What are Entry Level IT-SECURITY Jobs??

C_Rex

Hey all you gurus out there!

What are some typical entry level IT-Security Jobs?

In general, it just seems like IT-Security type work is a senior level deal. Where does one find entry level IT Security work? What sort of jobs are typical entry level jobs for this field? Any tried and true career paths? (Any really great out-of-the-box-ideas are welcome too!)

Thanks!

cyberguypr

Welcome to the forum.

Check out this thread: http://www.techexams.net/forums/security-certifications/21723-entry-level-security-jobs.html

C_Rex

That thread mentions a couple of places to start, but it's not a very long thread and it is from 2007 :P

(I'll search around tho)

Essendon

Most IT jobs start out from the helpdesk or some kinda support. As you start working your way you'll know if you even want to do security. I mean security looks all nice and glam, but may not be so when you actually start on it. I dont think I could do it, just not my thing. Pick up a Security+ book to get a feel of things. Additionally if you dont have demonstrable experience no one is going to give you the keys to something that's critical to the functioning of a company. Need to work your way up! You may get lucky with a junior security gig, but you arent going to see too many of them advertised.

C_Rex

Thanks for the good advice so far.

Myself I got the A+, Security+, some MCPs, and I even had the CCNA but it's just recently expired. I worked in a data center for a bit. I do enjoy learning about security concepts and had a blast at defcon for a couple of years running.

ATM, I'm kinda tied up and unemployed at home for something like 3-9months while I help a family member out. Since I have an AA and some free time on my hands I'm very seriously considering an online bachelors from Western Governors University. I could probably retake that CCNA pretty quick since I passed it before.

The thing is, I'm really unsure what an entry level IT security job even looks like? What are entry level IT security jobs? Maybe I should take the software development track instead? It seems like there are always jobs available programming.

Slowhand

"Entry-level security" is kind of an oxymoron within IT. Generally, IT security is considered a second or third-tier world from entry-level anything. Most companies hiring for security consultants, security admins, or anything else regarding security want to see several years worth of experience in non-security-specific jobs, like being a sysadmin or network engineer for a while. It's for this same reason why CompTIA recommends you have at least A+ and Network+ level experience before attempting the Security+ cert, and that (ISC)2 requires some pretty heavy prerequisites for the CISSP cert.

My suggestion, focus on finding some general IT work first, spend a few years doing that, then transition yourself towards specializing in security so you have a little bit more experience and clout to back up any other certs you get. Unfortunately, this is a case of "you can't run before you learn to walk", and there's no getting around the need for prior field experience before you can really be taken seriously as a security specialist.

N2IT

Essendon wrote: »

Most IT jobs start out from the helpdesk or some kinda support. As you start working your way you'll know if you even want to do security. I mean security looks all nice and glam, but may not be so when you actually start on it. I dont think I could do it, just not my thing. Pick up a Security+ book to get a feel of things. Additionally if you dont have demonstrable experience no one is going to give you the keys to something that's critical to the functioning of a company. Need to work your way up! You may get lucky with a junior security gig, but you arent going to see too many of them advertised.

+1

Helpdesk for a few years then look to move up.

tpatt100

I said this before but no matter what job you have either help desk or desktop support look at it from a security stand point at that particular level. Learn from there. On the help desk take notice of stuff that should not be installed like the one time at my first job the security guards called and said their pc was messed up. I remoted the machine, clicked Start and saw Napster at the top... Good example for an incident report, document, risk assessment, etc. Desktop support same thing but also physical security is something to look at.

I don't mean to be a security **** but learn from little examples here and there and look for chances to use stuff from security books or courses you take. Your opportunity might present itself when you least expect it.

JDMurray

With many jobs, "security" is only part of what you do. Unless your company has an actual Information Security department, you won't be truly working a "security job" unless you are a security guard. And even jobs with "security" in the title (e.g., network security engineer, software security architect, etc.) won't deal 100% with security-related issues.

What kind of InfoSec work do you want to aim for on your career path? That will indicate what type of entry-level positions you are looking for--and it may have nothing to do with real security.

TechWhiz

Hi,

I found the best place for information about IT Security jobs - entry level or otherwise - is IT Security Jobs - Hundreds of the best IT Security jobs.

They have loads of specialist advice and CV review etc, so are really helpful for a starter!