How to Get a Cybersecurity Job as a Fresher? Tips and Career Roadmap

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Why Choose a Career in Cybersecurity?
• Top Entry-Level Jobs in Cybersecurity
• How to Get an Entry-Level Cybersecurity Job?
• Conclusion
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Introduction

Cybersecurity is one of the fastest-growing fields, offering excellent career opportunities for freshers and professionals looking to transition into security roles. Many people wonder: What are the best entry-level jobs in cybersecurity?

Starting a career in cybersecurity does not always require extensive experience. With the right certifications, skills, and knowledge, freshers can secure entry-level cybersecurity jobs in various industries, including IT, banking, government, and healthcare.

This blog will cover:

• The best entry-level cybersecurity jobs for beginners
• The skills and certifications required for these roles
• The salary range for freshers in cybersecurity
• How to land a cybersecurity job with no prior experience

Let’s dive in!

Why Choose a Career in Cybersecurity?

The demand for cybersecurity professionals is increasing due to rising cyber threats. Here’s why cybersecurity is a great career option:

• High Demand – Companies need cybersecurity professionals to protect data and systems.
• Attractive Salaries – Cybersecurity professionals earn competitive salaries, even in entry-level roles.
• Job Security – With cyber threats increasing, cybersecurity careers offer long-term stability.
• Career Growth – Many paths exist in cybersecurity, from ethical hacking to risk management.

If you are interested in securing an entry-level cybersecurity job, here are the best options to consider.

Top Entry-Level Jobs in Cybersecurity

1. Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst

Role: A SOC Analyst monitors security systems, detects threats, and responds to incidents.

Skills Required:

• Knowledge of SIEM tools (Splunk, IBM QRadar)
• Understanding of firewalls and network security
• Incident response and log analysis

Certifications Recommended:

• CompTIA Security+
• Certified SOC Analyst (CSA)

Salary: ₹4 – ₹7 LPA (India) / $50,000 – $80,000 (USA)

2. IT Security Analyst

Role: An IT Security Analyst ensures that an organization’s IT infrastructure is secure and protected from cyber threats.

Skills Required:

• Risk assessment and compliance
• Vulnerability management
• Security policies and frameworks (ISO 27001, NIST)

Certifications Recommended:

• CompTIA Security+
• Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)

Salary: ₹5 – ₹8 LPA (India) / $55,000 – $85,000 (USA)

3. Cybersecurity Consultant

Role: A Cybersecurity Consultant advises businesses on improving their security posture.

Skills Required:

• Strong communication and consulting skills
• Security auditing and assessments
• Knowledge of compliance regulations (GDPR, HIPAA)

Certifications Recommended:

• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)

Salary: ₹6 – ₹10 LPA (India) / $60,000 – $90,000 (USA)

4. Ethical Hacker / Penetration Tester (Junior Level)

Role: A Junior Penetration Tester identifies security vulnerabilities in applications and networks.

Skills Required:

• Hands-on experience with hacking tools (Metasploit, Burp Suite)
• Web application security and network penetration testing
• Scripting languages like Python or Bash

Certifications Recommended:

• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
• Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)

Salary: ₹5 – ₹9 LPA (India) / $60,000 – $100,000 (USA)

5. Risk and Compliance Analyst

Role: A Risk Analyst ensures that businesses comply with cybersecurity regulations and industry standards.

Skills Required:

• Understanding of risk management frameworks
• Compliance knowledge (ISO 27001, GDPR)
• Policy development and security audits

Certifications Recommended:

• Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
• Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC)

Salary: ₹4 – ₹7 LPA (India) / $50,000 – $75,000 (USA)

How to Get an Entry-Level Cybersecurity Job?

1. Learn the Basics of Cybersecurity

Start with foundational cybersecurity knowledge, including:

• Networking Concepts (TCP/IP, Firewalls, VPNs)
• Security Fundamentals (Threats, Malware, Incident Response)
• Operating Systems (Windows, Linux, macOS Security)

2. Earn Cybersecurity Certifications

Certifications validate your skills and help freshers stand out. Some beginner-friendly certifications include:

• CompTIA Security+ (Best for beginners)
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) (For ethical hacking roles)
• Certified SOC Analyst (CSA) (For SOC Analyst roles)

3. Gain Hands-on Experience

• Participate in Capture The Flag (CTF) competitions.
• Use platforms like TryHackMe, Hack The Box, and Cybrary.
• Work on personal security projects and build a portfolio.

4. Apply for Internships and Entry-Level Jobs

• Look for cybersecurity internships to gain experience.
• Apply for roles like SOC Analyst, IT Security Analyst, and Risk Analyst.
• Use job portals like LinkedIn, Naukri, Indeed, and company websites.

