Security specialists implement cybersecurity measures that protect an organization’s computer networks and systems. Security specialists also secure data networks, intercept security breaches, and make changes to improve security. Read this guide to learn about the professional certifications that can help security specialists secure higher paying jobs and promotions.

Salary and Career Outlook for Security Specialists

Controlling all aspects of cybersecurity for an organization involves the expertise of many trained professionals. Top positions in cybersecurity include security auditor, security software developer, security manager, and security architect. This spans the ability to handle the basics of automated attacks using machine learning, as well as malware analysis and brute-force password attacks. It is the task of the computer security specialist to quantify the difficulty between all these threats at a technical level and calculate what it would take to close down any exposure. Overall, the certification you pursue should be chosen based on your personal career goals and your learning capacity. It’s also important to note that these certifications come at a (sometimes hefty) price, which could also affect which certification you choose.

1. In a bachelor’s degree program, you’ll learn about secure systems analysis and design, digital forensics and incident response, risk management, technical writing, and web development.
2. Security specialists use the skills developed in their degree programs when they implement and modify software, and conduct deep computer system analysis.
3. As the number of threats and attacks increases, it becomes really the topmost priority for companies to ensure that the network, systems and data are indeed secure.
4. The field of cyber security is constantly evolving, with new threats and technologies emerging all the time.

While many IT jobs are specific to departments within a company, a security consultant’s work typically spans multiple departments because of the enormous amount of data they are responsible for protecting. Security specialists, also known as cybersecurity specialists, develop and implement security measures that protect computer networks and systems. Companies often hire security specialists to secure data networks, prevent security breaches, and make changes to improve security. Due to the industry’s evolving nature, security specialists’ responsibilities are complex and ever-changing.

CAREER PATH AS A CYBER SECURITY SPECIALIST

1. Cybersecurity analysts are primarily responsible for monitoring and responding to security incidents.
2. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects there will be more than 47,000 new positions in this area over that span.
3. Advanced degrees are typically not required, but according to Cyberseek, 22% of online job listings for a cybersecurity consultant position request a graduate degree.
4. NICCS offers comprehensive information on cybersecurity education and careers.
5. Once you secure a position, you can move up the ladder based on your skills and experience.
6. Becoming a cyber security specialist requires a combination of education, skills development, and practical experience.
7. Engaging, state-of-the-art learning modules from various platforms make a career in cybersecurity achievable.

In the early 2000’s the continued growth of internet usage led to a rise in internet crime and a call for further internet security. Now, major breaches, like LinkedIn’s data leak in June 2021, threaten to affect a shocking amount of users. Threats to online security closely shadow the history and development of the internet itself.

Cybersecurity professionals hold one of tech’s most thrilling and rapidly expanding roles. With global career prospects, the demand for these experts surpasses supply, resulting in a lucrative and sought-after role. Specialists tackle tasks such as threat assessment, risk analysis, security architecture, and design. They respond to breaches, manage incidents, and coordinate with legal entities.

As an entry-level cybersecurity professional, certifications such as CompTIA Security+, Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), or Cisco Certified can set you apart. These certifications demonstrate your knowledge of cybersecurity best practices and show employers that you’re prepared for real-world challenges. At Centriq, we help our students prepare for and pass key industry certifications. For example, you may be able to build relevant skills in a cybersecurity boot camp.

To be a leader, innovator, or one who decides the fate of artificial intelligence, take our course for AI Governance Manager. For more information about which certifications we train our students for give us a call. Our Career Services three-phase process is renowned for its high success rate, so you can feel confident that we’ll help you secure your dream role. Program outcomes vary according to each institution’s specific curriculum and employment opportunities are not guaranteed.

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Explore Cyber Security Careers

They offer industry resources, analyses, and tools to help build cyber communications. Security analysts, in particular, spend their days studying the devices in use, analyzing network structure, and testing security measures like firewalls and software permissions. On the other hand, cybersecurity is a very vital component that cannot be ignored in this whole era of digital transformation.

These can provide valuable hands-on experience and demonstrate your passion for the field. These include a strong understanding of computer networks, knowledge of encryption and decryption methods, and the ability to identify and mitigate threats. Some of the abilities that are important include effective data analysis to identify vulnerabilities and develop fixes that will safeguard the artificial intelligence systems in the execution of the tasks. These certifications prove that you hold the best knowledge of principles and techniques of cyber vigilance, more so when you deal with devices that are based on artificial intelligence.

This is much faster how to become a security specialist than the average for other occupations, which is about 5% among all jobs and 15% for computer occupations. It can be common for those with IT experience to eventually make the transition into cybersecurity. If you do not immediately begin with an entry-level cybersecurity job, consider applying for an internship or a part-time job in desktop support.

Innovative solutions and capable analysts are needed to help slow and prevent attacks. The same BLS data shows that among the most popular industries for information security analysts, the highest median annual wage is in the information industry ($128,970). The lowest paying industry is administrative and support services ($95,270).

Networking can be a great way to learn about job opportunities and gain insights into the industry. Certifications are a great way to demonstrate your knowledge and skills to potential employers. Additionally, consider working on personal projects or participating in cyber security competitions.

These “cyberenabled” positions focus on technical support, network engineering, or project management, but still require workers to handle minor security issues. Gaining industry experience in such roles can prepare candidates for core security positions. According to ZipRecruiter, the average salary for cybersecurity specialists is $132,962. While most make between $111,000 and $150,000, some make as much as $186,000 a year. A cybersecurity specialist works on the front lines and behind the scenes to protect digital systems and assets from hackers, threats and vulnerabilities. Other job titles that you might see in your search include IT Security Specialist, Network Security Specialist and Internet Security Analyst.