Cyber security is a growing industry estimated to reach $345.3 billion US dollars by 2026, promising to be a highly in-demand field for many years to come.

According to the 2021 (ISC)2 Cybersecurity Workforce Study, there is a shortage of 2.72 million skilled workers in the cyber security industry. As a result, now is an excellent time to pursue learning cyber security.

Is cyber security hard to learn?

Despite how intimidating it may appear, it is an amazing opportunity to be challenged and be part of a career that has great growth potential. Cyber security can be challenging to learn, but just like any other field, as long as you have passion and a willingness to learn, cyber security can be very doable. Here are 6 reasons to consider why learning cyber security could be a promising path for you:

1. It’s beginner friendly. Unlike many other programs that require its students to have a foundation of the course they are planning to pursue a degree in, cyber security doesn’t require you to have technical knowledge from the get-go. Being a beginner is perfectly okay; you will learn as you begin the program. There are multiple introductory courses that allow you to go at the pace you’re comfortable with, especially if you don’t have any background in a particular sector.
2. Learn as you go. Once you get the basics down, experience will continue to aid in your cyber security growth. You don’t need to know absolutely everything before you get started. Don’t be concerned if you feel like you’re lacking. The best way to start is to just put your best foot forward and absorb new information you come across while doing your best to improve each time.
3. Can be self-taught. Because formal cyber security training is in short supply, not everyone needs to take this route. Self-teaching with practice and networking can get you far enough to land yourself in a career that you’d like. Rather than pursuing a traditional education track, you could learn and teach yourself through online courses, which is easier in some ways than other career paths.
4. The Math and Science requirements are easier than you think. Cyber security doesn’t have the high math and science requirements that many other courses need. If you tend to struggle in these areas, you shouldn’t be nervous about going into this field because of it. Some programs don’t even require calculus for math or lab science courses, which leaves you on an even playing field to grow to your full potential.
5. Massive variety of industries to choose from. You don’t have to confine yourself into a single industry. While most of the professional world puts you into one set career or another, learning cyber security allows you to have the freedom to choose what kind of digital front you want to secure. With phishing attacks skyrocketing as well, cyber security will always be in demand at many organizations.
6. Emphasis on soft skills. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, cyber security is expected to grow more than 30% over the next 10 years. Because of this, most hiring agents will highlight possessing soft skills for entry level candidates while teaching the technical skills portion when hired. This makes learning cyber security a lot easier especially when you have a team directing you and making sure you’re on the right path.

Along with those motives, there’s many methods that will make learning cyber security as effortless as possible. It all starts somewhere. First, learn how to pace yourself. Begin with a couple minutes every day to learn more about this field. Be it through a textbook or through an online course, strive to learn something new. Next, find a cyber security community to be a part of. If you’re one to work harder by being near like-minded people, then this field is for you. As you get more advanced, you could apply to companies that provide ongoing training. As this is a career that is constantly evolving, you save your own personal time while nurturing your skills in a positive environment.

With these reasons in mind, you should attempt to learn cyber security with the right mindset and dedication. You can do it. When you ask yourself, “Is cyber security hard to learn?”.. remember, it’s not as hard as you think. As companies are pursuing those with cyber security skills, you can be successful entering 2022 by learning cyber security and becoming a potential candidate for these secure jobs.

Further reading: Can iPhones get viruses from websites?