Cyber Security

I am currently about to study for a degree in Cyber Security, however, I have a criminal record dated back to 2005 for fraud and dishonesty I would like to get a job as a Cyber Security Analyst does my record exclude me from working in the field?

Find more posts tagged with

SAVE $250 on Your Boot Camp — Use Code "EXAM26"

Exclusively for TechExams members for Infosec Boot Camps starting before April 30, 2026

View Boot Camps

Comments

SteveLavoie

Unless you can make it disappear (in Canada there is a process called Pardon) that could make your criminal record disappear. I would seriously consider going to another domain. Fraud and dishonesty could restrict you so much in this domain.

JDMurray

Was it a conviction for a felony or just a misdemeanor? Or were you only arrested and charged but never convicted?

Slim59

It was a conviction for a felony and I spent 2 years in prison

trojin

In Cyber only criminal records related to hacking activity seems to be acceptable.
If you can wipe out the conviction - theoretically why not, however you may be asked this question number of times in cyber security career

SuperM62

2005 was awhile back. Look intro getting the record expunged or sealed.

bhiter010

try cybrary.com

Redemption

It depends on the company. The last company I joined only went back seven years. You will likely be restricted from government contract jobs. Sometimes they ask if you ever had a felony, and in that case, do not lie. Answer truthfully and explain you were younger yada yada and learned from your mistakes. Getting into a company by lying is not a good way to start a career. If it was me, I would consider starting by working in smaller companies and gaining experience. Bigger employers could overlook some things for the right candidate.

beads

You will be limited as to where you can expect to be hired. Finance, Legal and much of Healthcare will be a big no-go as there is too much at stake unless your hiring manager is really willing to go to bat for you. Sorry, it is what it is. Government can be hit or miss on the subject. You probably wouldn't pass a standard Secret level background check and never anything higher. Again, too much to loose.

Normal manufacturing and general business may not care much depending on the offense so its a toss up there.

My company for example wouldn't touch you no matter the need as our clients demand very thorough (global) background checks. Mine took over two weeks to clear Interpol alone.

Good luck.

B/Eads

JDMurray

What-if-ism and What-about-ism will never find you a job and just wastes everyone's time. You need to just apply and see what happens.

E Double U

Slim59 said:

I am currently about to study for a degree in Cyber Security, however, I have a criminal record dated back to 2005 for fraud and dishonesty I would like to get a job as a Cyber Security Analyst does my record exclude me from working in the field?

Maybe, maybe not. "The field" is large and no one can definitively say how all potential employers will react.