Does cybersecurity require coding?

image of a lady looking at code on a computer

Cybersecurity is one of the top digital skills you can learn in 2024. However, one of the reasons why some people don’t pursue careers in cybersecurity is simply because it sounds intimidating to them.

There are good career opportunities for people with cybersecurity skills but before starting a career there are several things one must consider besides the job opportunities the career provides.

How complicated is cybersecurity? Does one need to be good at some tough programming languages before they can work in cybersecurity roles?

If you would like to know whether you need to know how to code and what else it would take to start a successful cybersecurity career then you are in the right place. This article would explore this question and provide unique insights into studying cybersecurity.

Is coding required to learn cybersecurity?

The short answer is No. But knowing how to code can be a plus especially if you are going to work in certain roles like ‘security engineer’ or ‘DevOps engineer’. And even then you don’t have to be an expert at using such programming languages. Basic skills are usually enough.

That being said, you should note that coding can give you access to more opportunities even as a cybersecurity professional.

What skills are needed in cybersecurity?

So what skills do you actually need to learn before you can succeed as a cybersecurity professional? Let us outline them below.

Network security- An understanding of how data is transmitted through a computer network is critical if you want to secure your systems effectively.

Operating systems- Computer devices use various operating systems whether MacOS, Windows or Linux. Understanding how these systems work and how their security can be compromised is vital for a cybersecurity professional.

Incidence response- When there are threats to the security of computer systems, cybersecurity professionals should know how to properly respond to such threats. 

You would have to identify, record, analyse and record such threats. Understanding the nature of such threats would allow you to handle these threats while minimising any resulting damage.

Cloud security- Having skills in the cloud would enable you to secure the data and applications of organisations that utilise cloud environments.

Regulations- Cybersecurity professionals should comply with regulatory guidelines set by policy makers on issues like how customer’s data is stored and used.

Starting out with the basics like how to diagnose issues on a computer, understanding security systems would enable you to build the right foundation in your learning journey.

Can beginners learn cybersecurity?

Yes, of course anyone can learn cybersecurity. There are no restrictions in terms of educational qualifications or experience. But having the right foundation certainly helps. So, before you start your journey, consider learning the basics by preparing for qualifications like CompTIA  A+. 

How long does it take to learn cybersecurity?

You can learn the basics, prepare and pass an exam like ComPTIA security+ in just about 6 months. We have discussed the cost of CompTIA security+ exams in a previous article. This helps you get your foot in the door but you have to keep learning throughout your career.

Can I learn cybersecurity on my own?

Yes you can and for free. There are so many free courses that you can use for this. But if you are totally new this might be challenging because cybersecurity is quite broad and requires a lot of practice. Only a well thought out learning path can save you a lot of time and frustration.

For total newbies, you can either get a mentor or pay for some kind of training.

What programming languages are used in cybersecurity?

 Some programming languages widely used by cybersecurity professionals include; Python, Javascript, PHP and MySQl 

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