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Confident Cyber Security: How to Get Started in Cyber Security and Futureproof Your Career
The world is more digitally connected than ever before, and with this connectivity, comes vulnerability. It is therefore vital that all professionals understand cyber risk and how to minimize it. This means that cyber security skills are in huge demand, and there are vast career opportunities to be taken.
Confident Cyber Security is here to help. This jargon-busting guide will give you a clear overview of the world of cyber security. Exploring everything from the human side to the technical and physical implications, this book takes you through the how to keep secrets safe, how to stop people being manipulated and how to protect people, businesses and countries from those who wish to do harm.
Featuring real-world case studies from Disney, the NHS, Taylor Swift and Frank Abagnale, as well as social media influencers and the entertainment and other industries, this book is packed with clear explanations, sound advice and practical exercises to help you understand and apply the principles of cyber security. Let Confident Cyber Security give you that cutting-edge career boost you seek.
About the Confident series...
From coding and web design to data, digital content and cyber security, the Confident books are the perfect beginner's resource for enhancing your professional life, whatever your career path.
Confident Cyber Security is here to help. This jargon-busting guide will give you a clear overview of the world of cyber security. Exploring everything from the human side to the technical and physical implications, this book takes you through the how to keep secrets safe, how to stop people being manipulated and how to protect people, businesses and countries from those who wish to do harm.
Featuring real-world case studies from Disney, the NHS, Taylor Swift and Frank Abagnale, as well as social media influencers and the entertainment and other industries, this book is packed with clear explanations, sound advice and practical exercises to help you understand and apply the principles of cyber security. Let Confident Cyber Security give you that cutting-edge career boost you seek.
About the Confident series...
From coding and web design to data, digital content and cyber security, the Confident books are the perfect beginner's resource for enhancing your professional life, whatever your career path.
253 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 10, 2020
29 people are currently reading
166 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
September 15, 2020
TL DR (too long didn't read) - If you or someone you know is interested in cyber security - buy this book!
Full review
It's rare that I take the time to post a review - this book deserves one. As soon as Jess posted that her new book was available off I placed my order as I'm often asked about resources to help get someone started in the field and I typically end up providing a list of websites and podcasts but rarely a book (depending upon the individual asking). Caveat - I only started and skimread the book today so I may come back and update my review.
Who should read this book?
Those starting out - Her book is targeted at people starting out in their career and I'm delighted that there is now an excellent resource that I can feel confident in recommending it to those thinking about it as an option, or those who have taken first steps but not sure what to do next. I'd personally like to see this as core reading for all teenagers upwards involved on the GCHQ/NCSC #CyberFirst scheme.
The seasoned professional - I've worked in cyber security for over 8 1/2 years and within the first chapter I learned something new about the history of cyber security ! In the absence of any books dedicated to coaching and mentoring cyber security professionals I also think this book fills a niche in supporting the relationship between coach/coachee and mentor/mentee.
Structure
The book is divided into fourteen chapters grouped into five parts. Part 1 consists of 2 chapters covering the 'what and why' of cybersecurity, part 2 is 1 chapter on technical side, part 3 is 3 chapters on the human side, part 4 is a mix of the physical side, cybersecurity controls, at work and home, with a chapter on nation states. The final part is 4 chapters are dedicated to careers in cybersecurity and future of the field - chapter 13 is the must read for those starting out.
What I like about it
1. This is not an academic text; her style is an easy and accessible read when compared to something like cybok (core knowledge across domains for cyber.
2. She starts out by exploding some myths, highlighting how cybersecurity is needed everywhere in today's world and highlighting one of the things that I personally love about this field - there is lots to learn, no two days are the same, there's no time to get bored!
3. She makes the point early on that cybersecurity is really information security covering more than protecting computers - it's all about the information.
4. As a black woman working in a predominately white male industry, I appreciate that she calls out the use of black=bad and white=good. Language matters if we are to become a more diverse and inclusive profession.
5. The emphasis on life long learning throughout the book with the final word being on 'keep a learning mindset'. The final sentences on p228 are very powerful and I completely agree.
What I'd like more of
1. On page 21 that covers professional ethics in regard to hacking, I'd have liked to see this expanded in regard to ALL roles early in the book. It's not covered until page 199 - IMHO, integrity and operating to a professional code of ethics is, as crucial as curiosity and willingness to be a lifelong learner.
2. Page 200 describes 'imposter syndrome' without using the phrase; I'd have liked this to be called out as it's something many of us in the field struggle with.
3. The list of what employers want doesn't include 'mental resilience' - Whilst it is briefly alluded to in some of the case studies throughout the book, I do think that this is SUCH an important thing to call out early - especially for certain roles such as incident response. Whilst I appreciate that we don't want to put people off the career; I think we owe it to people to be clear up front about developing strategies to cope with a high stress industry (see the CIISec Security Profession in 2019-20 annual survey report at https://www.ciisec.org/White_Papers).
4. A chapter, or section within the career chapter that covers Mentor/mentee relationships, the value to helping in career, how to fine one and also the value in membership of professional associations, e.g. CIISec, ISC(2), ISACA.
5. An appendix that provides sources of digital resources to support self-development, real world learning when starting from scratch, e.g. some great stuff in Cybok, recommended books, websites, podcasts, professional security associations. I appreciate that in some cases things go out of date, but a digital accompaniment to the book with Jess's favourite recommended go-to resources that is updated by Cygenta regularly would add more value for new entrants to the career.
Should I buy this book?
If you or someone you know is interested in getting into this field and wants to know more - absolutely. Add it to your cart now!
P.S. p227 Nice to see FC's endorsement of the book 'Hyperfocus' by Chris Bailey which I'm a third of the way through at the moment.
