You're Too Old For Cybersecurity

[@sk3ffingtonai]

I've worked as a cybersecurity professional for over 30 years. Age and cybersecurity are completely unrelated. Willingness and ability to learn CONTINUOUSLY, adaptability, aptitude, and intelligence gathering ability are the main criteria.

[@ThatOneGirl0790]

This is great encouragement! I'm 45 and work for AT&T (low level WFH job), but they'll pay for my education and even at my age with little prior experience, I'm very interested in cyber security, ethical hacking, and asset protection, but I've been hesitant to jump for fear that even 10 yr olds these days are more advanced than me. This gives me encouragement. Thank you :)

[@Eatmyshortz86]

Ty, getting into it now at 37 years old and I'm so stoked for my future

[@kartibok001]

I'm well into my 50s. As long as you keep up with the technology you'll be fine :)

[@kittenwizard4703]

As a 13 year old, I feel too old to start 😩 truely wish I was atleast 12 years younger to start my career

[@tanmaysawale4636]

me too bro i think i should've started back in 2011 😭

[@InstinctivelySimple]

Yeah me too I’m way too old too bad I’m not gen alpha

[@veiga1000]

I'm approaching 40 and I'm learning the basics to get started in the field

[@MassiveReset]

Me too! You just gave me hope

[@chrisbrook6656]

Me 3 :)

[@Akaa77777]

I’m 50. Retired starting too

[@MassiveReset]

@@Akaa77777 you guys are giving me hope. Respect to you. May I ask which area of IT?

[@Akaa77777]

@@MassiveReset I was in system administration before retirement now learning programming in python and PHP doing web development projects in future from home.i am also learning about cyber security in Kali linux

[@PijamaSuit]

I am 37 and live in Puerto Rico. I have a masters degree in info tech and information assurance, network+ and the ISC2 CC, and have yet to receive an offer. I have only had opportunities at hotels since the island is mostly promoted as a tourist spot, but it has been such an incredible uphill battle with debt from studying certificates, inflation and landing a job. I have bills to pay, and there is no help in sight. When applying for a job in the US, they think i am bluffing because i live on the island. I have all but discarded most of my dreams because it doesnt get easier, and i am even questioned and judged as to why i have little experience in comp sec and hotel experience

[@guillermoortiz3325]

Mi misma historia, un abrazo

[@robertvondarth1730]

In the real world, age discrimination is ubiquitous and status quo in I.T. Staffing choices. Perhaps one could work as an independent consultant, however.

[@vinny142]

"In the real world, age discrimination is ubiquitous and status quo in I.T. Staffing choices. " It's not remotely that simple. An older person get's paid more because they are older. That's how it is. If that person doesn't bring more knowledge and experience than a younger person then the company is completely justified to hire a younger person. it sucks, but if you have a "senior dev" age and "junior dev" experience then you'll have to accept junior pay, which nobody does and then complains that they are being discriminated against.

[@robertvondarth1730]

@@vinny142 I’m not speaking of the talent stack. Older people are openly shunned in I.T. The industry is averse to them, they don’t get hired, or promoted as often. I’ve been in the industry for 4 decades and have seen it all… It tends to be a Dog eat Dog work ethic, and they will find ways to get rid of you.. Thousands of us have walked away from the industry after decades of investment of time and energy because of this.

[@lsik231l]

Mid-30s here. Always been a computer nerd (mostly building and optimizing gaming PCs), but never dabbled in cyber security until a couple of months ago. Started HTB's the bug bounty hunter path to learn. It's been a blast! Just doing this on the side as a hobby. So, there is no pressure to make money from it. I really enjoy learning and solving problems. I just wish I had picked this up sooner.

[@TCMSecurityAcademy]

Keep having fun with it!

[@antiquemacabre]

CCST certified and still can't find an entry-level job that doesn't want at least a year of cybersecurity experience. It's insane.

[@drstewart]

It's a work. No matter what bar you jump, they'll say it's not enough. If you're older, forget about it. They'll just say you're not a good fit for the company culture and that'll be it. Knowledge means very little in the face of HR hiring their cousin or the boss' son. You can have a degree in a bleeding edge area and have written an container orchestrator, they'll just keep your resume "on file."

