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You don’t need a university degree to break into cybersecurity. South African employers increasingly prioritise certifications and practical skills over formal qualifications. Here’s exactly how to get started.
Before specialising in security, you need to understand how computers and networks work. CompTIA A+ or CompTIA Tech+ covers the essentials — hardware, operating systems, networking basics, and troubleshooting. This is your starting point if you’re new to IT.
Cybersecurity professionals spend a lot of time working with networks. CompTIA Network+ or Cisco CCNA gives you the networking knowledge that security work builds on — IP addressing, protocols, routers, switches, and firewalls.
CompTIA Security+ is the most widely recognised entry-level cybersecurity certification in South Africa and globally. It covers threats, vulnerabilities, cryptography, identity management, and risk management. Many South African employers list it as a minimum requirement.
Once you have Security+, choose a direction: ethical hacking (CEH, OSCP), cloud security (Microsoft AZ-500), network security (Cisco CyberOps), or compliance and risk. Your specialisation determines which roles you can apply for and how much you can earn.
Start applying for junior SOC analyst or IT security support roles. Cybersecurity evolves fast — ongoing training and new certifications are part of the job for the rest of your career.
No degree required: The vast majority of cybersecurity job ads in South Africa list certifications as the primary requirement, not a degree. Many working cybersecurity professionals came from non-IT backgrounds — including finance, law enforcement, and the military.
Live 1-on-1 online training in CompTIA, Cisco, and Microsoft security. Start anytime.
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