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

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• In today’s era of ever-escalating cyber attacks, organizations need to have security measures in place that will protect their sensitive data and systems.
• Likewise, a four-year degree in computer science can represent one year of the total requirement.
• It has a three-year validity period and renewed calls for 50 continuing education (CE) credits.
• I enable clients to minimize business disruptions by building effective, efficient, forward-thinking cybersecurity programs.
• 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.
• Companies hire these professionals to prevent security breaches by analyzing current systems, researching ever-evolving risks, suggesting improvements, and implementing changes.

One of the main responsibilities of a security consultant is to assess security risks and manage any attacks or issues as they arise. A consultant may check messages first thing in the morning to make sure there aren’t any pressing security concerns. Though this isn’t necessarily an “on-call” type of position, a consultant may be contacted after hours in the event of an emergency. how to become a security specialist 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. The Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification is also considered a more advanced cert because it generally requires that applicants have multiple years of work experience.

Cybersecurity and Information Assurance – B.S.

If you need time to study or save money for your certifications, aim for a junior role first. On the other hand, Python is a high-level programming language that is gaining popularity with cybersecurity professionals. While it’s true that not all cyber security professionals need or have coding abilities, not knowing how to code could limit your career options. Knowing a few programming languages will enable you to spot an attack’s strategy and mount a defense against lethal hacking methods. Most operating systems are built on the c programming language, which you should be familiar with as a cyber security professional. The course offers 40 hours of instructor-led training, six months of free access to CEH v10 labs, and an exam pass guarantee!

The Bureau of Labor Services (BLS) puts cybersecurity into the broader information security analysts category. According to the BLS, in 2020, information security analysts earned a sizeable income of $103,590. This figure is slightly higher than other computer professionals make at $91,250. The CISSP certification exam is for professionals with at least five years of experience in two or more cybersecurity domains. Likewise, a four-year degree in computer science can represent one year of the total requirement. Purdue University Global offers an online Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity / CISSP Certification Preparation.

How to Become a Cybersecurity Engineer?

Top positions in cybersecurity include security auditor, security software developer, security manager, and security architect. The demand for security specialists who can develop effective cybersecurity solutions continues to grow. 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. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts cyber security specialist opportunities will grow 33 percent between 2020 and 2030, which is on a much faster pace than average for all US professions. Fortunately, being an adept security specialist makes you a prime candidate for roles in computer forensics, penetration testing, security consulting, security management, and security architecture.

Deep knowledge of operating systems such as Microsoft Windows, Mac OS, Amiga OS, Linux, and various virtual devices is an essential skill every cybersecurity professional should have. In present times data has become one of the most precious assets in the digital world. Identity theft, Bank fraud, ransomware, and the selling of customers’ critical data are some prevalent cybercrimes.

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The actual job description of a security specialist can be hard to pin down, because these specialists may have varying duties based on their actual position. But typically these specialists are expected to install, configure, and maintain security software designed to prevent outside attacks on the company’s internal network. IT security professionals are also be expected to monitor the company network for any breaches or vulnerabilities, devising plans for further safeguarding as needed. The demand for cybersecurity specialists and information security analysts, in general, is expected to skyrocket. Cybercrimes have seen an unprecedented increase over the last couple of years. More professionals will be needed to stop cybercriminals from stealing valuable data.

As you might expect, IT security specialists require extensive technical skills and knowledge to effectively do their jobs. And while it’s important to have fluency in programming languages and experience with UNIX-, Linux-, and Windows-based systems, it’s even more important to have a bachelor’s degree to be qualified for this job. People who work in information technology or other computer science-based fields are often well-positioned to use cyber security education as leverage to move to the next level of their career.