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In order to plan and implement these company trainings, the IT security specialist must not only have the required technical skills for the position, but also necessary soft skills. 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. A cybersecurity specialist might wear many hats depending on the size and shape of his or her company or organization.

Information security specialists may handle aspects like multifactor authentication and access to physical information storage areas. Payscale reports an average annual cybersecurity salary of around $92,000, and these wages typically increase with experience. This page provides detailed information about how to become a cybersecurity specialist. Read on to learn more about cybersecurity job descriptions and how to launch your security specialist career. As you gain experience in cybersecurity, you may choose to advance toward a leadership position within your organization. Cybersecurity managers oversee an organization’s network and computer security systems.

The Cybersecurity Specialist Job Hunt

This can take the form of other, related work experience, or it can take the form of a structured internship or other formal hands-on learning. Discover programs you’re interested in and take charge of your education. Explore programs of your interests with the high-quality standards and flexibility you need to take your career to the next level.

Cyber security jobs of all sorts are becoming increasingly crucial in the digital age. From a specialist to an analyst to the IT security director, there are many jobs that focus on network security and all of these positions are vital for information security success. As a result, cyber security jobs have only grown in importance and demand—especially with the growth of ransomware attacks and data breaches that expose sensitive information. The outlook for cybersecurity specialists is very positive due to the increasing reliance on technology and the growing threat of cyber attacks.

How to become a cybersecurity specialist

The certification covers topics such as architecture, engineering, and management. 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.

Cybersecurity bootcamps have focused curriculums on the skills, strategies, and tools that IT Security Specialists will need to protect networks and systems. Many also offer preparation for a variety of certifications that are highly-regarded in this field. Organizations hire security specialists to prevent security breaches, which involves identifying any system weaknesses that a cyber criminal might exploit.

• IT security specialists defend an organization’s data and information systems.
• Before investing in higher education or certifications, explore salaries in cybersecurity and learn about the projected career outlook for the coming decade.
• Cybersecurity specialists need to be comfortable in a world that is constantly moving and shifting.
• If you’re unsure where to start, the basics can be a good place to turn to.
• Security will remain a top concern for IT hiring managers as the frequency and impact of cyber attacks continues to rise.
• We reveal the essential aspects of the position, how to get hired, data on salary expectations, and the best companies that are hiring.

Employers may also view a degree as a sign of focus and discipline, core skills for security specialists. The good news is, the job outlook for IT security specialists is exceptionally strong—and only getting better. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that employment in this sector is projected to grow 31% from 2019 to 2029, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. Plus, demand for this role continues to be exceptionally high with no signs of slowing. According to Glassdoor.com, the national average salary for an IT security specialist is $95,689 based on a scale that checks in at $45,000 per year on the low end and up to $102,000 per year at the high end.

A security specialist is a smart career path to take to begin your career in cyber security, as you’ll be the go-to person responsible for the overall safety of your employer’s data. 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. With the necessary technical skills, you can apply for entry-level tech positions. You can also pursue entry-level certifications that prove your expertise without professional experience. Although security specialists do not always need certification, most employers prefer certified candidates.

IT Security Specialist Career Path & Training

The pay rate can depend on the industry—for example, companies such as Target pay as much as $155,892 per year for an IT security specialist, while Boeing offers an annual salary of $119,450. The U.S. Army also offers $4,244 per month for their IT security specialist roles. We recommend that you align these goals with your personality, interests, and values, as this will ensure your career choice will be rewarding and fulfilling.

A person in this role needs to be multi-disciplinary and adaptable to a wide variety of situations. Finally, holding the position of security specialist might require helping co-workers adopt new technologies and security software as it develops. But most people are reluctant to change, especially if it requires learning a new operating procedure or work-flow. So the ability to articulate the reason for the change and the ability to relate to co-workers’ needs and objections is also important.

As organizations continue to invest in cybersecurity to protect their data and systems, the demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals is expected to continue to increase in the years to come. 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.

They create and implement security plans for businesses and remain up to date on the latest trends in the field. If the above description of a security specialist’s role and skill set appeals to you, what steps should you take to get started on this career path? Below is a five-stage process that will take you from a point of being inexperienced in cyber security to getting hired as a security specialist.

Getting started: Entry-level cybersecurity jobs

Before shifting to education-related content, he worked in the wine industry, editing tasting notes and reviews. Matt lives in Warrington, Pennsylvania, where he spends his free time watching movies with his family and recording music. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

Unique to WGU’s program is the incorporation of a Udacity Nanodegree—a highly recognized credential designed to prepare you for a career in data science. If you enjoy planning and building, you may choose to pursue security engineering and architecture. Maybe you enjoy the thrill of incident response, or perhaps you’d prefer to hone your hacking skills to stay one step ahead of bad actors. The automated nature of these programs means they can be a great time-saver. However, you will also be expected to engage in manual checks and tests to ensure that you don’t miss any issues.

These top-rated online courses and degrees in cybersecurity are currently enrolling students. The operating system is where many attacks are targeted, which makes OS-level security just as important to your organization as network security. Set a rock solid foundation for your network, users, and data by learning about the basics of cybersecurity.

Professionals pursuing higher-level positions may opt for a master’s or doctoral degree. People seeking a career change into the cybersecurity field and computer scientists looking to specialize can also earn a graduate degree in IT security. Despite a company’s best security efforts, security incidents still happen. The field of incident response involves the next steps after a security incident.

Requirements to enter the field vary by job and employer, but cybersecurity professionals usually need extensive knowledge and certifications. Others attend technology bootcamps, and many pursue a college degree in cybersecurity. As you might expect, IT security specialists require extensive technical skills and knowledge to effectively do their jobs. Some cybersecurity professionals pursue experience before earning certification. Whatever path they choose, security specialists need strong technical skills and a commitment to continuing education.

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. Networking is another critical part of how to become a cybersecurity specialist. Joining professional organizations, college groups, and online communities can help jumpstart a security specialist career. A 2019 Burning Glass Technologies report notes that most cybersecurity jobs (65%) require a bachelor’s degree. Undergraduate majors like cybersecurity, computer science, and computer forensics can provide candidates with the skills to pursue security specialist jobs. IT security specialists are knowledgeable about cybersecurity and have the tools needed to ensure a company’s computer systems remain secure.

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. 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 https://trading-market.org/become-an-it-security-specialist-learning-path/ include obtaining a more senior role in a cyber security team, then you’ll need to deepen your knowledge and refine your skills. Over the next few years, you can continue your education, such as by studying for an online Master’s degree in cyber security or one or more of the above certificates. Once you’ve gained the necessary education, you can start applying for roles.

You might start as an analyst or administrator, and then work your way up to being a network or systems engineer or architect. Welcome to ITCareerFinder, a world-class web portal designed to help IT pros advance their careers. Accredited schools offer college degrees, courses and certificates in modern information security tools and technologies.