The digital age has turned cybersecurity into one of the most important fields in tech.
With companies losing billions to cybercrime each year and data breaches making headlines weekly, the demand for cybersecurity professionals is skyrocketing. And here’s the best part: you don’t need years of tech experience or a closet full of hoodies to break into the field. Even if you’re a total beginner, 2025 is the perfect time to start your journey in cybersecurity.
Why cybersecurity? Why now?
Cybersecurity isn’t just about preventing hackers from ruining your day (or stealing your Netflix password). It’s about safeguarding sensitive data, protecting critical infrastructure, and ensuring the digital world we all rely on doesn’t collapse into chaos. In short, it’s one of the most impactful and in-demand careers you can choose in 2025.
Cybersecurity is a hot career for hiring managers and job seekers alike. Here’s why:
- There’s a massive skill gap
The global cybersecurity workforce is facing a skills shortage of nearly four million to meet demand, according to World Economic Forum research. Translation? Companies are desperate for talent—and they’ll pay handsomely for it. - It comes with high earning potential
Entry-level roles like cybersecurity analysts can command salaries north of $80,000 in the US. That’s not first-job money, that’s “paying off your student loans and upgrading your ramen budget” money. - Did someone say, job security?
Unlike other industries, cybersecurity isn’t going anywhere. As long as the internet exists, so will the need for skilled professionals to protect it. - You don’t need to be a tech wizard
Cybersecurity might sound intimidating, but many roles don’t require advanced programming skills or a computer science degree. If you’re willing to learn the basics of IT, you’ve already got a solid foundation to build on. And no, you don’t need to know how to code in 14 languages.
Step 1: Learn the basics of IT
Before diving into firewalls and malware, you need to understand how computers, networks, and systems work. This foundational knowledge is critical for diagnosing problems and implementing solutions. Here’s where to start:
IT & Cybersecurity Fundamentals Workshop
Our IT & Cybersecurity Fundamentals Workshop is the perfect way to build your foundation. In just two, three-hour sessions, you’ll:
- Learn the basics of networking, hardware, and software.
- Understand key cybersecurity concepts like threat detection and risk management.
- Gain hands-on experience with real-world tools and scenarios.
Think of it as your crash course in IT—quick, approachable, and beginner-friendly. No tech jargon fluency required.
Step 2: Dive into an IT bootcamp
Once you’ve got the basics down, it’s time to level up. Our IT Bootcamp is designed to take you from complete beginner to IT professional in just 20 hours a week for 12 weeks. Here’s what you’ll learn:
- Networking essentials: Understand how data flows through systems and how to secure it—because nobody wants their personal info floating around in cyberspace.
- System administration: Manage and troubleshoot operating systems like Windows and Linux. Yes, you’ll finally understand what that guy in IT is muttering about.
- Cybersecurity fundamentals: Learn to detect vulnerabilities, prevent attacks, and respond to security incidents. Think of it as becoming the digital bodyguard every company needs.
Our IT Bootcamp combines practical, hands-on learning with expert instruction, so you’ll walk away job-ready—and maybe even tech-jargon fluent.
Step 3: Build your cybersecurity skills
After mastering IT fundamentals, you can specialize in cybersecurity. Here are the areas to focus on:
Threat detection and response
Learn to identify and mitigate potential cyber threats before they become full-blown attacks. Tools like Splunk and Wireshark are staples in this area—and yes, they sound way cooler than they are.
Risk management
Understand how to evaluate and prioritize risks to protect an organization’s most critical assets. This is where frameworks like NIST and ISO 27001 come into play. It’s basically risk analysis but with fewer spreadsheets and more action.
Ethical hacking
Yes, hacking can be legal (and lucrative). Ethical hackers simulate attacks to find and fix vulnerabilities in systems before bad actors do. You get to play the villain to stop the villain—how’s that for a twist?
Step 4: Gain hands-on experience
Experience is everything in cybersecurity. Here’s how to build yours:
- Projects: Create a portfolio by completing real-world cybersecurity challenges. For example, try setting up a secure network or responding to a simulated phishing attack. Bonus points if you can explain your process without scaring your non-techie friends.
- Internships: Many companies offer entry-level cybersecurity internships that provide valuable on-the-job training.
- Certifications: Industry-recognized certs like CompTIA Security+ and Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) can boost your resume and prove your skills. They’re like the merit badges of the tech world—but way more impressive.
With GA, you get it all. Our IT Bootcamp, designed for complete beginners, equips you with the hands-on experience, portfolio, and certifications to show employers you’re ready for the job.
Step 5: Land your first job
Breaking into cybersecurity might seem daunting at first, but with the right preparation, it’s entirely achievable. Here’s a breakdown of the perks that come with your IT bootcamp:
- Career services: From resume reviews to interview prep, we’ll support you every step of the way—during and after your bootcamp.
- Industry connections: Our alumni network and employer partnerships give you direct access to hiring managers.
- Flexible learning options: Whether you’re juggling a full-time job or diving in headfirst, we’ve got programs that fit your schedule.
Why General Assembly?
We don’t just teach you skills—we prepare you for real-world success. From hands-on experience through labs, projects, and simulations to expert instructors who’ve been in the trenches of IT and cybersecurity, our tech programs are designed to ensure you’re graduating with the skills employers actually want.
Ready to start your cybersecurity career?
2025 is the year to make your move. Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to pivot into cybersecurity, our IT Bootcamp and IT and cybersecurity focused workshop can help you launch a fulfilling tech career. The demand for skilled IT and cybersecurity professionals has never been higher, and with General Assembly, you’ll have everything you need to succeed.
Explore our IT and cybersecurity courses and take the first step toward a future-proof career.