Cybersecurity Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Cybersecurity refers to the practice of protecting computers from attacks or unauthorized access. This involves preventing hackers from accessing data or systems, detecting malicious activities, and responding appropriately. Here you'll find some common questions about careers in cybersecurity.

Read more: Cybersecurity Glossary: Key Terms & Definitions

Cybersecurity FAQs

You've probably heard of cybersecurity analysts before. They're the ones who monitor cyber threats and report them to companies or government agencies. What exactly does a cybersecurity analyst do? Explore this an many more frequently asked questions in this article. We'll cover several key cybersecurity categories.

Cybersecurity skills

With the rise of new technologies such as IoT (Internet of Things), cloud computing, big data analytics, mobile devices, social media, and artificial intelligence, cybersecurity professionals are needed more than ever before. If you want to get into cybersecurity, you'll need to develop several skills.

What are the five Cs of cybersecurity?

The five Cs of cybersecurity are change, compliance, cost, continuity, and coverage. Change indicates the ever-evolving nature of cybersecurity threats and staying up-to-date with them. Compliance involves adhering to industry regulations and standards. Cost involves investing in cybersecurity measures to minimize the financial repercussions of a cyberattack. Continuity calls for having a consistent cybersecurity plan even in the face of ongoing threats. Finally, coverage involves ensuring your organization has extensive coverage against cyberattacks, which may even include cybersecurity insurance coverage.

Cybersecurity degrees and certifications

Are you looking for cybersecurity training or certification? The demand for cybersecurity professionals has never been higher. If you want to get into the field, now is the time to start preparing with a cybersecurity degree or credential.

Penetration testing and ethical hacking

Penetration testing is a method of evaluating the security posture of a system or network. This involves identifying vulnerabilities and weaknesses within a computer network. The goal is to identify potential threats and prevent them from being exploited. Ethical hacking is the practice of using computer security tools to test network security systems and identify vulnerabilities. These professionals are trained to perform penetration tests or scan networks for weaknesses.

Expert tip on choosing a cybersecurity certification

Narrowing your certification options based on your current job can be helpful, but you might also consider thinking more broadly about your future and what certifications could support your long-term goals across a variety of industries.

"Stop limiting which certification you're going after because, in this industry, you have the ability to navigate it. The opportunity is everywhere, and it's with almost every type of organization and every industry," said Steve Graham, Senior Vice President Head of Product at EC-Council, during Coursera's virtual panel, "How can online learning accelerate cybersecurity careers and talent?"

Computer security engineering

Security engineering is the practice of designing secure systems. This involves identifying risks and vulnerabilities, developing countermeasures, and testing them. The goal is to ensure the system is safe from attack or misuse.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Get started in cybersecurity 

With these cybersecurity FAQs answered, you can start your search for a rewarding career in this growing field. Develop your cybersecurity skills by completing a course or earning a certificate on Coursera. Consider the Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate on Coursera, where you'll learn from cybersecurity experts at Google and gain in-demand skills that prepare you for entry-level roles like cybersecurity analyst, security operations center (SOC) analyst, and more.