Dumebi OkoloCan You Move from IT Support to Cybersecurity?
If you currently working in IT support and looking for a higher-paying, in-demand career path? If so, transitioning into cybersecurity could be your best move.
Cybersecurity jobs offer higher salaries, strong job security, and exciting career growth.
But how do you switch from IT support to cybersecurity without prior experience?
In this guide, we’ll cover:
✔️ How IT support skills transfer to cybersecurity
✔️ Key cybersecurity career paths & salaries
✔️ Best cybersecurity certifications to boost your job chances
✔️ Step-by-step guide to transitioning into cybersecurity
Why Cybersecurity is a Great Career Path After IT Support
1. High Demand & Job Growth
Cybersecurity jobs are expected to grow 35% by 2031 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics), making it one of the fastest-growing IT fields.
2. Higher Salary Potential
✔️ IT Support Technician: $45,000 – $65,000/year
✔️ Cybersecurity Analyst: $75,000 – $120,000/year
✔️ Penetration Tester: $85,000 – $150,000/year
3. Exciting Career Progression
You can start as a Security Analyst and work up to Cybersecurity Engineer, Penetration Tester, or even CISO (Chief Information Security Officer).
How IT Support Skills Help You in Cybersecurity
Your IT support experience gives you transferable skills that are crucial in cybersecurity:
| IT Support Skill | Cybersecurity Relevance |
|---|---|
| Troubleshooting | Helps in identifying security threats and vulnerabilities |
| Networking Knowledge | Essential for firewall security, VPNs, and intrusion detection |
| Operating Systems | Helps in securing Windows, Linux, and macOS environments |
| User Support & Training | Useful for security awareness training |
| Incident Documentation | Helps in writing security reports and audits |
👉 Already have these skills? You’re halfway there! Now, let’s build on them.
Cybersecurity Career Paths After IT Support
1. Security Analyst (Best Entry-Level Cybersecurity Job)
🔹 What They Do: Monitor networks, detect cyber threats, and respond to incidents.
🔹 Skills Needed: Network security, threat analysis, SIEM tools (Splunk).
🔹 Best Certifications: CompTIA Security+, CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker).
🔹 Average Salary: $75,000 – $100,000/year.
2. SOC Analyst (Security Operations Center Analyst)
🔹 What They Do: Analyze security logs, track cyber threats, and prevent breaches.
🔹 Skills Needed: Threat detection, SIEM tools, log analysis.
🔹 Best Certifications: CompTIA CySA+, GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC).
🔹 Average Salary: $70,000 – $95,000/year.
3. Penetration Tester (Ethical Hacker)
🔹 What They Do: Hack into systems (legally) to find vulnerabilities.
🔹 Skills Needed: Scripting, ethical hacking, vulnerability assessment.
🔹 Best Certifications: OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional), CEH.
🔹 Average Salary: $90,000 – $150,000/year.
4. Cloud Security Specialist
🔹 What They Do: Secure cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud.
🔹 Skills Needed: Cloud security, identity management, risk assessment.
🔹 Best Certifications: AWS Certified Security – Specialty, CCSP.
🔹 Average Salary: $90,000 – $140,000/year.
Best Cybersecurity Certifications for IT Support Professionals
| Certification | Best For |
|---|---|
| CompTIA Security+ | Beginner-friendly cybersecurity certification |
| CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker) | Ethical hacking and penetration testing |
| CompTIA CySA+ | Cybersecurity analysis and threat detection |
| OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional) | Advanced ethical hacking |
| CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) | Senior security roles |
👉 Pro Tip: Start with CompTIA Security+ if you're new to cybersecurity!
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Transition from IT Support to Cybersecurity
✅ Step 1: Learn Cybersecurity Fundamentals
- Study network security, threat detection, and ethical hacking.
- Take free cybersecurity courses (TryHackMe, Cybrary, Coursera).
✅ Step 2: Get Hands-On Experience
- Set up a home lab to practice security tools (Wireshark, Metasploit).
- Participate in Capture The Flag (CTF) challenges (Hack The Box).
✅ Step 3: Earn Cybersecurity Certifications
- Get CompTIA Security+ as a foundation.
- Progress to CEH, CySA+, or OSCP based on your career goal.
✅ Step 4: Apply for Cybersecurity Jobs
- Search for Security Analyst, SOC Analyst, or Penetration Tester roles.
- Optimize your resume to highlight security-related skills from IT support.
FAQs: Transitioning from IT Support to Cybersecurity
1. Can I transition to cybersecurity without a degree?
Yes! Many cybersecurity professionals don’t have a degree but have certifications, hands-on experience, and networking knowledge.
2. How long does it take to transition into cybersecurity?
With consistent study and practice, you can transition within 6–12 months.
3. What’s the best cybersecurity job for IT support professionals?
Start as a Security Analyst or SOC Analyst and grow from there.
4. What are the best free resources to learn cybersecurity?
- TryHackMe (Beginner-friendly labs)
- Hack The Box (CTF challenges)
- Cybrary (Free courses)
Transitioning from IT support to cybersecurity is a great career move that offers higher salaries, better job security, and exciting challenges.
I am currently taking the Google IT support specialist certification program and learning so much about IT support, network enginnering and cybersecurity and it has been an exciting journey so far! I am learning a lot about the three, and how they are all interconnected to one another.
🚀 Ready to start your cybersecurity journey? Drop a comment below with your questions!
