Pathways to the Industry: How to get into cyber security

Cyber security is an extremely vast field, however, it has a reputation for being complex and requiring up-to-date technical knowledge, leaving many asking, How do I get into cyber security?

Addressing Educational Pathways

The first step to entering the field of cyber security is not to be intimidated by its offerings, and to leap into the career path. Modern businesses, all around the world, require cybersecurity protocols, and the amount of job opportunities available in this field is growing at a rapid pace. So many businesses require cybersecurity infrastructure, that even conferences, such as the Security Middle East Conference, have been devised to further discuss the topic, bringing together experts to do so.

In 2023, the first Security Middle East Conference brought into focus the talent gap, which was at the time, prominent in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and asked, what could be done, to

develop new ways of allowing individuals to access Security as a career path. Experts, such as Craig Ross from the Diriyah Gate Development Authority, suggested that alongside the development of Smart Cities, as a unified backdrop for new technologies, career paths must evolve to conjoin with new educational practices and allow individuals, of all ages, and all levels of skill, to receive the necessary training to effectively handle the innovations coming to the Kingdom, such as the new wave of cyber security protocols.

Through education, it would be made simple, for individuals to understand how to get into cyber security. By searching up local programmes, and educational courses, you can begin your pathway into cyber security as a practice, and then as a career.

The Second Security Middle East Conference

In 2024, the Second Security Middle East Conference took place and involved experts from across the region coming together to discuss inclusivity in the region. The panel was chaired by Ex-Neom, Law Policy Developer Betania Allo who discussed challenges faced by women, and minority groups as they attempt to breach the historically male-dominated security field.

Findings from the panel determined that businesses around the world, whilst now hiring more women and minorities than before, still have work to do to open pathways for individuals aiming to get into cyber security.

However, data centres are now opening faster than ever, and projects such as NEOM are set to finish their first stage of development by 2030, as a result, more opportunities are opening for individuals of all backgrounds to get into cyber security, and begin making progress in their career path of preference. Alongside these new opportunities, there are several national initiatives, which are encouraging individuals to invest themselves in cyber security, to be a part of the upcoming new technology-and-innovation-based economy.

National Initiatives: Get into Cyber Security

Some initiatives that are vital for helping individuals looking to get into cyber security include:

The National Cybersecurity Authority (NCA): Through the NCA, an individual can access workshops, events, and initiatives, in several locations located across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The NCA is responsible for regulating and enhancing current cybersecurity protocols within the Kingdom.

Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming and Drones (SAFCSP): This organization organizes competitions, hackathons, and events to nurture local talent, and has been doing so for many years, allowing individuals to understand and witness cybersecurity at its best.

Saudi International Cybersecurity Conference: Alongside the Security Middle East Conference, many conferences focus on cybersecurity and means of practising, or understanding cybersecurity better. One of these is the Backhat MEA. If you are interested in learning more, please click on the following link. 

In conclusion, many doorways enable an individual to get into cyber security, though some challenges remain in the industry, many opportunities are being opened, for individuals of all backgrounds, within the Kingdom, and around the world. Cyber security will no doubt, be a topic in some form, within the 2025 Security Middle East Conference.