As the job title implies, cybersecurity specialists are expected to have a certain level of training and expertise that allows them to give advice and training on the latest digital best practices. As you might expect, cybersecurity specialist programs require extensive technical skills and knowledge to effectively do their jobs. And while it’s important to have fluency in programming languages and experience with UNIX-, Linux-, and Windows-based systems, it’s even more important to have a bachelor’s degree to be qualified for this job. The more a security specialist can guard against attacks, the more a business is able to function at full technological throttle. Once you’ve gained a security specialist position, you can then start to think about the rest of your career development. If your career goals include obtaining a more senior role in a cyber security team, then you’ll need to deepen your knowledge and refine your skills.
At the app level, infrastructure security professionals develop and deploy effective databases to prevent access by bad actors. For data, this field protects information by building structures for backups and encryption. Payscale reports an average annual cybersecurity salary of around $97,000, and these wages typically increase with experience.
What is a cybersecurity specialist?
Another aspect of a cybersecurity specialist’s job is the design of firewalls and other security measures to make sure that information and proprietary networks are compliant with the most recent security standards. Security+ is a CompTIA certification that is considered a basic cert among cybersecurity professionals. One of the primary responsibilities of a cybersecurity specialist is to keep tabs on the systems employed by their organization and report any issues to management. They are also responsible for anticipating future threats and advising on how to deal with them.
Finally, holding the position of security specialist might require helping co-workers adopt new technologies and security software as it develops. However, most people are reluctant to change, especially if it requires learning a new operating procedure or workflow. So the ability to articulate the reason for the change and the ability to relate to co-workers’ needs and objections is also important. There are several network-oriented professional cybersecurity organizations and groups that are specifically designed to alert members about job openings and professional development opportunities. Information technology security specialists take home a median annual wage of $112,000, according to the latest salary data from the U.S.
How much do IT security specialists make?
Some experts say the fields of cybersecurity, network security, information security and infrastructure security are all different. Others consider these cybersecurity careers to exist under the same umbrella of computer security. Cybersecurity specialists are also responsible for continually monitoring security systems and networks for anomalies and tracking those activities in documents and reports.
This guide offers information on how to become a cybersecurity analyst, along with details on other cybersecurity roles such as information security specialist. If you’re wondering how to get into cybersecurity, read on to explore salaries, job outlooks and available certifications in the field. PenTest+ is for intermediate level cybersecurity professionals who are tasked with penetration testing to manage vulnerabilities on a network. In addition to creating structures to protect interconnected devices, professionals in this sector safeguard sensitive assets for applications and data.
How To Become A Cybersecurity Specialist
In terms of skills, experience, and general mindset, a cybersecurity specialist needs to be like a Swiss Army knife of the digital world. A person in this role needs to be multi-disciplinary and adaptable to a wide variety of situations. Cybersecurity specialists need to be able to communicate well and be comfortable in team roles.
The following section explores the requirements for becoming a cybersecurity analyst. Cybersecurity workers and information security specialists both protect valuable information and data. However, cybersecurity prevents access by bad actors, and information security considers aspects like the availability and confidentiality of data. Information security specialists may handle aspects like multifactor authentication and access to physical information storage areas.
IT Security Foundations: Network Security
As a security specialist, your overarching goal is to analyze current security procedures and suggest changes to upper management for improving efficiency and overall security. As a discipline within network engineering, this field covers protection against breaches for interconnected electronics rather than individual databases or devices. Network security professionals use firewalls, physical hardware and education efforts to safeguard against intrusions and retain lost data.
IT security specialists can opt for a degree in computer science, cyber security and information assurance, or network operations and security. There’s also the option to go the extra mile and attain a master’s degree in categories such as information technology management. Choosing a reputable online degree program can make earning your bachelor’s or master’s more accessible by granting you freedom and flexibility in managing your course load. The actual job description of a security specialist can be hard to pin down, because these specialists may have varying duties based on their actual position. But typically these specialists are expected to install, configure, and maintain security software designed to prevent outside attacks on the company’s internal network.
You can also find plenty of vacancies for security specialist roles on the major job sites like Indeed, LinkedIn, Monster, Glassdoor, and ZipRecruiter, as well as on more niche job sites, such as CyberSecJobs.com. However, check beforehand whether an employer does want you to have a cyber security certificate, and which specific one they have in mind. After all, you don’t want to waste your time, effort, and money on a qualification you don’t need or that won’t come in handy for your chosen career path. In addition, security specialists are also responsible for making sure that other co-workers are kept up-to-date on security best practices, which means they might take on the role of a trainer or an advisor. Cybersecurity specialists create and implement security audits across computer hardware and software systems.
- Ultimately, you will work to ensure the security of our business information, employee data and client information throughout our entire network.
- This level of convenience and flexibility means many students manage to complete their studies while holding down a full-time job.
- Security+ provides a global benchmark for best practices in IT network and operational security, one of the fastest-growing fields in IT.
Software that can assist you in this task includes Kali Linux, nmap, Metasploit, Wireshark, and John the Ripper. All of these will help you to identify weaknesses in a system, ideally before a cyber criminal finds them. These companies may hold job fairs, put on conferences and provide resources for connecting with peers and employers. Consider some of the following professional organizations for cybersecurity workers. To become a cybersecurity specialist, you should complete a formal education—like a degree or a cybersecurity bootcamp—in information security or a related subject.
Looking for a job?
Given the broad scope of cybersecurity specialist work, not all employers require significant professional experience when hiring. Some organizations employ these specialists in entry-level roles, allowing them to develop on-the-job experience. Though certification is not required to work in this role, formal credentials can boost your job opportunities and cybersecurity specialist salary. Certifications demonstrate expertise in cybersecurity to potential employers, and they indicate a dedication to the field. Keep in mind that most certification exams require significant preparation, and some include experience requirements. A cybersecurity specialist might wear many hats depending on the size and shape of his or her company or organization.
