Education · 1 of 4

The path

Learn how systems work, then learn how they get broken. Most people start in networking or IT (information technology) support.

1. 1

   High school

   Grades 11 and 12

   Computer science and math. Play capture-the-flag challenges online. Learn Linux and how networks work. Do not hack anything you do not own.

2. 2

   Diploma or degree

   2 to 5 years

   A 2 to 3 year college diploma in cybersecurity or networking (many Ontario colleges, BCIT (British Columbia Institute of Technology), NAIT (Northern Alberta Institute of Technology)), or a 4-year computer science degree. Pick co-op.

3. 3

   First certificate

   During school

   CompTIA Security+ is the standard entry certificate: 90 questions, 90 minutes. Network+ before it helps.

4. 4

   First job

   After graduation

   Junior analyst in a SOC (security operations centre), IT (information technology) support, or a student job at the Communications Security Establishment or a bank.

5. 5

   Specialize

   Years 2 to 6

   Incident response, threat intelligence, cloud security, or penetration testing. After 5 years, the CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) opens senior roles.