6 Steps to Become An IT Security Specialist

Several entry-level jobs can lead to top security specialist positions. Many specialists begin as network administrators, computer systems analysts, or network engineers. An undergraduate degree in cybersecurity or general computer science may qualify applicants for some positions.

Review professional expectations, median salaries, typical responsibilities, and required skills for security specialists. Networking is another critical part of how to become a cybersecurity specialist. Joining professional organizations, https://remotemode.net/become-a-security-specialist/ college groups, and online communities can help jumpstart a security specialist career. PenTest+ is for intermediate level cybersecurity professionals who are tasked with penetration testing to manage vulnerabilities on a network.

IT Security Specialist Certifications

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  • Their role changes very often as there are more cyberattacks and more sophisticated methods of cybercrime.
  • Requirements to enter the field vary by job and employer, but cybersecurity professionals usually need extensive knowledge and certifications.
  • The national average salary estimate for IT Security Specialist was $113,452.
  • « We’ve never had a three-month period with a loss or decline in premiums for IT security specialists. »
  • Groups like the Information Systems Security Association International host conferences and seminars that provide ample networking opportunities.
  • Cybersecurity operations jobs are among the fastest-growing roles in IT, as organizations set up security operations centers (SOCs) and establish IT security teams to monitor and respond to global security incidents.

But increasingly, the success of a business relies on the success and capability of its network. As a result, employees dedicated full time to cybersecurity have gone from being a luxury to a necessity. Cybersecurity specialists play a key role in securing information systems. By monitoring, detecting, investigating, analyzing, and responding to security events, cybersecurity specialists protect systems from cybersecurity risks, threats, and vulnerabilities. Information technology security specialists, a.k.a. cyber security analysts, take home a median annual wage of $103,590, according to the latest salary data from the U.S. In addition to an encyclopedic knowledge of computers, network infrastructures, and breaches (which you’ll learn about while earning your IT degree), certifications can also help set you apart from other IT security specialists.

How do I start a cybersecurity job with no experience?

Usually, these specialists have spent a number of years working in IT departments as computer or network systems administrators. It is also recommended for IT security specialists to work in the field in which they want to specialize, such as databases or firewalls. Regardless of your degree, it is important to constantly educate yourself on new technologies and threats.

  • Doing so ensures that the department can continue to function at all times and does not experience downtime.
  • The median annual wage for IT security specialists in the USA is $104,000, according to the latest data from the U.S.
  • The figures are based on the total number of job postings through Indeed.com.
  • A company also relies on their IT security specialist to educate other employees about practices that will keep their personal and company data secure.
  • Just about every company has a need for cybersecurity professionals, which means that cybersecurity specialists should easily be able to find employment.
  • 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.

Discover whether the security specialist profession fits your strengths and interests by exploring daily tasks and responsibilities. Explore programs of your interests with the high-quality standards and flexibility you need to take your career to the next level. 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.

Is learning becoming an expert security specialist hard?

Leisure time— Corporate parties and events (Pub Quiz, Carquest, etc.);— Foundation activities (social responsibility events);— Weekly events aimed at culture, arts, soft skills development. Leisure time— Corporate parties and events (Pub Quiz, Carquest, etc.);— PM Foundation activities (social responsibility events);— Weekly events aimed at culture, arts, soft skills development. 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. « Security is the only area of certified IT skills that has never had a negative quarter throughout this recession, » says David Foote, CEO and Chief Research Officer of leading research firm, Foote Partners. « We’ve never had a three-month period with a loss or decline in premiums for IT security specialists. »

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IT security specialists are knowledgeable about cybersecurity and have the tools needed to ensure a company’s computer systems remain 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. IT security specialists are responsible for putting security measures in place to ensure that computer systems and networks of the organization are protected.

Other job titles for cybersecurity specialist include, but are not limited to, network security specialist, computer security specialist, information security specialist, and information technology security specialist. A big challenge for aspiring security specialists is getting their first job without years of experience. Networking, internships, and certifications can help individuals land entry-level security positions. Many cybersecurity experts start out as network engineers, help desk technicians, or systems administrators. 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.

Employers may also view a degree as a sign of focus and discipline, core skills for security specialists. 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.

IT Security Specialist Training Programs

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. 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. Internships and entry-level IT positions will help you gain hands-on experience with security tools and protocols. Learning how to prevent and counteract threats and attacks efficiently takes practice and experience.

  • The more a security specialist can guard against attacks, the more a business is able to function at full technological throttle.
  • IT security specialists and cybersecurity specialists perform similar jobs.
  • Employers add ten jobs per second on Indeed, attracting over 250 million visitors each month.
  • Since most businesses store financial, statistical, and customer data online, cybersecurity specialists — also called security specialists — can work in many industries.
  • Any knowledge you can gain from working with systems and networks as well as with others in the field will make you more marketable to employers.
  • You protect your home with locks or alarm systems; you protect your car with insurance, and you protect your health by going to the doctor.
  • Although security specialists do not always need certification, most employers prefer certified candidates.

Parimatch Tech is an international product company that develops and provides tech and marketing solutions for the Gaming & Entertainment industry. Headquartered in Cyprus and operating globally, the company has R&D centers located in four countries, the largest of which is in Ukraine. Qualifications for a job description may include education, certification, and experience. The national average salary estimate for IT Security Specialist was $113,452. This number is estimated from over 2,103,024 employees, users past and present job advertisements from Indeed.com. English versionGR8 Tech is a global product company that provides innovative, scalable platforms and business solutions for the iGaming industry.