Summer is here, and starting this week at LRS, we have the exciting opportunity to collaborate with some of the brightest college students and recent graduates around. After spending some time with our new IT Solutions cybersecurity intern, it got me thinking… just how does one navigate this career path?

Starting as a cybersecurity intern, one embarks on a journey that could lead to one of the most prestigious and impactful roles in the field: Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). The path to becoming a CISO is challenging but achievable with dedication, continuous learning, and strategic career planning. Here are some tangible steps you can take to help you reach your goals:

Maximize Your Internship Experience

• Your internship is the foundation of your cybersecurity career. Make the most of it by actively engaging in all available opportunities.
• Absorb as much knowledge as possible. Take the initiative to understand the tools, techniques, and practices used in your organization.
• Build relationships with colleagues and mentors. Networking can provide valuable guidance and open doors to future opportunities.
• Keep detailed records of the projects you work on, including the challenges you faced and how you overcame them. This documentation will be useful for future job applications and interviews.

Pursue Relevant Certifications

• Certifications are crucial in the cybersecurity field. They validate your skills and knowledge and can set you apart from other candidates.
• Start with foundational certifications such as CompTIA Security+ and Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP). These will give you a solid grounding in cybersecurity principles.
• As you gain experience, pursue more specialized certifications such as Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), and Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)

Gain Hands-On Experience

• Experience is critical in cybersecurity. Look for opportunities to apply what you've learned in real-world scenarios.
• Apply for roles such as Security Analyst, SOC Analyst, or Penetration Tester. These positions will provide you with hands-on experience in identifying and mitigating security threats.
• Set up your own lab environment at home to practice skills such as penetration testing, network defense, and incident response. Participate in Capture the Flag (CTF) competitions and cybersecurity challenges to sharpen your skills.

Expand Your Knowledge and Skills

• The cybersecurity landscape is constantly evolving, so continuous learning is essential.
• Follow industry news, blogs, and forums to keep up with the latest threats, trends, and technologies.
• Develop your communication, leadership, and strategic thinking skills. These are crucial for higher-level positions.

Move into Mid-Level Cybersecurity Roles

• With a solid foundation and relevant experience, aim for mid-level positions that offer more responsibility and exposure. Such as Security Engineer, Security Manager, or Incident Response Lead

Develop Leadership and Strategic Skills

• A CISO must possess strong leadership and strategic vision. Seek opportunities to develop these skills such as team leads or project leader roles.

Advance to Senior Cybersecurity Positions

• Progress to senior roles that involve more strategic responsibilities and closer interaction with executive leadership. These include Director of Information Security or Senior Security Consultant.

Embrace the CISO Role

• Finally, position yourself as a candidate for a CISO role by demonstrating your ability to align cybersecurity initiatives with business objectives.
• Consider certifications aimed at executive-level security professionals, such as Certified Chief Information Security Officer (CCISO).
• Seek mentorship from current CISOs and other senior executives. Their insights can be invaluable in understanding the nuances of the role.
• Develop a proven track record of effectively managing security programs, mitigating risks, and leading teams. Show how you can contribute to the overall business strategy through cybersecurity initiatives.

The journey from a cybersecurity intern to a CISO is a long and challenging one, but with dedication, continuous learning, and strategic career moves, it is entirely achievable. By maximizing your internship, gaining hands-on experience, pursuing relevant certifications, and developing your leadership and strategic skills, you can rise through the ranks and ultimately achieve your goal of becoming a CISO. Remember, each step you take is a valuable opportunity to grow and make a significant impact in the world of cybersecurity.

Chris Hill

Security Practice Leader