Do Cybersecurity Professionals Need to Know How to Code?

Do cybersecurity professionals need to know how to code complex sequences or program challenging solutions? The answer is a resounding no. Cybersecurity professionals need to be pretty adaptable and resourceful, but there is no need to worry if coding and programming intimidate you. You can still have a successful career. So long as you have professional certifications and are working towards gaining the right work experience, you will be fully equipped to succeed in the field. Here is a quick breakdown of why coding is not mandatory for your success in cybersecurity, plus some insider tips on the kind of training you absolutely cannot go without. 

The World Beyond Coding 

To be perfectly candid, some roles absolutely will require you to know how to code, but the field of cybersecurity is exceptionally broad. Hoping to become a service desk analyst or data support technician? No coding required! More interested in working as a technical support specialist or associate network engineer? Good news. You do not need to know how to code for those jobs either. Want to become a systems administrator or junior digital transformation professional? The same rule applies. Coding is not the ultimate, superior skill to all others, it is simply one of many practical technical skills that different cybersecurity professionals can benefit from learning. It is worth keeping in mind that there is a difference between the ability to write code and the ability to understand code. While your desired role may not require programming experience, having a basic working knowledge of how code looks and feels can certainly help you out in the future. You may not be fluent, but everyone starts somewhere. Having an interest and willingness to learn will open you up for future promotions and career advancement opportunities. 


Building Your Foundation 

If you are transitioning careers or are fairly new to the world of cybersecurity, the best thing you can do is build a foundation with online cybersecurity courses such as CompTIA A+ training or the  IT Fundamentals+ certification course. Both of these online courses will provide you with fundamental and practical knowledge to get your foot in the door. There are countless enviable job opportunities after you get A+ certification and prospective employers will take notice of your resume, particularly if you are applying for jobs in desktop support or end user computing. Once you have built up your resume and gained experience, consider signing up for one of the more advanced online courses such as Network+ certification, Security+ certification or CySA+ certification training. 


Prioritizing Your Education 

The roadmap to your future in cybersecurity does not need to be built on a foundation of expert coding skills. More important metrics include your willingness to learn and an ongoing curiosity about technological developments. You can continually build up your resume through work experience and practical learning so that more and more lucrative opportunities will become available to you. You may find that more demanding roles require fluency in certain coding languages, but you can absolutely cross that bridge when you get to it. Throughout your career, you can invest in ongoing professional development and even build upon your cybersecurity expertise with added education on the implementation and auditing of information security management systems. Whatever your background or career goals, ongoing continuing education is an excellent way to stay relevant and ensure your own job security. 


Written by CJ McGilliivray

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