Yes, you can start a career in cybersecurity even if you don’t have any prior experience. In fact, according to a study by (ISC)², 57% of cybersecurity professionals in the U.S. entered the field without prior experience in the industry. As Vasu Jakkal (Corporate Vice President of Security, Compliance, and Identity at Microsoft) has rightly said, “Cybersecurity needs you.” With the right training and education, you can gain the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in this field.

Yes, non-IT professionals can find a job in cybersecurity. According to recent industry reports, there will be 3.5 million unfilled cybersecurity jobs globally by 2025. Many organizations are looking for individuals with diverse backgrounds, including those with non-IT experience, to fill these roles.

No, you do not need to know coding to become a cybersecurity professional. According to a recent study by (ISC)², only 20% of cybersecurity professionals listed coding as a necessary skill in their job. However, it is beneficial to have some knowledge of programming languages, as it can enhance your ability to understand and analyze malicious code.

The transition from IT to cybersecurity can vary depending on your current skills and experience as well as the specific role into which you are looking to transition. It is important to note that cybersecurity roles often require specialized knowledge and certifications, such as a C|EH or C|CT. Therefore, start by researching and gaining knowledge in the specific areas of cybersecurity you are interested in, and then pursue relevant certifications. Additionally, gaining hands-on experience through internships or entry-level cybersecurity positions can help speed up the transition process.

Without a doubt, cybersecurity professionals typically earn higher salaries than IT professionals. A recent Burning Glass report states a 300% increase in demand for cybersecurity job postings compared to the overall IT job market. According to IBM, cybersecurity jobs also pay 16% — or about $13,000 — more than the average for all IT jobs. The average advertised salary for a cybersecurity job is now $93,540.

To join a cybersecurity job, the primary skills one should focus on learning include the following:
• Network security and administration
• Risk management and compliance
• Cybersecurity policies and procedures
• Cyber crime investigation and forensic analysis
• Information security management
• Communication and presentation skills
• Problem-solving and critical thinking abilities

The EC-Council certified Cybersecurity Technician (C|CT) program provides an entry-level certification that validates foundational technical, hands-on, and multi-domain skills across network defense, ethical hacking, digital forensics, and security operations. Upon completing the program, you will be well-prepared to take on a role as a cybersecurity technician and handle a wide range of complex issues related to securing software, networks, and IT systems against common cyberthreats and attacks.

Yes, the C|CT certification program is the world’s-only entry-level program to provide total foundational cybersecurity domain coverage with 85 hands-on labs (three times more than any other entry-level certification), ensuring realistic, practical skill development.

Successful scholarship awardees will need to pay a small fee ($199) to cover the exam proctoring and technology fee. for the certification exam and will receive the following:
• official curriculum e-courseware covering 22 immersive modules
• 200 Hours of Premium Learning Content
• 85 hands-on labs
• capture-the-flag exercises
• a certification exam voucher for the performance-based exam
• 2400 pages of content (includes 900 pages of lab guides)
• official EC-Council certification

Yes, EC-Council’s Certified Cybersecurity Technician (C|CT) program includes a module on ethical handling and compliance in cybersecurity. The topics covered include data privacy, legal and regulatory compliance, and responsible use of cybersecurity tools and techniques.

Yes, pursuing this certification from EC-Council will positively increase your chances of getting hired by a Fortune 500 company. EC-Council is recognized globally as a pioneer and inventor of the ethical hacking training and certification (C|EH) program and other niche cybersecurity programs endorsed and valued by governments, and public and private sector organizations, including 7 Fortune 10 companies, 47 Fortune 100 companies, the U.S. Department of Defense, global intelligence communities, and NATO.

To approach your company to sponsor the EC-Council’s Certified Cybersecurity Technician C|CT scholarship, you can share a letter (a sample draft letter can be accessed on this link) detailing the following:

• benefits of pursuing the C|CT program for both the company and your career
• statistics and data on the rising cyberthreats and costs of data breaches to companies
• the importance of investing in cybersecurity to protect the company’s assets and reputation
• a proposal of how the scholarship will provide financial assistance and the EC-Council legacy of being a globally recognized and trusted certifying organization in the cybersecurity industry

As we expect there to be more applications than the number of seats available for the scholarship, failure to accept the scholarship within 7 days of the award will render the award as rescinded and EC-Council reserves the right to provide that award to other candidates.