[@tony.morell]

People need to get out of the FOMO here with cybersec jobs. I started in 2020 with cybersec training and have come a long way to finally work in the industry. One thing I have seen lately is all this hype into pentesting/appsec and the FOMO if you don't get in. Stay focused on what you want to do (get off the pointless forums and chats) and the hard work will show.

[@generalshouva8189]

How many years did it take you to get in ?

[@luiytheninja3655]

Exactly, People read all the time about the jobs, but are never ACTUALLY learning the required skills to attain those jobs.

[@luiytheninja3655]

​@generalshouva8189 it took me 1.5 years to land an entry role, I acquired my net+ and sec+ in 3 months, and worked as a network technician for a little over a year, before working in a SOC. Now I'm at a large Tech company, working in data security.

[@luiytheninja3655]

To get where I am now, took me about 5 years, but it took me a LOT of hard work, and missing personal events. But tbh, it was worth it. I don't worry about finances anymore, I am debt free other than my new vehicle and I have a bunch of paid time off to go do things I want to do with my family. Just keep working at it.

[@generalshouva8189]

@@luiytheninja3655 I too am trying to gen into pentesting as a fresher.

[@t3keen0ob]

Good stuff…thanks for sharing. Very competitive industry, as a career transitioner, I’m keeping up with latest tech while honing my skills to make sure I understand the basics. Totally agree with Alex about differentiating yourself from the masses by thinking outside the box and positioning yourself where recruiters will remember you. It’s tough but I live for challenges😁

[@ReptilianXHologram]

Can you create courses for programming defensively in certain programming languages(Python, C, Javascript, etc.)?

[@Thiccolo]

Try secdim. they specialize and focus on that.

[@konalroy8379]

Hey now im in 40. Will i be able enter cyber security field. I know python django html css js mysql everything i learned from KZbin and Google. Now my question will my desire full fill to be cyber security specialist. who can say anything about this consider my position

[@TCMSecurityAcademy]

You can start a career in cybersecurity at any point - there's no age limit involved. If you'd like to chat with other security professionals (and enthusiasts) with different experiences, you're welcome to join our Discord server! discord.com/invite/tcm

[@Akaa77777]

Retired now I’m 50 yrs..former IT guy want to start learning cyber security

[@TCMSecurityAcademy]

Are you in our Discord server? Could be helpful: discord.com/invite/tcm You might be interested in this blog post too: tcm-sec.com/so-you-want-to-be-a-hacker-2023-edition/

[@yasemindeka]

im new grad computer engineer and i have experience as ai engineer but i quit bc the company didnt has to much work to do. First I try to find another job in ai/data science field but i cant find and i want to change my field. I start to watch your ethical hacking videos bc i believe it makes me better computer engineer and help me to understand how computer works, how i can protect my computer/data also. But im a zero in cyber sec and cant decide that should i choose being a full stack or cyber sec engineer. I mostly used python and maybe i can learn restapi or django than create a project with ai models. but fullstack doesnt excite me, i dont know if i ll be good in cyber sec but i know ill learn that anyway bc i want. I also want to find a job like everyone. Completely open to advices

[@TomTakesTime]

I'm 30 and plan to do my OSCP by the end of the year and OSWA by spring next year. Never too late! Thanks for all your informative videos!

[@FlyingGreenTea]

Hey, I just want to ask you which path you took in cybersecurity and how many hours a day did you study?

[@TCMSecurityAcademy]

You're very welcome Tom!

[@MystiqueoftheMind]

I'm 24 can i start from zero? Or it's late?

[@itenthusiast5988]

You're very very very very young don't worry you will come well. Just start what comes to you naturally and what you are interested in then connect these two and build your skills around them after sometime you will be surprised with where are positioned at. Good luck 👍

[@TCMSecurityAcademy]

You have plenty of time! The fact that you're even here watching this video is a great sign.

[@gugisterka]

Hello CyberMentor! Great stuff like always ❤ You mentioned that past experience can be useful. I worked as a Team Manager for ~7y and in the meantime IT Recruiter/Team Manager/Tech Consultant at software house for US market. Can't find my place at cybersec world and starting to feel helpless 😢 if u can suggest something - anyone of u Folks - will be truly grateful ❤

[@TCMSecurityAcademy]

Are you in our Discord server? You can probably chat with folks and get some ideas in there. discord.com/invite/tcm

[@iAmCymba]

Is that a UniFi Dream Wall behind him to his left? It looks way bigger at scale.

