What Does An IT Security Specialist Do?

Candidates with a college degree may enjoy higher pay and more advancement potential. Employers may also view a degree as a sign of focus and discipline, core skills for security specialists. This page provides detailed information about how to become a cybersecurity specialist. Read on to learn more about cybersecurity job descriptions and how to launch your security specialist career. In today’s era of ever-escalating cyber attacks, organizations need to have security measures in place that will protect their sensitive data and systems.

Many also offer preparation for a variety of certifications that are highly-regarded in this field. 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. To write an effective how to become a security specialist job description, begin by listing detailed duties, responsibilities and expectations.

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For example, The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a 35% projected employment growth rate for information security analysts from 2021 to 2031. This title encompasses roles like cybersecurity analyst and information security specialist. Cybersecurity specialists perform similar work to information security specialists but may focus more on hardware. As experts in cybersecurity, these specialists help to create, analyze and deploy organizational security systems. Cybersecurity specialists test for areas of potential exposure in interconnected computer networks, document their findings and provide solutions for vulnerabilities.

First, the increasing reliance on technology in all aspects of our lives has created more opportunities for cybercriminals to attack. This role is critical because oftentimes data breaches come from inside the organization, either intentionally or accidentally. Information security shares some overlap with cybersecurity—in fact, cybersecurity is a subset of information security. However, cybersecurity focuses exclusively on protecting digital assets, while information security covers digital and physical information across all mediums. Validate skills in various cybersecurity areas, including offensive operations, cyber defense, cloud security, industrial control systems and more.

Required Education for Security Specialists

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. They provide ongoing oversight for organizations’ cybersecurity efforts through several methods. Cybersecurity specialists protect sensitive data and analyze vulnerable spots in company networks. These professionals detect and analyze potential threats, evaluate risks, and respond to security incidents.

Cisco, CompTIA, CISSP, and CEH are some of the certs that may be required by your employer to be qualified for a role. The actual job description of a security specialist can be hard to pin down, because these specialists may have varying duties based on their actual position. But typically these specialists are expected to install, configure, and maintain security software designed to prevent outside attacks on the company’s internal network. IT security professionals are also be expected to monitor the company network for any breaches or vulnerabilities, devising plans for further safeguarding as needed. Due to the specificity of certain roles to certain organizations, a similar job title elsewhere does not always indicate commensurate experience. To be a successful cybersecurity specialist, one should have knowledge and skills in areas such as network security, cryptography, risk management, compliance, incident response, and threat analysis.

Related career resources.

Project+ gives technical and non-technical professionals the basic concepts to successfully manage small- to medium-sized projects. Security+ provides a global benchmark for best practices in IT network and operational security, one of the fastest-growing fields in IT. But being a key component of a company’s information technology needs can be a rewarding responsibility. A general background in IT is usually appreciated, if not always required.

• What’s more, multiple government agencies like the National Security Agency, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and the U.S.
• Information security shares some overlap with cybersecurity—in fact, cybersecurity is a subset of information security.
• The certification covers topics such as architecture, engineering, and management.

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

IT Security Specialist Job Description

Networking, internships, and certifications can help individuals land entry-level security positions. Many cybersecurity experts start out as network engineers, help desk technicians, or systems administrators. Since most businesses store financial, statistical, and customer data online, cybersecurity specialists — also called security specialists — can work in many industries.

• As you might expect, IT security specialists require extensive technical skills and knowledge to effectively do their jobs.
• Without much experience working in the cyber security field, you’ll probably need to apply for entry-level IT or cyber security positions.
• 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 toward a senior or management position.
• Joining professional organizations, college groups, and online communities can help jumpstart a security specialist career.