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

Switching from a career in IT to cybersecurity is a bold and strategic move. With cyber threats on the rise and a significant talent gap, companies are actively searching for skilled professionals who can safeguard their networks and data.

📈 As of mid-2025, there were 514,359 cybersecurity job postings in the U.S. over a 12-month span, and globally, there is an estimated shortage of 3.5 million cybersecurity professionals.

Updating your skills now can open doors to some of the most in-demand and well-paying careers in tech.

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Why Cybersecurity Is the Place to Be

• In the past 12 months, U.S. employers posted 514,000+ cybersecurity job listings, a 12% increase from the previous year.
• The skills gap remains wide, with many organizations struggling to hire cybersecurity talent.
• Salaries are strong and rising:
  • Entry-level analysts: $70,000–$95,000
  • Senior/executive roles: $150,000–$250,000+
• According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Information Security Analyst roles are projected to grow 29% from 2024–2034 — much faster than average.

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Step 1: Assess Your Current IT Skills

Start by auditing your existing skill set:

• Networking
• Systems administration
• Database management
• Software development

Identifying your strengths and gaps will help you focus your cybersecurity learning path.

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Step 2: Understand the Cybersecurity Landscape

Stay current with industry news and emerging threats. Join online cybersecurity communities on Discord and LinkedIn.

🎧 Podcasts like Darknet Diaries are perfect for hearing real-world cybercrime stories.

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Step 3: Choose Your Path

Cybersecurity isn’t one-size-fits-all. Possible career paths include:

• Penetration testing
• Security operations
• Cloud security
• Governance, risk, and compliance

Choosing a specialty will help you stand out.

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Step 4: Build a Strong Foundation

Before diving deep, strengthen your understanding of:

• Security principles
• Network protocols
• Operating systems
• Secure coding practices

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Step 5: Enroll in Cybersecurity Training

At ACI Learning Tech Academy, we provide hands-on, instructor-led training designed to prepare you for certifications like:

• CompTIA Security+
• PenTest+
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)

You'll get classroom instruction, guided labs, and personalized mentor support.

Role	Approx. Salary Range
Entry-Level / Analyst	~$70,000 – $95,000
Penetration Tester / Ethical Hacker	~$90,000 – $130,000
Application Security / Cloud Specialist	~$120,000 – $180,000+
Senior Roles / Executive (CISO)	~$200,000 – $250,000+

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Step 6: Get Hands-On Experience

Practice is everything.

• Contribute to open-source security projects
• Join bug bounty programs
• Volunteer in IT security roles

Tech Academy learners also get hands-on labs in simulated environments.

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Step 7: Try Capture the Flag (CTF) Challenges

Participate in CTF competitions to test skills and network with peers.

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Step 8: Network Like a Pro

Connections lead to mentorship, referrals, and jobs.

• Attend conferences
• Join forums
• Participate in local meetups

Tech Academy learners also gain access to alumni networks and instructor mentors.

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Step 9: Keep Learning

Cybersecurity is constantly evolving. Stay up-to-date with:

• Cybersecurity blogs
• Industry newsletters
• Professional associations like ISACA or ISC²

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Step 10: Earn Industry Certifications

Certifications validate your skills and boost your credibility. Some of the most respected certifications include:

• CompTIA Security+
• CompTIA PenTest+
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
• CISSP

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Ready to Make the Leap?

Transitioning from IT to cybersecurity is a journey — but you don’t have to take it alone. At Tech Academy, you’ll find:

• Hands-on labs that build confidence
• Instructor support to keep you on track
• Career services like resume coaching and job placement

📞 Contact us to discuss which certification fits your goals and schedule.