What are the most effective ways to prepare for a career in incident handling?

2 Gain hands-on experience

The best way to learn incident handling is by doing it. You can gain hands-on experience by participating in cybersecurity competitions, such as Capture the Flag (CTF) events, hackathons, and cyber ranges. These are simulated scenarios where you can test your skills, learn from others, and have fun. You can also gain experience by volunteering for open source projects, community organizations, or non-profits that need incident handling support. You can also look for internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level jobs in technical support or cybersecurity.

3 Earn relevant certifications

Certifications are not mandatory for incident handling, but they can help you demonstrate your competence, credibility, and commitment to the field. Certifications can also help you advance your career and increase your salary potential. There are many certifications that are relevant for incident handling, such as CompTIA Security+, SANS GIAC Certified Incident Handler (GCIH), EC-Council Certified Incident Handler (ECIH), and ISC2 Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP). You should choose the certifications that match your goals, interests, and experience level.

4 Network with other professionals

Networking is a key skill for any career, but especially for incident handling. Networking can help you learn from other professionals, find mentors, discover opportunities, and stay updated on the latest trends and developments in the field. You can network with other incident handlers by joining online communities, such as Reddit, Discord, Slack, or LinkedIn groups. You can also attend events, such as webinars, workshops, conferences, or meetups. You should also build your online presence, such as by creating a portfolio, a blog, or a social media profile.

5 Keep learning and improving

Incident handling is a dynamic and challenging field that requires constant learning and improvement. You should always be curious and eager to learn new things, such as new technologies, methods, or strategies. You should also seek feedback and reflect on your performance, such as by reviewing your incident reports, logs, or metrics. You should also follow the news and research on cybersecurity, such as by subscribing to newsletters, podcasts, or journals. You should also take advantage of the resources and opportunities that are available to you, such as online courses, certifications, or mentorships.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?