Transitioning from IT to Cybersecurity: A Step-by-Step Guide

The global need for cybersecurity is growing exponentially—and those in the tech world, including IT professionals are starting to take note. Many are even making a mid-career pivot, shifting their focus from IT to cybersecurity. Why?

• Cybersecurity job vacancies increased by 350 percent from 2013 to 2021
• There were 3.5 million unfilled cybersecurity positions across the world in 2023
• In the U.S. alone, there were 750,000 unfilled cybersecurity positions in 2023

It’s estimated that these 3.5 million vacant positions across the sector will remain in 2025 and beyond. While the IT networking field is still undeniably booming, it’s no wonder that IT professionals looking to change course are switching to a career in cybersecurity. Here’s what you need to know about making the transition.

Why Transitioning from IT to Cybersecurity Is a Smart Career Move

Many who are considering making the move from a career in IT to a future in cybersecurity have heard about the growing need for cybersecurity professionals—and they find the job security appealing. Cybersecurity is an essential part of almost every organization’s operations, regardless of size. Large or small, public or private, every organization is at risk of falling prey to cyber threats.

As our operations increasingly rely on digital technologies, the potential fallout of a cyber event becomes more devastating. What’s more, cybercrime is on a sharp increase, with a notable rise in cyberattacks between 2021 and 2023, when data breaches increased by 72 percent, setting a new record. Additionally, 79% of millennial and Gen X-aged professionals in this field reported high levels of job satisfaction.

What else should you know about how and why professionals are making the leap to cybersecurity? 

• More than half of those aged 39 and older working in cybersecurity started in the IT field

• 57 percent of companies today have a current shortage of cybersecurity skills that leaves them vulnerable to a cyber event

Skills You Already Have that Transfer to Cybersecurity

Most IT professionals may already possess skills that will benefit a career in cybersecurity; they are already well-versed in troubleshooting, resolving issues, and maintaining an in-depth awareness of an organization’s entire tech stack. With this also comes an understanding of different kinds of tech solutions and how they work together. 

A career in IT and IT networking still makes a lot of sense; a great need remains for IT networking experts across organizations. However, if you’re an IT professional looking for a switch, your skillset is a great fit for a career in cybersecurity for many reasons. You likely have:

• Strong analytical skills to pinpoint issues and find the best solution to resolve them
• Critical thinking to investigate security incidents, spot suspicious activity, and select proactive cybersecurity solutions
• Familiarity with different types of technologies, how they function, what makes them vulnerable to attack, and what an attack could mean

IT professionals also have a strong foundation in the following skills that transition well to cybersecurity:

• Risk assessment strategies
• Access control
• Identity management
• Risk monitoring

Key Differences Between IT and Cybersecurity Roles

At first glance, careers in cybersecurity and IT sound similar. Both involve defending an organization’s technology systems and solutions from potential threats. Each has its own approach and strategies. Even so, there are some ways that these two career paths vary.

There is much value in a career in IT. Don’t forget, IT security is aimed at safeguarding a company’s physical and digital data and assets, including:

• Physical security and preventing unauthorized users from gaining physical access
• Administrative security and controlling each user’s access within an organization’s network
• Technical security and defending an organization within the network and in transit

Conversely, cybersecurity takes a far more targeted approach to safeguarding data that exists just in the digital sphere, including:

• Servers
• Networks and database management
• Devices (computers, tablets, mobile devices, workstations)

While cybersecurity does not focus on the physical security of these touchpoints, it zeroes in on the data stored within: Where this data is, where it’s going, and how secure it is. The goal is to keep unauthorized parties from gaining access to this data through breaches, attacks, or other cyber risks. 

Steps to Transition from IT to Cybersecurity Successfully

Those looking to transition from a more general role in IT into a career in cybersecurity should consider the following steps:

• Start learning. It’s no secret that employers want to hire the most qualified individuals to address their cybersecurity needs. Training—like cybersecurity bootcamps offered by organizations like Kable Academy—and obtaining credentials and/or certifications are a surefire way to bolster your skills and knowledge. These educational programs and certifications are also a great way to demonstrate your understanding with potential employers. 

• Compile your IT experience. Once you’ve deepened your understanding of cybersecurity, you’re nearly ready to start seeking out a position. While you may be just starting out as a cybersecurity professional, your work in the IT space can also be an asset in your new job search—and an edge over your competition. Take time to reflect on your IT experience and don’t be afraid to leverage the invaluable, transferable skills you have to offer potential employers. 

• Determine what sets you apart. Cybersecurity is an expansive field filled with all sorts of specializations, niches, and job descriptions. Based on your prior experience in IT, your interests, and your skillset, you may find that you’re suited to one specialization over another. Specializations in cybersecurity may include:

1. • Preventing data loss and managing endpoints
   • Building a robust cybersecurity architecture
   • Establishing strong cybersecurity policies
   • Managing governance, risk, and compliance
   • Managing identity access management
   • Conducting forensic analysis and responding to incidents
   • Conducting penetration testing
   • Managing DevSecOps
   • Developing secure software

• Keep current. Technology is transforming and evolving at a dizzying pace, which means it’s essential to stay in the know regarding the latest cybersecurity strategies, technologies, and resources. As a cybersecurity professional, your work will undoubtedly change over time, and it’s up to you to remain up to date on the latest trends, threats, and skills. 

How Bootcamps and Certifications Can Help Bridge the Gap

One of the main reasons new cybersecurity professionals are seeking out bootcamps, certifications, and other programs to help bolster their new career paths, especially as they shift from jobs in IT to careers in cybersecurity? It pays off!

Those with certifications earn significantly more than those without this same kind of training. Globally, the average salary for certified cybersecurity professionals is approximately $91,727—while those without certifications attain an average salary of around $58,775.

Cybersecurity bootcamps, like those offered by Kable Academy, set their students up for success with the training, understanding of job requirements, and knowledge needed to pursue these cybersecurity certifications and jumpstart their new careers. At Kable Academy, students are provided the tools and information needed to obtain an ITF Network+ or CyberSecurity+ Certification for those looking beyond entry-level cybersecurity roles.

The benefit of Kable Academy’s bootcamps and intensive courses is that they are designed for all access points and an entire range of experience levels. Those in IT who may have a peripheral awareness of the cybersecurity sector will gain a far deeper understanding. 

Like IT, cybersecurity is a complex concept, with technologies and strategies that are constantly evolving. Kable Academy’s bootcamp not only gives its students a fundamental understanding of cybersecurity to pursue a career in the field, but it also gives you the tools you need to stay current with the expanding tactics, tools, and procedures cybersecurity professionals need in their efforts to stay ahead of bad actors. 

As an IT professional, you’ve already got a leg up when it comes to entering the world of cybersecurity. Kable Academy can help get you the rest of the way. With options for full- and part-time courses and plenty of jobs waiting for you when you finish, we’ll help you gain access to a brand-new set of job opportunities. 

Want to learn more? Discover the details of our cybersecurity program here!