Conclusion

Cybersecurity offers excellent career opportunities for freshers, even without prior IT experience. Some of the best entry-level cybersecurity jobs include SOC Analyst, IT Security Analyst, Risk Analyst, and Ethical Hacker. By gaining relevant skills, earning certifications, and gaining hands-on experience, freshers can land their first cybersecurity job within 3 to 6 months. If you are looking for expert guidance, WebAsha Technologies provides industry-recognized cybersecurity courses to help freshers kickstart their careers successfully.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

What are the best entry-level jobs in cybersecurity?

The best entry-level jobs in cybersecurity include SOC Analyst, IT Security Analyst, Cybersecurity Consultant, Penetration Tester, and Risk & Compliance Analyst.

Can I get a cybersecurity job with no experience?

Yes, many entry-level cybersecurity jobs do not require prior experience. You can start with certifications, internships, and hands-on projects.

What skills are required for an entry-level cybersecurity job?

Key skills include networking, operating systems security, risk assessment, incident response, and knowledge of security tools like SIEM, firewalls, and antivirus software.

Do I need a degree to get an entry-level cybersecurity job?

A degree is helpful but not mandatory. Certifications like CompTIA Security+ or CEH and hands-on experience can help you land a job.

Which certification is best for beginners in cybersecurity?

CompTIA Security+ is the best beginner-friendly certification. Other good options include CEH, Cisco CCNA Security, and Certified SOC Analyst (CSA).

How long does it take to get an entry-level cybersecurity job?

It depends on your learning pace, but with proper training and certification, you can land an entry-level job within 3 to 6 months.

What is the salary for entry-level cybersecurity jobs?

In India, entry-level cybersecurity salaries range from ₹4 – ₹8 LPA, while in the USA, they range from $50,000 – $80,000 per year.

Which cybersecurity job has the highest demand?

SOC Analyst, Ethical Hacker, Cloud Security Engineer, and Cybersecurity Consultant are among the most in-demand cybersecurity jobs.

Is cybersecurity a good career for beginners?

Yes, cybersecurity is a rewarding and growing field with high job security, competitive salaries, and various career paths.

What tools should I learn for a cybersecurity job?

Common tools include Wireshark, Nmap, Metasploit, Burp Suite, Nessus, and Splunk.

Can I start a cybersecurity career without IT knowledge?

Yes, many cybersecurity professionals transition from non-IT backgrounds. Learning networking, Linux, and security fundamentals can help.

What is a SOC Analyst, and what do they do?

A Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst monitors security threats, investigates incidents, and responds to cyberattacks.

How do I prepare for my first cybersecurity job interview?

Learn networking, security fundamentals, common threats, and security tools. Prepare for technical and scenario-based questions.

Are there remote cybersecurity jobs for beginners?

Yes, many companies offer remote cybersecurity roles, especially for SOC Analysts and Security Researchers.

Which programming language is useful for cybersecurity?

Python, Bash, and PowerShell are the most useful languages for automation, scripting, and security analysis.

How do I gain hands-on cybersecurity experience?

You can gain experience through labs on platforms like TryHackMe, Hack The Box, and Cybrary, as well as by participating in Capture The Flag (CTF) challenges.

What industries hire cybersecurity professionals?

Cybersecurity professionals are hired in IT, banking, healthcare, government, e-commerce, and finance sectors.

What is the easiest entry-level cybersecurity job?

SOC Analyst, IT Security Analyst, and Risk & Compliance Analyst are considered the easiest cybersecurity jobs to start with.

How important is networking knowledge for cybersecurity?

Networking is fundamental to cybersecurity. Understanding protocols, firewalls, and VPNs is essential for securing networks.

What is the difference between cybersecurity and ethical hacking?

Cybersecurity focuses on protecting systems, while ethical hacking involves testing security by simulating attacks.

What are the top cybersecurity threats beginners should know about?

Common threats include phishing, ransomware, SQL injection, DDoS attacks, and malware.

Can I transition to cybersecurity from another field?

Yes, professionals from IT, software development, and even non-technical backgrounds can switch to cybersecurity with proper training.

How can I get a cybersecurity internship?

Apply for internships on LinkedIn, Naukri, and company websites. Show your knowledge through projects and certifications.

What is the role of a Risk Analyst in cybersecurity?

A Risk Analyst assesses and mitigates security risks, ensuring compliance with industry regulations.

What is the difference between penetration testing and security analysis?

Penetration testing focuses on actively exploiting vulnerabilities, while security analysis involves monitoring and assessing security risks.

Do cybersecurity jobs require coding?

Entry-level jobs do not require coding, but basic knowledge of Python or Bash can be helpful for automation and scripting.

Which is better: self-learning or a cybersecurity course?

Both have benefits. Self-learning is flexible, but structured courses from platforms like WebAsha Technologies provide expert guidance and hands-on labs.

What are the career growth opportunities in cybersecurity?

You can start as a SOC Analyst or IT Security Analyst and progress to roles like Penetration Tester, Security Consultant, or Chief Information Security Officer (CISO).

Where can I learn cybersecurity for free?

Free learning resources include Cybrary, TryHackMe, Open Security Training, and Coursera’s free courses.