Breaking Into Cybersecurity: Essential Skills and Certifications in Lincoln

Look, if you're trying to get into the cybersecurity game in Lincoln, now's the time to make some moves! The city is on fire with opportunities, and cybersecurity roles are blowing up like crazy.

The Nebraska job market report shows these gigs are expected to surge by 28% by 2028, making Lincoln a prime spot to land one.

Cybersecurity ain't no joke here – it's crucial across the board.

We're talking government agencies, banks, hospitals, schools, and tech firms, all needing their digital assets locked down tight. The Lincoln Chamber of Commerce summed it up perfectly:

"Cybersecurity isn't just an IT thing anymore; it's a make-or-break deal for every part of a business."

Major players like CHI Health, Nebraska Medicine, and Papillion-La Vista schools have all been hit by cyber attacks recently.

That's a wake-up call for companies to lock it down, creating a crazy demand for skilled cyber warriors to guard their networks. And let's not forget the entry-level cybersecurity gigs that are perfect for newbies looking to get their foot in the door.

With the right training and certs, Lincoln could be your launchpad to a dope career in this field.

Getting into cybersecurity in Lincoln is all about having the right mix of technical know-how and people skills. According to the cool folks at the Lincoln Partnership for Economic Development, the technical skills that local companies are looking for include network security (87%), risk analysis (81%), cloud computing (76%), incident response (73%), and ethical hacking (69%).

You also need to bring some serious soft skills to the table, like critical thinking, problem-solving, and the ability to communicate effectively.

The Nebraska Department of Labor knows when it comes to the soft skills that will make you shine in cybersecurity roles:

• Analytical mindset: Being able to assess complex situations, identify vulnerabilities, and come up with killer solutions.
• Collaboration and teamwork: Cybersecurity is all about working with different teams, so you gotta have those people skills on point.
• Attention to detail: When dealing with sensitive data and implementing security measures, you can't afford to overlook even the smallest details.
• Adaptability: Cybersecurity is constantly evolving, so you need to be ready to learn new things and level up your skills all the time.

To get those skills down pat, Lincoln has got your back.

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Cyber Security program is a solid option, and places like Southeast Community College and Metropolitan Community College offer certifications and continuing ed courses to keep you fresh.

Plus, local groups like Lincoln Hackers host workshops, capture-the-flag events, and networking opportunities to help you develop your skills and connect with like-minded folks.

Breaking into cybersecurity in Lincoln is no joke. If you wanna get hired, you gotta embrace continuous learning and get certified.

The big dogs around here are all about certs that prove you know your stuff. According to the Lincoln Cybersecurity Council, these are the ones that'll get you noticed:

• CompTIA Security+: This certification covers the basics like risk management, incident response, and network security. It's a solid foundation that shows you're serious about cybersecurity.
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP): If you're aiming high, the CISSP from (ISC)² is where it's at. It's a prestigious cert that says you're an advanced pro with real-world experience in information security.
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH): Wanna be a white-hat hacker? The CEH from EC-Council teaches you how to ethically hack systems and find vulnerabilities. Companies dig this for penetration testing and security audits.

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln has a Cybersecurity Professional Certificate that covers Security+ and CISSP material.

And the Nebraska Cybersecurity Student Association (NCSA) hooks you up with discounts on cert exams through their partnerships with local companies. Thomas Davis from Southeast Community College says, "Getting certified shows you're committed to the field and makes you stand out when jobs are competitive.

Employers value what these certs represent, so they're a smart investment if you wanna launch or level up your cybersecurity career."

If you're looking to get your foot in the cybersecurity door in Lincoln, you gotta be strategic about it.

The scene here is heating up, and job openings in this field are expected to skyrocket by like 21.5% between 2018 and 2028 according to the Nebraska labor dudes.

To stand out from the crowd, here's the game plan:

• Explore Job Sites: Cruise sites like CyberSecurityJobsite and CyberSeek to scope out openings that mesh with your skills and experience level. These sites are like a treasure trove for cybersecurity gigs in Lincoln.
• Prioritize Networking: Lincoln has some dope cybersecurity events like the annual Lincoln Cyber Security Conference, BSides Lincoln (a conference by security enthusiasts), and meetup groups like Lincoln Cyber Security Meetup. Getting face time with industry peeps here could be your golden ticket to landing that dream job.
• Enhance Your Resume: Make sure your resume is decked out with the skills and certs that Lincoln employers are drooling over. We're talking network security, ethical hacking, risk assessment, and certifications like CompTIA Security+, GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC), and the coveted Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP). With the right resume game, you'll be unstoppable.

Building a strong network of pros is key to leveling up in this field. Our city has a lit community with tons of meetups and events for us tech nerds. Check out the Cyber Security Course Info event hosted by Clarusway Tech - they're offering a sick discount for attendees who register during the event.

You can also hit up the Bytes and Brews: Cybersecurity Happy Hour in Omaha for some networking and brews.

And don't sleep on the annual Secure & Connect conference - it's a prime spot to link up with industry pros.

Online, the Lincoln Cyber Security Professionals group on LinkedIn is a goldmine for job alerts, industry tea, and dope discussions.

Local forums like LincolnCyberTalk.com are also clutch for sharing knowledge and getting advice from your peers. The OGs recommend joining these digital spaces to stay in the loop and connect with like-minded techies.

Being part of Lincoln's cybersecurity network unlocks major perks:

• Career Glow-Up: Networking events and online forums give you the scoop on job openings, mentorship opportunities, and the latest industry trends.
• Knowledge Flex: By linking up with seasoned pros, you can learn from their experiences, score practical advice, and level up your skills.
• Collab Potential: Building relationships in the community can lead to dope collaborative projects, research initiatives, or even business partnerships.

As the demand for cybersecurity pros keeps skyrocketing, actively participating in Lincoln's networking scene can put you at the forefront of this rapidly evolving field.

As they say, "Your network is your net worth." - Porter Gale, former VP of marketing at Virgin America.

So get out there and start connecting! And don't forget to check out Nucamp's Getting a Job in Tech in Lincoln in 2024: The Complete Guide for more tips on breaking into the industry.