Though getting a job may seem like the end goal, it’s crucial to remain curious and inquisitive. Once you attained your first qualification – it’s now time to prep for the workforce. Once you’ve gathered all the necessary information, you’ll then want to pursue an educational pathway.

  • Companies often hire security specialists to secure data networks, prevent security breaches, and make changes to improve security.
  • The Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) credential is a globally recognized certification that demonstrates a deep understanding of cloud security architecture, design, operations, and service organisms.
  • To get hired as a security specialist, you always want to develop your skills and knowledge as much as possible, and certificates help you to do exactly that.
  • University Headquarters (UniversityHQ) is your #1 resource for finding top rated colleges, scholarships, potential salaries and helping you find the right career.
  • Cybersecurity specialists can anticipate strong employment growth over the coming decade.
  • The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a job growth rate of 32% between 2018 and 2028.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the need for Information Security Analysts, who earn a median income of $102,000 per year, will grow 33 percent before 2030. That breaks down to over 47,000 new jobs in this sector within the next decade. It’s expected that 3.5 million cyber security jobs will remain unfilled until 2025. You can gain experience how to become a security specialist through entry-level jobs or college internships in either computer science or information technology. Some roles that may be open to interns include security administrator, network administrator, or system administrator. Such work experience boosts your resume and allows you to network with professionals, which can be helpful when searching for jobs.

IT Security Foundations: Network Security

Hard or technical skills are necessary to perform the duties of a cybersecurity specialist. In contrast, soft skills like leadership ability can help professionals grow in the field. Cybersecurity specialists are professionals in information technology who protect an organization’s network system or software. Cybersecurity specialists in the Distance Recovery and Business Continuity (DR/BC) subfield monitor and implement alerts, processes, and plans. In the event of fires, power outages, and natural disasters, these professionals work to ensure that they can recover and resume operation as soon as possible after an incident.

how to become it security specialist

Cybersecurity experts have the right skills and knowledge to spot suspicious communications before they become an issue. They can monitor the latest threats and shut them down before they cause damage to the business. Like most other careers in cybersecurity, it’ll be a great start to earn your degree relating to cybersecurity specialist category then get industry certifications, clearances, and practical experience.

Cybersecurity Engineer

Due to the industry’s evolving nature, security specialists’ responsibilities are complex and ever-changing. 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. If you are interested in becoming a cyber security expert, there are many ways to get started. The best way to become an expert is to start with basic training and then continue learning as new threats and technologies emerge. Stay up-to-date on the latest news and developments in the cyber security world, and join professional organizations and forums where you can exchange information with other experts.

Simply put, cybersecurity is the act of shielding networks, programs, and systems from digital attacks. Digital attacks, also known as information technology (IT) attacks, aim to change, access and destroy sensitive data. Aspiring security specialists should gain as much experience as possible in using SIEM, programming languages, firewalls, and threat protection software. A strong foundation of education, combined with internships and professional experience, set candidates up for success. Specific fallout from security breaches can vary depending on the type of work an organization does. These specialists apply programming languages and ingenuity to create solutions for complex issues.

IT Security Specialist Career Path & Training

They will implement customized application security assessments for client-based asset risk, corporate policy compliance as well as conduct vulnerability assessment. They should have an advanced understanding of TCP/IP, common networking ports and protocols, traffic flow, system administration, OSI model, defense-in-depth and common security elements. A Cyber Security Specialist is an expert in the field of information technology security. They work to make sure that networks are safe from external threats like hackers or crackers who want access for malicious purposes. For those swamped with full-time work or family commitments, online programs in the field are fortunately on the rise; providing the opportunity of studying on a flexible basis.

All along, you’ll be securing and closing off any vulnerable areas before any attack takes place. In addition, you’ll create firewalls, making it more difficult for attackers to breach the network infrastructures. It will also be your responsibility to make suggestions to increase or harden security for any data or information. 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. As a security specialist, you will spend your days studying the devices in use and testing security measures like firewalls and other software.