[@HopliteSecurity]

Haha this was spicy! I love it! 🤩

[@cloudedmindschbmalikjo]

I’m 36

[@TCMSecurityAcademy]

That's a pretty good age to start learning cybersecurity!

[@Tmssef]

is 25 yo old ?

[@hayyanyousufkhan6032]

Naa I started a year ago when I just became 25

[@tud5200]

Managed to get in 7 months ago. I'm 24, never too late man.

[@soullessginger3187]

I'm 43 and in my last year of school, started after layoff during Covid. The only time that is too late is when you are dead. Get it!

[@robertvondarth1730]

Your good thru your 20’s

[@heart-brain-coherence]

i started when i was 48. never too old 😊

[@manhnguyenuc8189]

Can you give me an idea for a graduation project for a group of 5 people?

[@TCMSecurityAcademy]

Ask in our Discord server! discord.com/invite/tcm

[@manhnguyenuc8189]

@@TCMSecurityAcademy sorry invitation has expired

[@LoneStarBassPursuit]

Woot first finally.

[@khaledfairak2768]

Are you hiring ?

[@TCMSecurityAcademy]

When we hire, we usually put out an announcement in our Discord server. discord.com/invite/tcm

[@BooksBros]

Bam! 🎉

[@mysteriousworldbts]

1st viewer 😂🎉

[@Learning.Something.New.Daily.]

👍🏻

[@mysteriousworldbts]

Help me to be a CEH , please😊

[@jakee618]

help yourself

[@mysteriousworldbts]

@@jakee618 how? Where to get study materials? Authenticity? Need a mentor who can help in all way along.

[@luiytheninja3655]

​@@mysteriousworldbtsProbably best to get your sec+ and pentest+ first, this will give you a solid foundation.

[@vinny142]

I find videos that talk about "should you start a career in field X" so weird, especially when the current year is mentioned. It's the same nonsense that comes along every time a new programming language get's promoted by some algorythm, or the nonsense with AI. People see that lost of people make lots of money and they want in. They want to have that high paying job, but they have no experience and then start working really hard to try to get that experience, but they _can't_ because you need to have an actual job in the field to get that experience. Booklearning is important but nobody is going to hire you because you have theoretical knowledge, especially not in a security related field. If you decide to start a career in a new field you _WILL_ start at the bottom and you _will_ be the FNUGY and you _will_ take ten years to get to the pay that you want. And most of you will never actually get there. Focus on what you are good at and what you like to do. There is no point trying to get a high paying job if the field is not something you like to do. Security is interesting when you watch a youtuber explain some exploit, it's a whole different thing when you are made responsible to secure a client's environment and one single mistake can cost that client millions.

[@mysteriousworldbts]

Hello 😢

[@mysteriousworldbts]

Hello

[@mysteriousworldbts]

Hello 😊

[@xXstevilleXx]

42 years old, still in this industry, work for myself, too old? lol, really, look I do not know how old you are but I am FAR more effective opposed to back then for one reason, experience... pit me against someone who do the same as myself 10 to 20 years younger and I will prove you wrong. Age is unrelated, but I have noticed that employer have a misunderstanding, besides why the heck in this field do you want to work for someone else

[@xXstevilleXx]

Thank you for for the [like] (don't know what that icon with the is called. Don't get it often, and also my comment might be blunt but not disrespectful. It is just... well, so many young people are complaining about salary, but this is more of a calling and see, one thing about this is that, once you know fundamentals say networking (diff between protocols, how packets work, etc), learning ASM languages to standard languages to scripting, a true pro needs not device of their own since you are the weapon/shield, any terminal should suffice, I have four degrees 2 of which are Masters, but I also did a degree in behavioral science and understand that this takes time, in fact I would say, don't call yourself a pro if you are not 30. I worked my 'but off' to just know all this, some do some course in cybersecurity and complain about the pay... not understanding it is about saving people, helping people, risks, and constant learning, if one is agter money rather not consider a career in hacking (my preferred work), so I am mostly upset. Because now more than ever before we need people who have this mindset. But thanks for the [like]

[@mysteriousworldbts]

Hello

[@mysteriousworldbts]

Is there anyone who can help me??

[@toxicgamer5107]

Me too