Cybersecurity Vs. Software Engineering: What’s the Difference?
The difference between cybersecurity and software engineering is simply that the former focuses predominantly on keeping web activity safe and secure to prevent leaks, attacks, etc., whereas software engineering focuses on software building and development as a whole spectrum.
What is Cybersecurity?
Simply put, cybersecurity is the technology, systems, and strategies that are put in place to protect our online environment. Cybercrimes are becoming increasingly sophisticated and harder to detect, so to combat this, we need software in place to make it harder for cybercrime gangs to launch cyberattacks to steal data, control or damage systems, and so on.
What is Software Engineering?
Software engineering is when an advanced computer programmer applies general engineering principles to software design, development, maintenance, testing, and evaluation of computers, apps, mobile devices, etc.
How Does Cybersecurity Differ from Software Engineering?
The clues are in the titles. While both roles are software-focussed, cybersecurity is focused on preventing data breaches and tackling various cybercrime tech (such as ransomware) so that all web users are safe to go about their business, whereas software engineering focuses on constructing computer software as a whole – not just the security side of it.
What is Coding?
Computer coding is “the process of assigning a code to something for classification or identification.” It is used to create computer programs, websites, apps, and so on. Coding is sometimes known as computer programming and, to put it in layman’s terms, is the act of a human telling a computer what to do!
Is Cybersecurity Harder Than Coding?
Technically yes, because it actually includes programming (coding), as well as a variety of other elements. A cybersecurity specialist must already have adept knowledge of coding, infiltrating code, and how to prevent external, unauthorized code infiltration.
The other side of it is that cyberattacks and hacking techniques are constantly evolving and becoming sharper, so a cybersecurity specialist needs to stay one step ahead of the hacker.
Full Stack Developer Vs. Cybersecurity
What is A Full Stack Developer?
A full stack developer will work on both the front end and back end of web development domains. The front end is the client-facing side of a website or app, and the back end is effectively behind the scenes.
Full stack engineering is pretty rare these days, as technology is much more evolved and advanced than it was in the early days of web development.
Do Full Stack Devs Work on Cyber Security?
Yes, they should have a working knowledge of keeping both the front end and back end of a domain safe from threats. Cybersecurity professionals often begin as full stack developers and then go on to dabble in cybersecurity training. There are also niches for cybersecurity full stack developers, such as coding languages like Javascript, Python, and so on.
What Does A Software Engineer Do?
Software engineering is a leg of computer science that focuses on design, development, testing, and maintenance of software applications. They will build their own systems, as well as test, maintain, and improve software built by other software engineers.
A software engineer’s general tasks include:
- Designing and maintaining software systems
- Writing and testing code
- Evaluating and testing new software programs
- Optimizing software for speed and scalability
- Consulting with clients, engineers, security specialists, and other stakeholders
- Presenting new features to stakeholders and internal customers
How to Become A Software Engineer
While it is possible to be a self-taught software engineer, being qualified and certified certainly doesn’t hurt. Heading to university to study computer science, software development, engineering, etc., will provide both the knowledge and certification and should make it easier to get work, either as a freelance programmer or working for a company.
Other tips for becoming a software engineer include:
- Learn how to code well (and build your coding portfolio)
- Consider a CS course to get a base understanding of CS concepts
- Consider an apprenticeship scheme or an internship
- Join a coding bootcamp.
- Determine a specific software engineering career path.
- Create a GOOD CV.
Software engineering degrees can be useful if you wish to become a software engineer or a cybersecurity engineer, but it’s not always a practical (or affordable) choice to take 4 to 6 years out to gain a bachelor’s degree or master’s degree in computer science, etc., so utilizing the tips above will help.
- You don’t need a degree to write code. Many web developers are self-taught and have extensive, in-depth knowledge of either cybersecurity or software (or both).
- Settling on career paths will also help point you in the right direction. Cyber security engineers have extensive knowledge of everything from computer systems, software architecture, security measures, programming languages, network security, operating systems, intrusion detection systems, information security, cloud computing, security software, security engineering, software application development, security threats, computer programs, penetration testing, and much more. The career path options are vast too.
- But if cyber security isn’t your cup of tea, the software engineering field is still lucrative. Having a comprehensive understanding of coding, developing software, information technology, engineering principles, labor statistics, data science, digital forensics, data protection, ethical hacking, etc., will make the IT world your oyster.
Because the business world is becoming increasingly reliant on digital systems, the IT sector is always welcoming software engineers, software developers, and those looking to niche down in the cybersecurity and software engineering field.
Launching a Career in Cybersecurity
No need to panic if you haven’t got the time or financial resources to get that master’s degree – you have multiple options. Cyber security degrees help, yes, but they are not the one and only catalyst.
And if you want to become a cyber security engineer – there are multiple online courses to teach you without the need for a cyber security degree.
So, whether you want to maintain network security, create computer programs, develop computer programs, dabble in software development, or anything in between – the industry is crying out for cybersecurity or software engineering professionals.
