Learn How to Become a Security Specialist Education & Duties

Refer to the salary section below to find out which companies pay particularly well for security specialist roles. 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.

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. 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.

Ethics in Information Security

Network security professionals work within a narrower scope than cybersecurity workers. Cybersecurity defends against attacks on hardware, how to become a security specialist software, networks and users. In contrast, network security focuses on vulnerabilities in the connections between devices.

If the above description of a security specialist’s role and skill set appeals to you, what steps should you take to get started on this career path? Below is a five-stage process that will take you from a point of being inexperienced in cyber security to getting hired as a security specialist. Workforce demand for computer security specialists is high in all verticals, including corporations, schools, medical practices, and government agencies. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the IT security specialist job market will grow by 32% from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the 3% average for all occupations, placing it among the nation’s fastest-growing career paths.

Qualifications for an IT Security Specialist

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. As a security specialist, you will spend your days studying the devices in use and testing security measures like firewalls and other software. This role also involves reporting to more senior members of the IT team and presenting any findings and recommendations. Security specialists also collaborate with other departments to ensure that colleagues are aware of how to practice good IT security.

Cyber security jobs of all sorts are becoming increasingly crucial in the digital age. From a specialist to an analyst to the IT security director, there are many jobs that focus on network security and all of these positions are vital for information security success. As a result, cyber security jobs have only grown in importance and demand—especially with the growth of ransomware attacks and data breaches that expose sensitive information. A security specialist is an excellent way to jump-start your career in cyber 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.

What skills does a computer programmer need?

The standard qualification for breaking into the computer security field is a bachelor’s degree in computer information systems, computer science or a related discipline, the BLS reports. In addition, https://remotemode.net/ employers may show preference to candidates with experience, industry certifications or both. Specialists are hired to perform tasks that align with their experience in a relatively narrow field.

Certifications like ITF+, CompTIA A+ and Network+ give you the background you need if you don’t already have it, and CompTIA Security+ is recommended to begin your career as a Cybersecurity Professional. Find out how different WGU is about personalizing and supporting your education.