Internships can help security specialist hopefuls gain the experience needed for certification and high-level positions. Professionals pursuing higher-level positions may opt for a master’s or doctoral degree. People seeking a career change into the cybersecurity field and computer scientists looking to specialize can also earn a graduate degree in IT security. Regardless of your degree, it is important to constantly educate yourself on new technologies and threats. Sometimes, this may mean taking additional cyber certifications or classes after you are hired.
Network security professionals work within a narrower scope than cybersecurity workers. Cybersecurity defends against attacks on hardware, software, networks and users. In contrast, network security focuses on vulnerabilities in the connections between devices. 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. Explore the necessary certifications for security specialists and learn more about the educational requirements for this profession.
Information Security
A computer science degree provides a foundation in information technology (IT), including understanding TCP/IP protocols that are at the core of all networking. Further educational certification may help professionals get a job in cybersecurity. The CCNA Cyber Ops certification program provides practical, relevant, and job-ready curricula that aligns closely with the specific tasks expected of cybersecurity professionals. However, the qualifications required for a cybersecurity job can vary from employer to employer.
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. Cybersecurity bootcamps have focused curriculums on the skills, strategies, and tools that IT Security Specialists will need to protect networks and systems. Many also offer preparation for a variety of certifications that are highly-regarded in this field. The security specialist role best suits people who enjoy new challenges and want to protect data. Professionals in this industry also need strong problem-solving skills.
How Do I Become a Cybersecurity Specialist?
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. It must show relevant experience, education and fully support the required specialized experience. TRANSCRIPTS – Transcripts are REQUIRED if there is a stated education requirement for the series OR if you are substituting education for experience. The transcripts need not be official, but must show that you meet the stated education requirements, including specific major or class requirements.
- 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.
- What’s more, multiple government agencies like the National Security Agency, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and the U.S.
- Indeed.com employment search, companies like Prudential, Stearns Bank, The Walt Disney Company, Grant Thornton, and Farmers Insurance Group are all in need of IT security specialists.
- Information security specialists may handle aspects like multifactor authentication and access to physical information storage areas.
- A big challenge for aspiring security specialists is getting their first job without years of experience.
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. However, some employers will prefer their https://deveducation.com/s have a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a concentration in information technology or systems. IT security specialists generally need to have previous work experience in a related occupation as well. Many choose to work their way up to being an IT security specialist by gaining hands-on experience in an information technology department as a network or systems administrator. You may also want to consider pursuing additional credentials by becoming a Certified Information Systems Security Professional through the (ISC)².
Required Experience for Security Specialists
“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.” Research and compare top-rated cyber security degree programs online and in your area. The median annual wage for IT security specialists in the USA is $104,000, according to the latest data from the U.S. Accredited schools offer college degrees, courses and certificates in modern information security tools and technologies.
The website also offers resources to help candidates land technology jobs. According to a 2021 CompTIA job report, information security analyst positions were in the top ten cybersecurity specialist for the most remote job listings — with about 4,400 postings. SNHU provides affordable online cybersecurity degrees respected by employers and universities nationwide.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating. The following is a list of documents that are only required based on the type of position and consideration for which you are applying. Our goal is to attract and retain a diverse group of talented employees to support our mission. Earning a master’s degree in a related field shows that you have extensive knowledge in the area and have an even more extensive understanding of IT Security. Discover whether the security specialist profession fits your strengths and interests by exploring daily tasks and responsibilities.