How to Become an IT Security Specialist in Four Steps ECU Online

An IT Security Specialist is responsible for implementing and monitoring security on networks, applications and operating systems. They identify potential threats, conduct risk mitigation, implement security best practices and develop disaster recovery procedures. Many IT professionals use Security+ as the foundation for advanced security certifications or career roles. To learn more about these career opportunities, check out our blog post, Top CompTIA Security+ Jobs and Salary Ranges. In our security certification online course, you’ll learn to implement and monitor security on networks, applications and operating systems, and how to respond quickly and effectively to security breaches.

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They provide ongoing oversight for organizations’ cybersecurity efforts through several methods. Cybersecurity specialists perform crucial work in protecting sensitive digital information and communications. These professionals work with public and private employers of all sizes to ensure the safety of data for customers, government entities and healthcare organizations.

Information technology security specialists take home a median annual wage of $112,000, according to the latest salary data from the U.S. 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. 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. With every passing year, the number of businesses migrating to the cloud increases — and in turn, the number of cyberattacks increases.

IT SECURITY SPECIALIST SALARY EXPECTATIONS

Ethical hackers (or penetration testers) seek to identify vulnerabilities in systems before malicious actors can exploit them. These cybersecurity professionals often simulate cyberattacks against an organization’s digital systems, document weaknesses, and recommend security improvements to mitigate risks. As businesses migrate to cloud environments, cloud security specialists may be essential in securing cloud-based assets and applications.

Every business organization needs professionals who can keep critical assets safe and secure, and IT security specialists play an important role. To prepare for success in the field, seeking a strong education in IT and cybersecurity is crucial. IT security specialists protect all types of information, including personal details, internal data, plans and strategies, and financial records. Every business organization has valuable assets that it must keep safe and secure, ranging from trade secrets to confidential financial information. To meet that need, many organizations hire information technology (IT) security specialists to safeguard their assets against breach or theft, including from hacking and other cybercrimes. A major corporation or organization uses a security specialist to protect its software and network security system.

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This specialty may focus on safeguarding sensitive items using structures like generators, security systems and locks. Digitally, infrastructure security refers to creating and maintaining protected systems from breaches. Forbes Advisor’s education editors are committed to producing unbiased rankings and informative articles covering online colleges, tech bootcamps and career paths. Our ranking methodologies use data from the National Center for Education Statistics, education providers, and reputable educational and professional organizations. An advisory board of educators and other subject matter experts reviews and verifies our content to bring you trustworthy, up-to-date information. According to Cyberseek, the average advertised salary for a cybersecurity specialist is $106,265.

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Another aspect of a cybersecurity specialist’s job is the design of firewalls and other security measures to make sure that information and proprietary networks are compliant with the most recent security standards. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), information security professionals earned a median annual salary of $120,360 as of May 2023. Salaries can vary depending on a number of factors, including years of experience and level of education.

A degree in cybersecurity may allow you pursue your interests while helping organizations mitigate risks and defend against sophisticated cyberattacks. Cybersecurity specialists are also known as information technology specialists, operations specialists, information security specialists and security specialists. The term applies to a skill set that a variety of cybersecurity professionals use to prevent cyberattacks and mitigate data breaches. Some of these roles include but are not limited to security administrator, systems administrator and security analyst.

Specialists protecting power grids, water systems, and transportation networks focus on industrial control system security. These cybersecurity specialists defend operational technology (OT) environments and connect traditional IT security with industrial engineering knowledge. Cybersecurity specialists in government agencies and defense organizations safeguard national security information and critical infrastructure8.

IT Security Specialist Job Outlook

IT Security Specialists hold networking and administrative skills in Windows-based TCP/IP networks, as well as familiarity with a variety of operating systems, including OS X, Unix, or Linux. Employment of IT security specialists will increase by 32% from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the 3% average for all U.S. occupations. Security remains a top concern for IT hiring managers as the frequency and devastation of cyber attacks rise. With the amount of data being stored and communicated through computer systems and networks, as well as the advancement and popularity of the cloud, businesses must work to keep information secure. Cyber security assessments are non-regulatory reviews of cyber security management practices within an organization, designed to build threat indicators, risk assessment, and prioritized recommendations.

