Passed CC Exam and now studying Sec+...

[AROD94]

I want to gain more experience in the cybersecurity field. Where can I begin? And who would be offering opportunities within Northern California or remotely? 

I truly appreciate your guidance!

[nkeaton]

@AROD94   Congratulations on passing your CC.  Even though I hold Security+ and have helped hundreds at work earn theirs (minimum cybersecurity requirement), I really cannot recommend it to just earn anymore without a really good reason.  CompTIA has bragged at over 700K certified.  This is the competition and has flooded the job market with inexperienced people.  While not CompTIA's fault, many "schools" have pushed it with what I call the big lie: lots of jobs (there are but not at entry level, at least a 5 year experience requirement), can work remotely (never with entry level people), pick own hours (definitely not happening), and high pay (not at entry level).  I can recommend the SSCP as the next stepping stone to the CISSP.  The material is similar to Security+ but is much more affordable, $249 vs $425 (CompTIA just raised the price $21) and no performance based questions.  It does require a year experience but is the only ISC2 certification that would recommend to earn as an Associate of ISC2 which is a membership until have the year experience.  The AMF is higher at $135, but if you earned Security+, you would be paying $100 ($50 for CC, $50 for Security+) and have different continuing education requirements for each organization. I also have concerns about CompTIA as just sold and is no longer not for profit.  I am watching them closely for any changes.  As far as resources in your area, I would suggest looking for active cybersecurity chapters in your area.  While probably not all are active there, you could check for ISC2, ISSA, ISACA, Infragard, OWASP, and others.  People that attend those know the job opportunities locally and may be of assistance to you in growth.  These are just my opinions but have been working with this since 2008 with our folks at work.  Best wishes.   

[emb021]

@AROD94 you need to be networking with peers in your area.  Look for local chapters of ISSA, ISC2, ISACA, and home grown groups like Defcon Group.  This is your best avenue to learn about local job opportunities.  Also attend local infosec events, especially nearby BSides conferences.

[AROD94]

I want to gain more experience in the cybersecurity field. Where can I begin? And who would be offering opportunities within Northern California or remotely? 

I truly appreciate your guidance!