Is becoming a security software developer right for me?

The first step to choosing a career is to make sure you are actually willing to commit to pursuing the career. You don’t want to waste your time doing something you don’t want to do. If you’re new here, you should read about:

Overview
What do security software developers do?
Career Satisfaction
Are security software developers happy with their careers?
Personality
What are security software developers like?

Still unsure if becoming a security software developer is the right career path? to find out if this career is right for you. Perhaps you are well-suited to become a security software developer or another similar career!

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How to become a Security Software Developer

A security software developer is expected to have a bachelor’s degree in computer science or the equivalent (e.g. mathematics, network security, electrical engineering, etc.). One can supplement this degree with on-the-job training and certifications. A master’s degree is definitely a plus, but not mandatory. Employers typically focus on skills and years of experience (the standard requirement for security software developers is five years of experience).

One typically needs to complete three years of work as a developer and two years as an auditor/tester. It is recommended to get as much software security experience as one can during these years (get accredited, take courses, attend conferences - anything that offers real-world experience).