15 years and one thing I can tell you is it never gets old.

If you have any other questions, just hit me up on here

Hello, I just retired from the military a few months back. My MOS had little to do with IT. I'm currently pursuing a degree in Computer Networks and Security so that I can go into the cyber world. I'd recommend doing what ever it is that you have an interest in. However, I'd also do quite a bit of research to determine the certificates you will be required to obtain to reach your goal. For instance, you'll need A+ and Sec+ (and potentially Net+ though less likely). You'll also need CISSP or similar. Maybe CEH, CNE, or something like that. Those take time to get. Most jobs also ask for experience amounting to several years. I'd find a place to get some OJT while going to school if Cyber-security is something you're interested in

Either way, good luck!

Cyber security and program/software development are two sides of the same coin. Figure out what exactly you want to be when you grow up and go for it. If you don’t push yourself you will always wonder if you could have done it.