Are you looking to get a qualification in cybersecurity? Whether you’re passionate about IT, looking for a change of career, or already working in the field, this guide will help you choose the best training course in IT security. Discover the professions, recognized training courses, free and online training opportunities, and career prospects in the sector.
Training in cybersecurity requires you to be familiar with a highly dynamic field. Technologies evolve every year, and cyber threats become more sophisticated. Professionals in this sector must therefore adopt the approach of continuous professional training. Beyond technical skills, it is crucial to develop a good capacity for adaptation and to keep abreast of the latest trends and techniques used by cybercriminals.
Overview
What is cybersecurity?
Cybersecurity covers all the techniques, methods and technologies used to protect computer systems, networks and data against malicious attacks. With ever more digitalization taking place, companies and individuals are increasingly exposed to cyber threats such as hacking, data theft and malware. Cybersecurity aims to prevent these attacks and react quickly when they occur, so as to limit the damage. It includes such diverse fields as access management, network monitoring, risk analysis and incident response.
Cybersecurity can be divided into several protection categories. These include network security, aimed at protecting communication infrastructures; application security, designed to avoid flaws in software; and data cybersecurity, the purpose of which is to guarantee the confidentiality of sensitive information. Cybersecurity also has a preventive role: it enables risks to be anticipated before they become incidents, through security monitoring and audits.
Jobs in cybersecurity
The field of cybersecurity is vast and offers a wide range of jobs suited to a variety of technical and non-technical profiles:
- Cybersecurity analyst: monitors computer systems in order to detect and prevent intrusions.
- IT security consultant: assesses companies’ security weaknesses and proposes solutions.
- Cybersecurity engineer: designs and implements solutions that will protect data and infrastructures.
- Ethical hacker (or pentester): performs penetration tests in order to identify vulnerabilities.
- Information Systems Security Manager (ISSM): responsible for the company’s information security strategy.
- Cybersecurity trainer: passes on their skills to students or professionals.
Cybersecurity professions are becoming increasingly diverse. Some require highly advanced technical expertise, while others are more focused on risk management and raising staff awareness. For example, roles such as security architect or cryptologist require advanced technical specialization. Compliance officers, on the other hand, ensure that organizations comply with current security standards and regulations, an essential consideration for companies subject to stringent regulatory requirements such as the GDPR.
Demand for these professions is growing rapidly, and there are plenty of opportunities for qualified individuals.
What are the top 5 cybersecurity courses?
If you’d like to enter the industry, there are a number of training courses that are renowned for their quality and reputation in the field. Here is a selection of five highly-regarded courses:
Master's in Cybersecurity (Université de Technologie de Troyes - UTT)
This master’s degree covers the full range of cybersecurity skills, from cryptography to crisis management.
Cybersecurity engineering course (INSA Rennes)
An engineering degree with a specialisation in IT security.
Cybersecurity certification course - CNAM
Suitable for working professionals, this course enables you to develop practical skills.
Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certificate
Internationally recognized certification for experienced professionals.
Cybersecurity for Business online training course (Harvard)
A remote learning course to master the basics of IT security.
Many courses include work placements, which are an excellent opportunity to put into practice the skills learned in the classroom or online. What’s more, many courses offer post-graduation or post-certification support, to facilitate professional integration and offer career prospects with partner companies.
How should I go about choosing a cybersecurity course?
Finding a cybersecurity training course that’s right for you will depend on a number of criteria, including your current level, your goals and your availability. Here are a few questions you should ask yourself before taking the plunge:
- Your level of IT knowledge: if you’re a beginner, you should opt for courses that start with the basics.
- The length of the training: some courses can be completed in just a few months, while others take several years.
- Format: do you prefer face-to-face, online or hybrid training?
- Professional objectives: if you’re looking for a change of career, training that leads to a certificate or diploma is often recommended.
- Budget: costs can vary considerably, from free online courses to paid university courses.
It may also be a good idea to check the reputation of the teachers or guest lecturers on the programme. Courses taught by recognised experts in the field, or by way of partnerships with specialist companies, often provide a higher quality of teaching and a stronger professional network. Finally, for foreign students, it is essential to check that the certifications are internationally recognised, particularly when it comes to diplomas such as CISSP or the ISO27001 programmes.
How well does cybersecurity pay?
Cybersecurity is a sector that offers attractive salaries, due to the shortage of talent and the significant risks that cyberthreats pose to companies. Here’s an overview of the salaries that the various roles can command:
Cybersecurity analyst
early career salaries start at around €35,000 to €45,000 gross per year, rising to €70,000 for experts.
Security consultant
between €45,000 and €60,000 gross per year for juniors, rising to €90,000 for more experienced professionals.
Cybersecurity Engineer
generally between €50,000 and €75,000 gross per year, depending on experience and location.
Information systems security manager (RSSI)
from €80,000 to €120,000 for high-level positions.
Cybersecurity salaries can also come with additional benefits. Companies often offer risk bonuses or paid training to entice the talent to join their teams. What’s more, in cybersecurity, skills increase in value over time. Experienced professionals can quickly reach salaries in excess of €100,000 a year, particularly in the finance, defence or high-tech sectors.
Where can I get free cybersecurity training?
Many online platforms offer free cybersecurity training courses, ideal for getting started without incurring major costs. Here are just a few options:
- Cybrary: an online course platform, with free training courses for beginners and intermediates.
- OpenClassrooms: several free cybersecurity modules, covering topics such as protecting networks and preventing cyberattacks.
- Coursera: offers free courses in cybersecurity in partnership with renowned universities, such as the University of London.
- EDX: with free basic training courses offered by leading institutions (Harvard, MIT), covering a wide range of cybersecurity topics.
- Root Me: a practical platform for training through hacking and penetration testing challenges.
Hackathons and security challenges such as Capture The Flag (CTF) are also offered free of charge by some organisations, providing a fun way to learn. These are competitions where participants test their ethical hacking and problem-solving skills in controlled environments. It’s a dynamic and fun way to train, with prizes and certification up for grabs.
What distance learning courses are available in cybersecurity?
Many cybersecurity training courses are now available via distance learning, enabling you to learn from home. This format is ideal for working professionals or those who wish to organise their schedule according to their needs. Here are just a few examples of some well-reputed distance learning courses:
- Distance learning Master’s in Cybersecurity from the Université de Lorraine: a complete university curriculum available online.
- CNAM cybersecurity training: tailored to professionals, it offers in-depth training in information security and is available online.
- Google Cybersecurity Professional certification: a Coursera-based course focusing on practical and theoretical skills.
Some distance learning courses include virtual labs and hands-on simulations to enable students to gain experience even from home. Online schools and universities, particularly in the USA, offer group projects for students to collaborate on, so that they learn about remote communication and project management, two essential cybersecurity skills.
Qim info's cybersecurity offering
Qim info provides comprehensive cybersecurity expertise, tailored to the diverse needs of large and small businesses. The company offers diagnostic services, with security audits and compliance tests to identify vulnerabilities. It protects systems by deploying encryption solutions, data loss prevention policies, and continuous monitoring (SOC as a Service). In the event of an incident, Qim info reacts quickly to minimise the impact. Finally, awareness-raising training is offered, to reduce human risks in IT security.
For more information, please visit their website here.
