IT Security Specialist Career Path Training, Jobs, Skills & Pay

Read our informational guide to learn about the degrees, certifications, and professional experiences needed to become a security specialist. Security specialists use the skills developed in their degree programs when they implement and modify software, and conduct deep computer system analysis.

Security certification is often required for advancement, and can help candidates boost their resumes and stand out in the job market. With these credentials, security professionals validate and even improve their ability to implement best practices as security specialists, paving the way to more expertise and job opportunities.

Computer Security Specialist Job Description

A simple way of thinking about a cybersecurity specialist is as someone who keeps tabs on a company’s or organization’s security while also helping other employees and teammates stay current on best practices. Graduate degrees can be required if you’re looking to obtain a managerial position. An employer might offer training in the form of familiarizing you with specific software or hardware the company uses.

• Security analysts sometimes work with multiple departments to ensure their colleagues understand the organization’s best practices for information security.
• Workforce demand for computer security specialists is high in all verticals, including corporations, schools, medical practices, and government agencies.
• Finally, holding the position of security specialist might require helping co-workers adopt new technologies and security software as it develops.
• Depending on where you live and work your salary could be as high as $165,000 per year.
• NICCS offers comprehensive information on cybersecurity education and careers.
• Bureau of Labor Statistics, the IT security specialist job market will grow by 33% from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the 8% average for all occupations, placing it among the nation’s fastest growing career paths.
• Network + is also offered by CompTIA this certification focuses on networking infrastructure and operations.

In today’s era of rapidly escalating threats and sophisticated cyber warfare, organizations need to be vigilant in combating attackers and protecting information assets. IT security specialists leverage an in-depth understanding of cyber security threats, technologies and countermeasures to ensure secure computer systems. Security specialists, also known as cybersecurity specialists, develop and implement security measures that protect computer networks and systems. Companies often hire security specialists to secure data networks, prevent security breaches, and make changes to improve security.

How many skills do you need to be a cybersecurity specialist?

Qualified cybersecurity specialists need a strong foundation of soft and hard skills to complete their daily tasks. Some of those skills include communication, collaboration, malware prevention, and computer forensics. Information security requires employees to possess hard skills, such as programming languages, and engage in complex technological solutions. Security specialists should begin by obtaining a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity or a related area, such as computer science. These specialists apply programming languages and ingenuity to create solutions for complex issues. Developing security systems often involves the collaboration of many specialized professionals. Additionally, cybersecurity specialists are often called on in times of crisis or emergency — or when there are issues with networks or data systems.

• We are looking for a Computer Security Specialist to implement and maintain our security systems.
• A simple way of thinking about a cybersecurity specialist is as someone who keeps tabs on a company’s or organization’s security while also helping other employees and teammates stay current on best practices.
• Graduate degrees can be required if you’re looking to obtain a managerial position.
• This list of the top 50 cybersecurity networking groups and professional organizations from Digital Guardian is a good place to start.
• Cybersecurity specialists inhabit an interesting role in the companies and organizations where they are employed.
• Monali is passionate about implementing creative solutions, building community, advocating for mental health, empowering women, and educating youth.

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 inhabit an interesting role in the companies and organizations where they are employed. People in this role are often hired as much for their soft skills as their technical ability. Cybersecurity specialists are also responsible for continual monitoring security systems and networks for anomalies and tracking those activities in documents and reports. These are just a few examples of the dozens of cybersecurity certifications available. When looking at job opportunities in the cybersecurity industry, it’s a good idea to keep notes about what kinds of certifications employers are looking for.

Cyber Security

The demand for security specialists who can develop effective cybersecurity solutions continues to grow. According to the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency , ransomware attacks occur about every 11 seconds in 2021, up from every 39 seconds in 2019. Top 5 security analyst interview questions with detailed tips for both hiring managers and candidates. Top 5 security administrator interview questions with detailed tips for both hiring managers and candidates. That often means that continuing education is required — both in the form of formal, industry-recognized certifications — and in the form of informal learning and tracking industry developments. 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. Persons, who do not have the according business experience, may participate in the training as well as the exam.

Experience with implementing and maintain detection systems, firewalls, and prevention systems. Bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field.

Security Consultant Job Description

Due to the industry’s evolving nature, security specialists’ responsibilities are complex and ever-changing. IT security specialists defend an organization’s data and information systems. IT security specialists need strong communication skills, as they are responsible for educating technical and non-technical staffers on computer security protocols and raising information security awareness. A security specialist is an excellent way to jump start your career in cyber security. Whether it is something you are striving for before college, or making a job transition, be prepared by garnering as much knowledge as possible toward what companies are looking for in potential employees. Major job requirements can widely vary among employers and you might miss the opportunity to build up your work experience and knowledge before making the leap towards a senior or management position.

Cybersecurity specialist job opportunities are predicted to grow 36 percent by 2024, which is much faster than other professions and reflects the growing need for cybersecurity experts across all fields and career levels. You might receive job training if the employer has several bodyguards or a personal security team. Postsecondary education in criminal justice or police science can be beneficial. Read this guide to learn about the professional certifications that can help security specialists secure higher paying jobs and promotions.