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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 BLS data, computer and information research scientists — positions typically requiring candidates to hold a master’s degree — maintained a median salary of $131,490 in 2021.
- Depending on the size of their employer, these cybersecurity experts may work in niche, specialized areas of the field or oversee more general security tasks.
- Cybersecurity specialists must remain up to date with changes in the field by researching emerging threats and fixes.
- Also, even if one of these certificates isn’t required for a role, it may still be preferable, or at least beneficial.
- 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.
- Businesses like Postmates, Venmo, GoPro, and Netflix use Whitetruffle to find tech employees.
- All Integrity Network members are paid members of the Red Ventures Education Integrity Network.
- Companies hire these professionals to prevent security breaches by analyzing current systems, researching ever-evolving risks, suggesting improvements, and implementing changes.
According to the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), ransomware attacks occur about every 11 seconds in 2021, up from every 39 seconds in 2019. 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.
Top Certifications For IT Security Specialists
This graduate program curriculum builds on principles explored in IT undergraduate studies to expand your abilities and technical expertise. You can expect courses to cover advanced information systems security, information analysis, modeling and representation and software development specific for IT professionals. You’ll also use IT tools and digital platforms to build a robust portfolio of projects demonstrating your proficiency in programming architecture, system operating networks and digital security.
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. IT security specialists are knowledgeable about cybersecurity and have the tools needed to ensure a company’s computer systems remain how to become a security specialist secure. They create and implement security plans for businesses and remain up to date on the latest trends in the field. With every passing year, the number of businesses migrating to the cloud increases — and in turn, the number of cyberattacks increases. IT security specialists are responsible for their organization’s computer-related security, ensuring company data remains secure and protected against cyberattacks.
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Explore the necessary certifications for security specialists and learn more about the educational requirements for this profession. Start your journey to becoming a security specialist by earning one of these certifications. Review professional expectations, median salaries, typical responsibilities, and required skills for security specialists. Candidates with a college degree may enjoy higher pay and more advancement potential. Employers may also view a degree as a sign of focus and discipline, core skills for security specialists.
- Some positions may accept bootcamp graduates or self-taught workers with drive and certifications.
- Read this guide to learn about the professional certifications that can help security specialists secure higher paying jobs and promotions.
- A big challenge for aspiring security specialists is getting their first job without years of experience.
- The NICCS Education and Training Catalog helps cybersecurity professionals find over 6,000 cybersecurity-related courses.
To write an effective IT security specialist job description, begin by listing detailed duties, responsibilities and expectations. We have included IT security specialist job description templates that you can modify and use. In terms of work hours, IT security consultants often have flexible schedules that align with project deadlines and client needs. They may need to work outside regular business hours during critical incidents or when urgent security matters arise. Continuous learning is also essential in this field, and consultants may spend time staying updated with the latest security trends, attending conferences, or pursuing professional development activities. Some IT security consultants are employed by consulting firms or work as independent contractors.
Skills for
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. Adding certifications like CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+) can validate your skills in the cybersecurity field and prepare you for a more advanced role within your organization. Welcome to ITCareerFinder, a world-class web portal designed to help IT pros advance their careers.
They tend to be investigative individuals, which means they’re intellectual, introspective, and inquisitive. Some of them are also enterprising, meaning they’re adventurous, ambitious, assertive, extroverted, energetic, enthusiastic, confident, and optimistic. CASP+ is an advanced certification that validates critical thinking and judgment across a spectrum of security disciplines in complex environments.
