How to Land a Cybersecurity Job with No Experience

Cybersecurity is one of the most in-demand fields today, offering lucrative salaries, job security, and diverse career paths. But breaking into the field without prior experience can seem challenging. The good news? With the right strategy, you can secure a cybersecurity job even if you're starting from scratch. In this blog, I’ll guide you through the various fields within cybersecurity and provide a step-by-step approach to entering Information Security, drawing from my own journey.

The Many Paths in Cybersecurity

I get tons of messages and calls asking me to "hack into this system" or "break into this social media account." But honestly, cybersecurity isn't just about the hacking stuff you see in movies. It's a huge field with a bunch of different career options. Here are some important areas to consider:

1. Ethical Hacking & Penetration Testing – Finding and fixing security vulnerabilities before attackers do.

2. Information Security (InfoSec) – Protecting sensitive data, ensuring compliance, and managing risk.

3. Security Operations (SOC Analyst) – Monitoring and responding to cyber threats in real-time.

4. Cloud Security – Securing cloud infrastructures like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud.

5. Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) – Ensuring organizations meet security standards (ISO 27001, NIST, etc.).

6. Third-Party Risk Management (TPRM) – Assessing and mitigating risks associated with vendors and partners.

7. Digital Forensics & Incident Response (DFIR) – Investigating cybercrimes and responding to breaches.

8. Identity & Access Management (IAM) – Controlling and managing user access to systems securely.

Each of these fields requires a unique skill set, and Information Security is one of the best entry points if you're starting fresh.

My Journey in Cybersecurity

I developed a strong interest in Cybersecurity during my time in college. In this digital age, data is being created every moment, making Cybersecurity essential for protecting that data. I had some great discussions with my peers and mentors at ACBCS in Nashik, which really opened my eyes to the field. I kicked off my career as a Junior Analyst at Anzen Technologies, where I got practical experience with third-party risk assessments, security audits, and ISO 27001 compliance. Eventually, I moved up to a Senior Risk Management Analyst position at Aptia Group, where I focus on managing third-party risks, conducting vendor security assessments, and working with risk management frameworks in a hybrid setup. My journey has been all about continuous learning, earning certifications, and gaining hands-on experience—something anyone can do with the right mindset.

Step-by-Step Guide to Getting into Information Security

1. Build Your Cybersecurity Knowledge

• Start with free resources: Platforms like Cybrary, TryHackMe, and Coursera offer cybersecurity fundamentals.

• Learn networking basics (TCP/IP, DNS, Firewalls) through CompTIA Network+ materials.

• Gain a strong understanding of Operating Systems (Linux & Windows Security).

2. Choose a Specialization

      Since Information Security is broad, focus on areas like:

• ISO 27001 & Compliance – Understanding security frameworks.

• Risk Management & Governance – Learning how to assess threats.

• Third-Party Risk Management (TPRM) – Evaluating vendor security risks.

3. Earn Industry Certifications

      Certifications validate your skills and make you stand out. Start with:

• CompTIA Security+ (Entry-level cybersecurity fundamentals): This can lead to experience reduction for CISA certification.

• ISO 27001 Lead Auditor (If you’re targeting governance & compliance roles)

• Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) (Ideal for Information Security & Risk Management roles)

4. Get Hands-on Experience

• Do internships, freelance security audits, or open-source security projects.

5. Work on Real-World Projects & Build a Portfolio

• Write security blogs (like this one!) on LinkedIn or Medium.

• Conduct security risk assessments for small businesses and document findings.

• Share cybersecurity insights, research, and projects on GitHub.

6. Network & Apply for Jobs

• Engage in cybersecurity forums like Reddit (r/cybersecurity), LinkedIn groups, and Discord communities.

• Attend cybersecurity conferences and webinars (BSides, DEF CON, Black Hat).

• Apply for entry-level roles like Security Analyst, Risk Analyst, or Compliance Associate.

7. Ace your Cybersecurity Interview

• Prepare for common questions on risk assessment, compliance frameworks, and security controls.

• Demonstrate hands-on experience, even if self-taught.

• Show your ability to think like an attacker and defender.

• Soon I’ll write a blog for Interview question for freshers.

Final Thoughts: Anyone Can Enter Cybersecurity!

This is a broad overview of getting into the field of Cybersecurity, you can connect with me for detailed roadmap based on your learning skills and knowledge. Landing a cybersecurity job without experience is possible—it just requires the right mix of knowledge, certifications, hands-on projects, and networking. Start small, stay consistent, and keep learning. If I did it, so can you! 

Future blogs:

1. Ace your interview in the field of Cybersecurity.

2. Why TPRM is critical in Cybersecurity?

3. A step-by-step guide to create TPRM framework.