They create and implement security plans for businesses and remain up to date on the latest trends in the field. Networking is another critical part of how to become a cybersecurity specialist. Joining professional organizations, college groups, and online communities can help jumpstart a security specialist career. A 2019 Burning Glass Technologies report notes that most cybersecurity jobs (65%) require a bachelor’s degree. Undergraduate majors like cybersecurity, computer science, and computer forensics can provide candidates with the skills to pursue security specialist jobs. Make sure to opt for a degree program for a security specialist which offers access to several certifications, such as the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP).

• As you gain experience and move into more advanced roles, salaries often go up as well.
• It also provides “real-time analysis of single customers” within half a second, as well as analysis of groups of up to 5,000 applications to detect trends of larger-scale orchestrated fraud.
• With more and more companies turning to the cloud to store data, cyber thieves will try to attack these accounts.
• The following examples are taken from real security architect job listings on LinkedIn.
• Information security specialists may handle aspects like multifactor authentication and access to physical information storage areas.

Today, hackers are growing more sophisticated and security breaches are becoming more frequent. There is a need to protect against risks and threats to an organization’s data. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) reports that 47 percent of adults in the US have had their personal data exposed by cyber criminals [1]. If you take into account that a data breach can cost an average of $9.44 million in the US, it’s clear why there is high demand for cybersecurity [2]. One of the top online resources for cybersecurity job seekers and those interested in pursuing a career in information security is CyberSeek.org. On its Career Pathways page, CyberSeek lists Cybersecurity Specialist as an entry-level position (one that pays an average annual salary of $99,652).

REQUIREMENTS TO BECOME A SECURITY SPECIALIST

You can also pursue entry-level certifications that prove your expertise without professional experience. Candidates may spend 3-5 years gaining technology experience, often in non-security IT roles. These “cyberenabled” positions focus on technical support, network engineering, or project management, but still require workers to handle minor security issues. Gaining industry experience in such roles can prepare candidates for core security positions. Since most businesses store financial, statistical, and customer data online, cybersecurity specialists — also called security specialists — can work in many industries. Entry-level positions often involve developing code, troubleshooting problems, and testing malware.

• Finally, holding the position of security specialist might require helping co-workers adopt new technologies and security software as it develops.
• The Microsoft Cybersecurity Analyst Professional Certificate is designed to introduce the skills and knowledge you’ll need for an entry-level role as a cybersecurity analyst.
• Finally, update your resume with all the certifications, skills, and experience you’ve gained.
• You can also participate in online platforms, competitions, or projects that allow you to practice your skills and learn from other professionals.
• On its Career Pathways page, CyberSeek lists Cybersecurity Specialist as an entry-level position (one that pays an average annual salary of $99,652).
• Information security requires employees to possess hard skills, such as programming languages, and engage in complex technological solutions.

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. You’ll also manage any cyber-attacks and monitor their effects on the company. All along, you’ll be securing and closing off any vulnerable areas before any attack takes place.

Cybersecurity specialist careers: Your essential roadmap

By earning a degree in computer science, cybersecurity, information technology, or a related field, you can build some of the foundational IT and security skills recruiters are looking for. Always inquire with a potential employer for their specific job requirements. Some companies may accept as little as 1-to-2 years of experience while some may require over five years of IT security experience. 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. When you find a weakness in a company’s computer systems, you need to communicate that clearly and easily to your team members and the team lead. Your responsibility will require you to have a variety of skills, such as vulnerability assessments and excellent communication.

You are probably already well aware that cybercrime is continually on the rise. In fact, cybercrime is forecasted to amount to $10.5 trillion by 2025 — which is just a few short years away. Combine this upward growth in the industry with the zero percent unemployment rate, and the result is a white-hot job market that features six-figure salaries. Cybersecurity specialists handle a broad set of technical responsibilities related to safeguarding sensitive digital information and data. Depending on the size of their employer, these cybersecurity experts may work in niche, specialized areas of the field or oversee more general security tasks.

Find Cyber Security Specialist Jobs Near You

Digital forensic investigators work with law enforcement to retrieve data from digital devices and investigate cybercrimes. The following examples are taken from real security architect job listings on LinkedIn. Program outcomes vary according to each institution’s specific curriculum and employment opportunities are not guaranteed. The anti-fraud technology that will support One Login offers “detection of false application details [and] highlighting of proven and suspected fraudulent entities”, according to the SIRA product listing.

• Networking can help set you apart from other candidates by putting a face to the name or getting introduced through a mutual connection.
• Some positions may accept bootcamp graduates or self-taught workers with drive and certifications.
• Also, even if one of these certificates isn’t required for a role, it may still be preferable, or at least beneficial.
• After gaining a year or two of experience, you might move into roles like penetration tester, cybersecurity consultant, or security engineer on your professional path toward becoming a security architect.
• Security architect is considered an advanced-level role within cybersecurity.
• According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the number of cybersecurity jobs is expected to increase by 32 percent between 2022 and 2032 [1].

As you gain the necessary experience and skills to apply for security architect roles, you can start thinking about how to best present yourself on your CV. One of the best ways to do this is to find ways to apply security principles and techniques in your current role. Working as a security architect means taking a more strategic role on your organisation’s cybersecurity team. If you enjoy working with how to become a security specialist others to solve complex problems and don’t mind taking a step back from hands-on technical work, a career in security architecture could be a good fit. It’s then the job of the security engineer to figure out how to implement that vision. If a security architect decides to add a new security tool to the infrastructure, the security engineer would be responsible for installing and configuring it.