Full review
It's rare that I take the time to post a review - this book deserves one. As soon as Jess posted that her new book was available off I placed my order as I'm often asked about resources to help get someone started in the field and I typically end up providing a list of websites and podcasts but rarely a book (depending upon the individual asking). Caveat - I only started and skimread the book today so I may come back and update my review.
Who should read this book?
Those starting out - Her book is targeted at people starting out in their career and I'm delighted that there is now an excellent resource that I can feel confident in recommending it to those thinking about it as an option, or those who have taken first steps but not sure what to do next. I'd personally like to see this as core reading for all teenagers upwards involved on the GCHQ/NCSC #CyberFirst scheme.
The seasoned professional - I've worked in cyber security for over 8 1/2 years and within the first chapter I learned something new about the history of cyber security ! In the absence of any books dedicated to coaching and mentoring cyber security professionals I also think this book fills a niche in supporting the relationship between coach/coachee and mentor/mentee.
Structure
The book is divided into fourteen chapters grouped into five parts. Part 1 consists of 2 chapters covering the 'what and why' of cybersecurity, part 2 is 1 chapter on technical side, part 3 is 3 chapters on the human side, part 4 is a mix of the physical side, cybersecurity controls, at work and home, with a chapter on nation states. The final part is 4 chapters are dedicated to careers in cybersecurity and future of the field - chapter 13 is the must read for those starting out.
What I like about it
1. This is not an academic text; her style is an easy and accessible read when compared to something like cybok (core knowledge across domains for cyber.
2. She starts out by exploding some myths, highlighting how cybersecurity is needed everywhere in today's world and highlighting one of the things that I personally love about this field - there is lots to learn, no two days are the same, there's no time to get bored!
3. She makes the point early on that cybersecurity is really information security covering more than protecting computers - it's all about the information.
4. As a black woman working in a predominately white male industry, I appreciate that she calls out the use of black=bad and white=good. Language matters if we are to become a more diverse and inclusive profession.
5. The emphasis on life long learning throughout the book with the final word being on 'keep a learning mindset'. The final sentences on p228 are very powerful and I completely agree.
What I'd like more of
1. On page 21 that covers professional ethics in regard to hacking, I'd have liked to see this expanded in regard to ALL roles early in the book. It's not covered until page 199 - IMHO, integrity and operating to a professional code of ethics is, as crucial as curiosity and willingness to be a lifelong learner.
2. Page 200 describes 'imposter syndrome' without using the phrase; I'd have liked this to be called out as it's something many of us in the field struggle with.
3. The list of what employers want doesn't include 'mental resilience' - Whilst it is briefly alluded to in some of the case studies throughout the book, I do think that this is SUCH an important thing to call out early - especially for certain roles such as incident response. Whilst I appreciate that we don't want to put people off the career; I think we owe it to people to be clear up front about developing strategies to cope with a high stress industry (see the CIISec Security Profession in 2019-20 annual survey report at https://www.ciisec.org/White_Papers).
4. A chapter, or section within the career chapter that covers Mentor/mentee relationships, the value to helping in career, how to fine one and also the value in membership of professional associations, e.g. CIISec, ISC(2), ISACA.
5. An appendix that provides sources of digital resources to support self-development, real world learning when starting from scratch, e.g. some great stuff in Cybok, recommended books, websites, podcasts, professional security associations. I appreciate that in some cases things go out of date, but a digital accompaniment to the book with Jess's favourite recommended go-to resources that is updated by Cygenta regularly would add more value for new entrants to the career.
Should I buy this book?
If you or someone you know is interested in getting into this field and wants to know more - absolutely. Add it to your cart now!
P.S. p227 Nice to see FC's endorsement of the book 'Hyperfocus' by Chris Bailey which I'm a third of the way through at the moment.
April 4, 2024
This book about cyber security reads much like you'd expect from a beginner's lecture about the topic. It makes it easy to follow along and gain an understanding of what the fundamentals of cyber security are. Even if you have no idea about technology, the author provides great examples to help gain an understanding of the jargon used and what the field involves.
The only downside to this book is that it feels nearly too basic at times if you have any surface level knowledge of cyber security as much of it will be familiar, but I do think it helps make it really accessible to people looking into a possible career in cyber security as it does mention a number of ways to expand your knowledge and experience within it without necessarily needing a qualification.
The only downside to this book is that it feels nearly too basic at times if you have any surface level knowledge of cyber security as much of it will be familiar, but I do think it helps make it really accessible to people looking into a possible career in cyber security as it does mention a number of ways to expand your knowledge and experience within it without necessarily needing a qualification.
October 24, 2023
This is a good book! However, for me, it was too basic. I was hoping for more information around careers in cyber, but there was only 1 chapter focused on this. The rest were the same basic cyber information that I have already read many times. If you've taken the Security+ or CC, or really any cyber certification this book will be too basic for you. For everyone else, especially those with no cyber foundation this book will be a great resource!
March 2, 2021
Very nice book. I am currently doing a masters in cyber security and data governance and it helped me to understand the fundamentals of cyber security. this book was an easy to read you don't need to be an expert to understand this book
August 28, 2021
This book would be a great read for maybe a freshman or sophomore pursuing a degree in Cyber/data-security, or someone who is considering joining the field. The author provides an amazing foundation, so people who prefer to be prepared know exactly what to expect.
January 9, 2023
Dr Jessica Barker gives plain presentation of cybersecurity from insider’s point of view and equips you the necessary knowledge to gain foothold and fast forward your learning speed. Highly recommended book for layperson and security professional.
July 16, 2022
Great read. Especially the final chapter which talks about knowing the fundamentals! The message in this book is an inspirational as well as aspirational one. I would highly recommend.
February 3, 2024
basic primer
May 12, 2025
basic knowledge could be useful if you know nothing about cyber security / tech
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews