Cybersecurity professionals

If you are considering a career in cybersecurity, then you must’ve come across the debate on ‘whether cybersecurity professionals need coding or not.’ Does that confuse you even more? You might wonder why cybersecurity professional needs to learn to code. Fortunately or unfortunately, cybersecurity professionals who have programming skills outperform others. They can get in-depth knowledge of the applications they are working on. Making coding mandatory for cybersecurity professionals helps them get closer to the operations of the computer itself.

When you plan to start a cybersecurity career, the first thing you think of is if you have the necessary skills to perform well. You can pick from a set of skills and learn whatever you feel like. A not so common but very relevant question is ‘Is coding mandatory for cybersecurity professionals?’ While some rule out the need, the actual real-world implications tell otherwise. The majority of entry-level cybersecurity jobs doesn’t require employees to know how to code. However, when their positions go higher, knowing to code is like an extra skill that could put them in a good spot. Both middle-level and high-level cybersecurity professionals can stand out from others if they have coding skills in addition to their cybersecurity talents. Although coding is not something that everybody needs to worry about while at the beginning level, it evolves to be mandatory as your position increases. But don’t be upset! The world has come across many high-profile cybersecurity professionals who are not very good at coding. The positive aspect of learning to code is that you can start it at any time and from anywhere. Even a 10-year- old can now take up online coding classes and learn to code. All it takes is interest and passion to learn. Here, we have listed a few ways in which cybersecurity professionals can learn to code.

Online coding courses: As mentioned earlier, online Edtech platforms are always at your service. Some even go a step further and offer free coding classes in various programming languages including Python, Java, Go, Javascript, C++, Ruby, etc. The Edtech sites also offer paid classes and also leverage personalized learning plans where students can interact with teachers. 

Part-time coding course: Although taking up a part-time coding course could be pretty hectic, it has its own value in the job market. But one thing you have to do to successfully complete the programming course is balance it with your existing schedule. Not all cybersecurity professionals work 9-6 jobs. Many work based on their company’s needs. Therefore, it is mandatory to keep your schedule free for University courses. Besides, they also offer a certificate that could boost your resume.

Allegiance with existing programmer: While you are working as a cybersecurity professional in a company, somebody else must be working as a full-time programmer. Seeking their help to learn the basics of coding will help you pump up your skills. For an alliance with the existing programmer and learn coding in your everyday work. 

So these are some ways in which cybersecurity professionals can shape their careers in a better way by learning how to code. Further, we take you through what and how cybersecurity profiles can benefit from learning to code.

Cybersecurity Engineer

Staying ahead of hackers means knowing what different types of security measures and improvements are coming. Although entry-level cyber security engineers are not necessarily pushed to code, higher professionals need coding knowledge to interpret lines of code. By understanding programming languages, cybersecurity engineers can foresee what hackers have in their basket.

Software Security Lead

Software Security professionals work along with developers in a company’s encryption ecosystem. Their day-to-day routine is to judge the activities they perform and offer advice to protect critical information. Therefore, Software Security Leads who fall behind basic coding skills and knowledge are often left behind when working with developers.

Auditor

Even though Auditors’ work revolves around numbers and rules, they have much to do about coding. In general, Auditors spend their time assessing requirements and creating and executing audits based on organizational policies and governmental regulations. Therefore, they should know what kind of questions could bring light to the shady part. Coding helps them understand computer science and programming, and makes them ask the right questions.