Get Started in Cyber Security

New to cyber security, looking for a career change, or just want to enhance your skillset? Join the SANS Community and gain access to our New2Cyber resources.

Where to get started

There are numerous different roles in cybersecurity and where you fit depends on your interest level. SANS New to Cyber offers courses, certifications, and free resources for anyone interested in getting started in cybersecurity.

Proven Cybersecurity Career Pathways

In addition to offering individual cybersecurity courses and certifications, SANS offers degree, certificate, and scholarship-based programs for people of any age (18+) looking to enter the cybersecurity field. All programs lead to multiple industry-recognized GIAC certifications and an average starting salary of more than $90,000 USD.

SANS New2Cyber Summit 2024

Summit: April 4 | Live Online | Summit CPE Credits: 6 There are dozens of different specialties and roles in cybersecurity (more than 50, according to the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education [NICE]), calling for a wide variety of skills. If you’ve been struggling to figure out where you fit in, we’re here to help! We’ll dive deeper into specific job roles, examining the good, the bad, and the challenging aspects of each. Join us Live Online on April 4!

Additional Resources

No technical experience is required to start your journey towards a cybersecurity career. Learn the basics by taking advantage of free content-rich resources our SANS instructors produce for the information security community.

    Reviews

    Great class, great content, great presenter... this is my 4th SANS class and I think every IT leader and decision maker should be taking this training. I will say that to as many people as I can.
    Jonathan Kimmitt
    - University of Tulsa
    Fantastic experience all-around. Cannot wait to take another course from SANS.
    Daniel Vandermark
    - SUNY Oswego
    SANS training never fails to impress. Instructors who are in the trenches sharing current data, tools, and techniques, bring such value to these courses.
    Jessie Prevost
    - Trend Micro

      FAQs

      • Cybersecurity does require a certain level of mathematical knowledge, particularly in areas such as cryptography, data analysis, and algorithms. However, the amount of math required will depend on the specific job or specialization within the cybersecurity field. Some roles may require more math than others, so it's important to research the specific requirements for the job you are interested in pursuing.

      • The starting salary for a career in cybersecurity can vary depending on a number of factors such as location, job title, and level of education and experience. In general, entry-level cybersecurity jobs such as information security analyst or cybersecurity specialist can have starting salaries ranging from $50,000 to $75,000 per year in the United States.

      • There is no one "easy" field in cybersecurity, as the field as a whole requires a high level of technical knowledge, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. However, some areas of cybersecurity may be more accessible for beginners than others. For example, roles such as cybersecurity analyst or security administrator may be more entry-level friendly than more specialized roles like penetration testing or threat hunting.

      • Cybersecurity can be a high-paying field, particularly for professionals with a strong skill set and experience. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for information security analysts in the United States is $103,590, with the highest earners in the field making over $158,860 per year.

      • Cybersecurity and coding are different areas of expertise that require unique skill sets. While both fields require strong analytical and problem-solving skills, cybersecurity involves a more specialized understanding of security threats and risk management. However, coding requires a more in-depth knowledge of programming languages and software development. Ultimately, the difficulty of each field will depend on the individual's background, aptitude, and experience.

      • Some of the best entry-level cybersecurity jobs include roles such as information security analyst, cybersecurity specialist, security administrator, or network security engineer. These roles typically require a solid foundation of technical knowledge, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, but may be accessible for beginners with a strong interest in cybersecurity and a willingness to learn.