How to Become a Cybersecurity Specialist A Career Guide

Information security analysts plan and carry out security measures to protect an organization’s computer networks and systems. A qualification for professionals with at least five years’ experience working in the industry, the CISM certification is a great way to further your career. You must have completed the required five years of work experience, which includes at least three years in an information security management position, before you obtain the qualification. To receive the accreditation, you must have completed your work experience within 10 years’ prior to submitting the application. With enough experience, a site security specialist could advance to a supervisory or managerial role. 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.

But most people are reluctant to change, especially if it requires learning a new operating procedure or work-flow. So the ability to articulate the reason for the change and the ability to relate to co-workers’ needs and objections is also important. The Work Environment tab includes the number of jobs held in the occupation and describes the workplace, the level of physical activity expected, and typical hours worked. It may also discuss the major industries that employed the occupation. This tab may also describe opportunities for part-time work, the amount and type of travel required, any safety equipment that is used, and the risk of injury that workers may face. Information security analysts sometimes have to be on call outside of normal business hours in case of an emergency.

Become an IT Security Specialist

The Bureau of Labor Services puts cybersecurity into the broader information security analysts category. According to the BLS, in 2020, information security analysts earned a sizeable income of $103,590. This figure is slightly higher than other computer professionals make at $91,250. Cybersecurity involves many processes, technologies, and methods to protect data, networks, and computer systems from attacks. The field is broad, and to understand it better, we have to divide cybersecurity into different subdomains. So now that you know what a cyber security engineer does, what they make, and how secure the career is, you no doubt are curious about how to become one. And here we are in 2022, and not only has the Forbes prediction come true, but the situation is also getting worse.

Security architects are in charge of the security budget, staff, and other resources. They manage IT security teams and write up detailed reports for the leadership. Their findings and reports are crucial to improving a company’s security policies.

Job Outlook, 2021-31

If you have any uncertainties about the education, experience, knowledge, or skills you need for a security specialist role, be sure to get in touch with the recruiter directly. They will be able to clarify which items a company deems necessary, preferred, or desirable. Security specialists can find employment in a broad range of commercial, governmental, and not-for-profit organizations. To qualify for this position, you tend to need a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in a related subject. However, employers may also ask for the attainment of certain certificates. Even if these extra qualifications aren’t required, they can still give you a leg up when it comes to applying for jobs. Still, if someone is interested in the field but she did not earn a computer science degree nor a cybersecurity one, she still can join a master’s degree and specialize in IT security.

Once you’ve acquired a Bachelor’s Degree in computer science or a related field, you’ll typically begin your career as an entry-level Security Specialist. In general, you can become a Security Specialist after completing your 4 year Bachelor’s Degree in a related discipline. Depending on the type of Security Specialist role you’re pursuing, you may want to explore certification in itil. You’ll also manage any cyber-attacks and monitor their effects on the company.

Where Can A Cybersecurity Specialist Work?

Initial work opportunities may not focus only on security, but any computer science position can fulfill work requirements for security-specific positions. However, higher education degrees often affect salary and promotions. Candidates with a college degree may enjoy higher pay and more advancement potential. Employers may also how to become a security specialist view a degree as a sign of focus and discipline, core skills for security specialists. In terms of skills, experience, and general mindset, a cybersecurity specialist needs to be like a Swiss Army knife of the digital world. A person in this role needs to be multi-disciplinary and adaptable to a wide variety of situations.