• A simple way of thinking about a cybersecurity specialist is someone who keeps tabs on a company’s or organization’s security while also helping other employees and teammates stay current on best practices.
• Salaries can range from $69,000-$182,000 annually, depending on experience, location and the specific company.
• These professionals also educate co-workers on best practices, as breaches may occur accidentally or deliberately by bad actors within their companies.
• A security specialist is an excellent way to jump-start your career in cyber security.
• Lawson is striving to coordinate cybersecurity activities across different agencies statewide.
• Many employers may consider this the minimum educational requirement for a cybersecurity specialist.

This program covers cybersecurity fundamentals, network security, become an it security specialist learning risk management and implementing security measures. In this guide, we’ll explore how to become a cybersecurity specialist, covering essential education requirements, technical skills, industry certifications, and specialized focus areas within the cybersecurity industry. To become a cybersecurity specialist, you should complete a formal education—like a degree or a cybersecurity bootcamp—in information security or a related subject.

However, cybersecurity prevents access by bad actors, and information security considers aspects like the availability and confidentiality of data. Information security specialists may handle aspects like multifactor authentication and access to physical information storage areas. 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.

• Whether it is something you are striving for before college, or making a job transition, be prepared by garnering as much knowledge as possible about what companies are looking for in potential employees.
• Finally, holding the position of security specialist might require helping co-workers adopt new technologies and security software as it develops.
• To find work in the security field, it’s first necessary to develop the right set of core competencies and skills, something that requires an academic background in IT, cybersecurity, or a related field.
• To be a successful cybersecurity specialist, one should have knowledge and skills in areas such as network security, cryptography, risk management, compliance, incident response, and threat analysis.
• This role is critical because oftentimes data breaches come from inside the organization, either intentionally or accidentally.
• IT security specialists need strong communication skills, as they are responsible for educating technical and non-technical staffers on cybersecurity protocols and raising information security awareness.

Cybersecurity professionals in banking and finance help organizations protect payment systems, prevent fraud, and secure online transactions. They must stay current with financial regulations like PCI DSS7 while defending against rapidly evolving threats. This continuing education requirement helps ensure that security professionals stay current with evolving threats and technologies, aligning with the dynamic nature of the cybersecurity industry. It is a great career to enter as there are several roads to travel toward executive-level roles. In addition to creating structures to protect interconnected devices, professionals in this sector safeguard sensitive assets for applications and data.

Though certification is not required to work in this role, formal credentials can boost your job opportunities and cybersecurity specialist salary. 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. In general, cybersecurity specialists are often required to have several years of experience in a cybersecurity-focused job. More experience is required for advanced roles and less is needed for early-career roles.

For those who are zealous about helping organizations maintain their security, this profession can be highly rewarding. To find work in the security field, it’s first necessary to develop the right set of core competencies and skills, something that requires an academic background in IT, cybersecurity, or a related field. The program includes expert-led video-based training, competency assessments and the national certification exam fee. Welcome to IT Career Finder, a website designed to help IT pros advance their careers.

A Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity typically offers training in theoretical technology concepts, technical expertise, and practical experience. If you choose to pursue this degree, you may develop knowledge and skills that could be valuable for cybersecurity analyst roles, network security positions, and other mid-level cybersecurity jobs. Many employers may consider this the minimum educational requirement for a cybersecurity specialist. As cyber threats and data breaches continue to rise1, organizations increasingly need qualified cybersecurity specialists to protect their valuable information assets. If you are interested in the field of cybersecurity, you may find that pursuing a bachelor’s degree in this area can help prepare you for a future job that aligns with your career aspirations. Whether you’re interested in ethical hacking, network security, or developing security protocols, this career path can open opportunities in many different fields.

IT security specialists are responsible for their organization’s computer-related security, ensuring company data remains secure and protected against cyberattacks. As a discipline within network engineering, this field covers protection against breaches for interconnected electronics rather than individual databases or devices. Network security professionals use firewalls, physical hardware and education efforts to safeguard against intrusions and retain lost data. Finally, holding the position of security specialist might require helping co-workers adopt new technologies and security software as it develops. However, most people are reluctant to change, especially if it requires learning a new operating procedure or workflow.