How to Become a Cybersecurity Specialist in 2023

Experience in a particular industry, such as banking, may give aspiring security specialists a leg up on other applicants aiming to work in that specific field. 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 toward what companies are looking for in potential employees. Major job requirements can widely vary among employers and you might miss the opportunity to build up your work experience and knowledge before making the leap towards a senior or management position. However you choose, a security specialist role is a career with many opportunities. As a cybersecurity specialist, you will help to increase and provide security for networks, software systems, and data centers.

An undergraduate how to become a security specialist in cybersecurity or general computer science may qualify applicants for some positions. However, internships and IT work experience can help recent graduates stand out in the job market. A cyber security expert is responsible for ensuring the safety of an organization’s computer systems and networks. They work to protect data from being accessed or stolen by unauthorized individuals, and they respond to incidents when data is compromised.

What Skills Should IT Security Specialists Have?

Over the next few years, you can continue your education, such as by studying for an online Master’s degree in cyber security or one or more of the above certificates. These cyber security experts use their in-depth understanding of security threats, technologies, and countermeasures to ensure that an organization has robust computer security systems. A security specialist will run regular checks on network and computer systems and suggest improvements where necessary.

• These professionals work with public and private employers of all sizes to ensure the safety of data for customers, government entities and healthcare organizations.
• These tell employers that you are serious about learning more in your field.
• Matt Whittle is a freelance writer and editor who holds a BA in English from Penn State University.
• But regardless of the range, a cyber security engineer can earn some serious pay.
• For data, this field protects information by building structures for backups and encryption.
• Consider joining professional cybersecurity communities to connect with field experts and attend conferences.
• The automated nature of these programs means they can be a great time-saver.

Verbal and written proficiency goes a long way in the individual’s professional career. Constant urge to learn about new tools and techniques related to the field is preferred. Cybersecurity specialists work in conjunction with the IT teams of the organization to protect the firm from threats and vulnerabilities. Data monitoring and threat assessment a regular intervals are one of their duties. They design network and data pathways using the latest security techniques and available tools. The typical timeline to becoming a cyber security Engineer can depend on your education, experience, and certifications.

Is Cybersecurity a Growing Field?

Cybersecurity specialists must remain up to date with changes in the field by researching emerging threats and fixes. If you enjoy problem-solving, working with various networks, and mastering the latest technology, becoming a security specialist may not be hard. However, to become an expert in the field, you may need certification and years of experience. The education necessary for these roles is similar and will transfer into other roles as you gain experience. IT Security Specialists should be able to make recommendations to upper-level management for improving and optimizing their systems. They should have a thorough knowledge of antivirus and malware protection systems, and be able to determine the most appropriate one for their organization.

They make sure that the systems perform the way they are supposed to, and that they are safe from attack. There are a number of network-oriented professional cybersecurity organizations and groups that are specifically designed to alert members about job openings and professional development opportunities. The Certified Ethical Hacker certification is also considered a more advanced cert because it generally requires that applicants have multiple years of work experience. The goal of an ethical hacker certification is to be able to understand how cyber attacks unfold in order to improve threat assessment and mitigation skills. A cybersecurity specialist might wear many hats depending on the size and shape of his or her company or organization.

Education and Training

Applicants should explore which certifications match their skills and desired career path. Some cybersecurity certifications cater to entry-level candidates while others prepare workers for advanced positions. In 2021, the average annual salary for a security consultant is around $99,000 with some Principal Security Consultants making more than $158,000 per year. A network engineer has a crucial job when it comes to protecting critical business and consumer data.

• With an eye-popping 33% growth rate expected from 2020 to 2030, the U.S.
• This certification is for cybersecurity professionals who have attained an expert level designation.
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They offer industry resources, analyses, and tools to help build cyber communications. Collaborate with other security colleagues and propose network improvements and new software solutions to security managers and architects. A security specialist’s exact duties may vary by company, but they can expect to complete the following tasks in the course of their work.

Soft Skills Needed

The Certified Cloud Security Professional credential is a globally recognized certification that demonstrates a deep understanding of cloud security architecture, design, operations, and service organisms. The CCSP validates an individual’s ability to effectively secure data, applications, and workloads in the cloud.