prompter: What can I do to change careers from being an SRE, to a cybersecurity expert. I’d like to open my open pentest company.

assistant: Transitioning from a Site Reliability Engineering (SRE) role to a cybersecurity expert and starting your own penetration testing (pentest) company is an achievable goal. Here are some steps to help you transition successfully:

1. **Assess your skills**: As an SRE, you already have a strong foundation in programming, networking, and system administration. Identify the cybersecurity-specific skills you need to develop or strengthen, such as vulnerability assessment, incident response, and penetration testing.

2. **Get educated**: Fill in any knowledge gaps by enrolling in cybersecurity courses, earning certifications, or attending workshops and conferences. Some popular certifications in the field include CompTIA Security+, Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP), and Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP).

3. **Network (Professional Development)**: Join cybersecurity communities, attend local meetups, and engage in online forums to learn from industry professionals and share your own experiences. Networking can also help you find potential clients and partners for your pentest company.

4. **Gain practical experience**: Apply your new skills through internships, freelancing, or contributing to open-source projects. You could also participate in Capture The Flag (CTF) competitions or volunteer to help secure local nonprofits' or small businesses' systems.

5. **Build a portfolio**: Document your projects, showcasing your skills and experiences. A strong portfolio can help attract clients and demonstrate your expertise in the field.

6. **Learn the business side**: Starting your own pentest company will require some business acumen. Familiarize yourself with marketing, sales, client management, and basic accounting. You may also want to consult with a lawyer to ensure you understand any legal requirements and liabilities associated with running a penetration testing business.

7. **Create a business plan**: Develop a clear, detailed plan outlining your company's mission, services, target market, pricing strategy, and growth plan. A well-prepared business plan can help you secure funding and establish your company's credibility.

8. **Develop your brand**: Design a professional logo, build a website, and create marketing materials to promote your business. Establish a strong presence on social media platforms relevant to cybersecurity professionals and potential clients.

9. **Network with potential clients**: Attend industry conferences, join local business groups, and participate in online discussions to engage with potential clients. Offer free workshops or presentations to showcase your expertise and build trust with your target audience.

10. **Start small and grow**: Begin by offering pentesting services to a limited number of clients or on a project basis. As you gain experience and establish a reputation, expand your services and clientele.

Remember, transitioning careers and starting a business can be challenging, but with dedication and persistence, you can successfully make the shift from SRE to cybersecurity expert and run your own pentest company.

prompter: OK, but what does a cybersecurity expert actually do?

assistant: Making a career change from SRE to cybersecurity expert is definitely possible with the right approach and preparation. Here are some steps you can take to make this transition:

1. Identify your skills and knowledge gaps: Start by evaluating your current skills and knowledge as an SRE, and identifying the areas where you need to develop new skills or knowledge in order to become a cybersecurity expert. This may involve learning about networking, encryption, vulnerabilities, and different attack techniques.

2. Gain relevant certifications: Cybersecurity is a field where certifications can help demonstrate your expertise and knowledge. Consider pursuing certifications like CompTIA Security+, Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), or Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP).

3. Get hands-on experience: In order to become a cybersecurity expert, you'll need to gain practical experience in the field. Consider working on open-source projects or participating in bug bounty programs. You could also consider pursuing an internship or entry-level position in cybersecurity to gain hands-on experience.

4. Build a network: Networking is important in any industry, and cybersecurity is no exception. Attend industry events, join online communities, and connect with professionals in the field to learn from their experiences and gain insights into the industry.

5. Start your own pentest company: Once you feel confident in your skills and knowledge, you can start your own pentest company. This will require a lot of hard work, dedication, and perseverance, but it can be a rewarding and profitable venture.

Remember that transitioning to a new career takes time and effort, but with dedication and a clear plan, you can achieve your goals. Good luck!

prompter: What are some good online degrees or certifications that I could pursue to help me accomplish this?

assistant: If you want to change careers from being an SRE to a cybersecurity expert, there are several steps you can take to make the transition:

1. Get educated: Start by researching the skills and knowledge required to be a cybersecurity expert. You may need to take courses, attend conferences or seminars, or enroll in a cybersecurity certification program.
2. Gain experience: Look for opportunities to gain experience in cybersecurity, such as volunteering, taking on cybersecurity-related projects at work, or contributing to open-source security projects. This can help you build your portfolio and gain valuable experience.
3. Network: Connect with others in the cybersecurity industry, attend cybersecurity events, and participate in online forums and groups. Networking can help you learn about job opportunities and make valuable connections.
4. Consider a cybersecurity degree or certification: Earning a degree or certification in cybersecurity can help you gain the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in the field. Look for programs that offer hands-on experience and practical training.
5. Start your own pentest company: Once you have gained the necessary knowledge and experience, you can consider starting your own pentest company. This will require business acumen, as well as technical expertise, so be sure to research and prepare accordingly.

Remember that changing careers can be a long and challenging process, so be patient and persistent in pursuing your goals.

prompter: What main primary skills are needed to become a cybersecurity expert? Make a list and sort the list by showing those which are least shared with the typical skills of an SRE on top.