As technology advances and more businesses move online, cybersecurity has become one of the fastest-growing industries in the world. With cyber attacks happening more frequently, the need for cybersecurity professionals has never been greater. If you live in New Zealand and are interested in breaking into the cybersecurity industry, there are a few things you need to know. Here are some steps you can take to get started. 1. Get Educated One of the first steps to breaking into the cybersecurity industry is to get educated. There are a variety of programs available in New Zealand that can give you the skills and knowledge you need. Here are some options: - Bachelor of Cybersecurity: Massey University offers a Bachelor of Cybersecurity degree that covers a range of topics, such as network security, forensic investigation, and risk management. - Graduate Diploma in Cybersecurity: The University of Auckland offers a Graduate Diploma in Cybersecurity that covers topics such as cybersecurity risk management, ethical hacking, and digital forensics. - Industry Certifications: There are also a variety of industry certifications you can obtain, such as the CompTIA Security+ certification, which demonstrates your proficiency in network security, compliance, and operational security. 2. Gain Experience Once you have the education you need, gaining experience is the next step. There are a few things you can do to gain experience in the cybersecurity industry, such as: - Internships: Many cybersecurity companies offer internships for students who are looking to gain hands-on experience in the field. - Networking: Attend cybersecurity events and meet with individuals who are already working in the field. This can help you learn more about the industry and potentially even lead to job opportunities. - Personal Projects: Undertake personal projects that demonstrate your skills and interests. For example, you could create an online security tool, or develop a cyber attack simulation to showcase your knowledge. 3. Start Building Your Professional Profile Building your professional profile is an important step to breaking into the cybersecurity industry. Here are a few things you can do to start building your profile: - Create a LinkedIn profile and make sure it's up to date. - Join a cybersecurity group on LinkedIn or other professional groups online. - Start a blog on cybersecurity topics that interest you. - Participate in online forums and create a reputation as a helpful and knowledgeable contributor. 4. Look for Job Opportunities Once you have the education and experience needed, it's time to start looking for job opportunities. Here are a few places to look: - Online Job Boards: Start by looking at online job boards such as Seek, Indeed, and LinkedIn. - Company Websites: Many cybersecurity companies advertise their jobs on their websites. - Recruitment Agencies: Some recruitment agencies specialize in cybersecurity recruitment and may have open positions available. 5. Keep Learning Finally, it's important to keep learning and staying up to date with the latest trends in the cybersecurity industry. Attend webinars, read blogs, and stay informed on new developments in the field. Breaking into the cybersecurity industry in New Zealand can be challenging, but with the right education, experience, and networking, it's possible. Start by getting educated, gaining experience, building your professional profile, and looking for job opportunities. And don't forget to keep learning as the industry continues to evolve.