IT Security Careers and Certifications First Steps

Name: IT Security Careers and Certifications First Steps
Rating: 4.7 (46 reviews)

Foundation Course for CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+, CompTIA Security+, CCNA, SANS, IAC GSEC, GCIH, GHCIA, CEH and CISSP

Role Play

Created byVinay Kumar

Last updated 5/2026

English

English [Auto],

What you'll learn

Who are curious about what it takes to be an IT Security professional
Current IT Professionals looking to transition to a security career
Current IT security professionals wanting to enhance their career
Information security specialist, Cyber Security Specialist, Computer Security Technician
Information security specialist, Cyber Security Specialist, Computer Security Technician, Network Security Specialist, Specialist/Technician, Analyst, Auditor,
Aspirants who wants to attempt certification on CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+, CompTIA Security+, CCNA, SANS, IAC Certifications (GSEC, GCIH, and GHCIA), CEH

Course content

9 sections • 45 lectures • 2h 0m total length

Introduction1:18
Welcome to IT Security Careers and Certifications First Steps
Who this course is for1:50
Targeted at anyone with an interest in technology and security, this course outlines in-demand IT security roles, key skills, and widely requested certifications to start or advance a security career.
Why start a career in IT Security1:47
Introduction to IT Security Careers
Deciding Whether to Start or Advance a Career in IT Security
Helping a Learner Decide If IT Security Is the Right Fit
Weighing the Benefits of Moving Into IT Security

A brief history of IT security4:12
Trace information technology security milestones from arpanet's first message in 1969 to HIPAA, GLBA, FISMA, PCI DSS, and ISO/IEC 27001 shaping security practices as threats rise.
An overview of IT security key concepts4:36
Enabling technologies for IT security3:41
Understanding cybersecurity threats2:04
Identify key cybersecurity threats shaping the threat landscape, including unsecured internet of things devices, DDoS attacks, cloud threats, ransomware, and cryptojacking, with real-world impact like a Georgia county paying $400,000.
IT security career resources3:27
Explore free IT security resources from NIST's resource center to Purdue's free seminars and 2500+ white papers, plus news, podcasts, and cryptography and hacking stories.
Understanding the IT Security Career Field
Explaining the Foundations of IT Security to a Job-Seeker

Government (FISMA)3:04
Financial Institutions (GLBA)2:55
Healthcare (HIPAA)2:35
Corporate (SOX)2:50
Retail (PCI DSS)2:37
Retailers face PCI DSS compliance globally to protect cardholder data in transit, driving demand for IT security professionals who implement firewalls, encryption in transit, anti-malware, and regular network monitoring.
IT Security Marketplace
Choosing a Vertical: Which Industry Should You Work In?

Security career paths2:19
IT Security Career Specialist / Technician3:13
IT Security Career Analyst4:07
IT Security Career Auditor3:34
IT Security Career Consultant2:59
IT Security Career Engineer2:53
IT Security Career Administrator2:30
Security administrators configure and support firewalls, patch management, and access rights, monitor network traffic, and apply tcp/ip knowledge, pursuing Security+, CISSP, or CISM.
5.8 IT Security Career Architect3:23
IT Security Career Manager2:43
IT Security Career Director2:54
IT Security Careers
Choosing Between Analyst, Engineer, Consultant, and More
Skills and Experience for Starting as a Technician or Analyst

Security certification paths2:34
IT security certification Security+2:52
Explore the CompTIA Security+ certification, a popular, accessible entry point for it security professionals, validating concepts such as network operations, threats and vulnerabilities, compliance, access control, identity management, and cryptography.
IT security certification GSEC2:03
IT security certification SSCP2:52
IT security certification CEH2:10
IT security certification OSCP2:51
IT security certification CISA2:35
IT security certification CISSP2:25
Explore the CISSP, a globally recognized expert-level IT security certification, whose exam tests designing, implementing, and managing information security programs to protect organizations from advanced attacks.
IT security certification CISM2:14
IT security certification CPP2:04
Choose a security certification1:13
Choose a security certification that matches your experience among the many options, including business continuity, disaster recovery, and cloud security, then research the exams and prepare to validate your knowledge.
IT Security Certifications
Choosing Between Security+, GSEC, CEH, OSCP, and More
Ethical Hacking Certifications for Offensive Security Careers

Prerequisites1:52
Identify the essential prerequisites for an IT security career, including passion for technology and security, a bachelor's degree or progress toward one, relevant security experience, and certifications.
Get experience3:48
Explore ways to gain security experience, including do-it-yourself labs, internships, volunteering for nonprofits, and leveraging your current IT role to build a security-focused resume.
Get certified3:38
Example career path Penetration tester2:39
Your IT Security Career Path
Creative Ways to Gain Security Experience Without a Security Job

Begin with the end in mind1:29
Network with security colleagues3:07
Network with security colleagues to learn field practices, discover opportunities, and build lasting professional relationships, leveraging certifications, events, and ongoing conversations to stay ahead in IT security.
Participate in security events2:20
Participate in security events to stay current on trends, learn about new products and threats, and network with professionals. Enjoy CPE credits for CISSP and potential leadership or speaking opportunities.
Enhancing Your Career

Requirements

No prerequisites needed to take this course
This is the fundamental and foundational course for any security certification and security job

Description

Demand for information security professionals has never been higher—and it's only projected to grow. Interested in finding a job in this exciting new field? Or simply advancing to the next level? IT security expert Vinay Kumar explains how to launch and develop a successful career in information security. Learn about the nine most common security jobs and the duties and qualifications for each role. Learn which security certifications appear in job listings and which ones will help you get the job you want. Follow example career paths to learn how others have progressed: from IT hobbyist to help-desk technician to analyst, systems architect, and more. Vinay closes with career advice specific to information security, which will help you succeed in this dynamic and high-demand industry.

Learning objectives :

IT security key concepts
The job marketplace
IT security success traits
Career specializations
IT security certifications
Getting experience
Networking
Marketing yourself

Who this course is for:

Who are curious about what it takes to be an IT Security professional
Current IT Professionals looking to transition to a security career
Current IT security professionals wanting to enhance their career
Who wants advance their career as Information security specialist, Cyber Security Specialist, Computer Security Technician, Network Security Specialist, Specialist/Technician, Analyst, Auditor, Consultant, Engineer, Administrator, Architect, Manager, Director
Who wants to do certification in CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+, CompTIA Security+, CCNA, SANS, IAC Certifications (GSEC, GCIH, and GHCIA), CEH and CISSP
For beginners and intermediate Internet users who are interested in security, safety, and privacy.
Anyone who wants to change his career and start learning for Security specialist
Anyone who wants to start new life changing career now and start learning for Cyber Security specialist

Who this course is for:

This course will give guidance to aspirants who wants to attempt certification on CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+, CompTIA Security+, CCNA, SANS, IAC Certifications (GSEC, GCIH, and GHCIA), CEH and CISSP

IT Security Careers and Certifications First Steps

What you'll learn

Explore related topics

Course content

Introduction6 lectures • 5min

Understanding the IT Security Career Field6 lectures • 18min

IT Security Marketplace6 lectures • 14min

IT Security Success Traits4 lectures • 8min

IT Security Careers12 lectures • 31min

IT Security Certifications13 lectures • 26min

Your IT Security Career Path5 lectures • 12min

IT Security Career Advice3 lectures • 7min

Conclusion1 lecture • 1min

Requirements

Description

Who this course is for: