Cutting straight to the chase, here is your step-by-step guide to become a cyber security professional from scratch.

#1 Research

The first step in any process starts with research. Research does not just mean googling a few times and calling it a day. If you really want to make an informed and better decision, then you have to invest a good amount of time in researching all the courses, their scope and the applications of a career in cyber security,

understanding the pros and cons of each path. You will have to make a few calls at a few educational institutions or email some security professionals who have a lot of experience in the field for frequent cyber security forums online and maybe even call friends asking them for references of people who could provide you with real, genuine and honest feedback about the career.

It also includes going to seminars or attending career counseling. Just do whatever you can to make sure that when you make a decision you know that you're doing the best that you can with all the information that you have in front of you.

#2 Select a course

After you have gone through the different courses and the advantages and disadvantages, you can finally come to a conclusion about which path to undertake. Now this can be a tricky decision but what you choose should depend on a lot of factors which are tailored to you as an individual, like your idea of success, your psychological interests, your financial goals, your technical aptitude and whether you want to settle abroad or not.

Don't take a lot of stress and remember to sleep on your decision before you close it. Sometimes you just need to take a walk or let the choice come to you and make sense to you rather than stressing about it and trying to connect the dots deliberately. Whatever you decide at the end, just know that it's OK if a few years later you feel like it was not the right choice. The important thing is that it should feel right and correct to you in the present.

#3 Enrol for a course

Let’s say you chose an ethical hacking training. Now your job is to search for a perfect educational learning platform to complete your course and to make sure that you have all the prerequisites to enroll in the course, for example you should check its eligibility criteria and what material you will need, or how you can assist your learning with the resources so that you can make the most out of your four day or five day course.

You will have to make a few calls at a few educational institutions or email some security professionals who have a lot of experience in the field for frequent Cybersecurity Solutions online and maybe even call friends asking them for references of people who could provide you with real, genuine and honest feedback about the career.

#4 Clear the exam

Once you finish your course, it will be time for you to attend your exam and get that certification that will open up new doors for you. Security certifications are not cheap. Before you invest in the exam fee and sit for the exam, make sure that you're fully prepared and ready.

Don’t over prepare and put yourself under stress otherwise it will just lead to more obstacles rather than a smooth learning experience.  You can take the counsel of your teachers and peers and even alumni who can give you some examination tips before you sit for the grueling test.

#5 Apply for a job

Finally, it'll be time for you to apply for a job. Just know that your certification is not everything that you need to get a job. You also need to have certain qualities about you which will get you hired by your favorite organizations. For example, if you are applying for a CEH certification holder’s  job, then you should have dealership organisational skills, critical thinking aptitude and problem-solving abilities in your personality.

And that’s it. You’re sorted!