How To Become A Security Specialist In 2023: Step by Step Guide

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. Pursuing a career in cybersecurity means joining a booming industry where available jobs outnumber qualified candidates. 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]. Some experts say the fields of cybersecurity, network security, information security and infrastructure security are all different. Others consider these cybersecurity careers to exist under the same umbrella of computer security. The following section explores differences among various subsets of cybersecurity.

The following section explores the requirements for becoming a cybersecurity analyst. 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.

Research security specialist duties and responsibilities

People seeking a career change into the cybersecurity field and computer scientists looking to specialize can also earn a graduate degree in IT security. Refer to the salary section below to find out which companies pay particularly well for security specialist roles. However, check beforehand whether an employer does want you to have a cyber security certificate, and which specific one they have in mind. After all, you don’t want to waste your time, effort, and money on a qualification you don’t need or that won’t come in handy for your chosen career path.

Workers in this specialty area may spearhead organizational efforts to create stronger passwords or limit web browsing to trusted sites. Explore programs of your interests with the high-quality standards and flexibility you need to take your career to the next level. Contact recruiters directly how to become a security specialist to double-check that your qualification will be right for the specific job you’re aiming for. The automated nature of these programs means they can be a great time-saver. However, you will also be expected to engage in manual checks and tests to ensure that you don’t miss any issues.

IT Security Foundations: Operating System Security

Others attend technology bootcamps, and many pursue a college degree in cybersecurity. The outlook for cybersecurity specialists is very positive due to the increasing reliance on technology and the growing threat of cyber attacks. As organizations continue to invest in cybersecurity to protect their data and systems, the demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals is expected to continue to increase in the years to come. Some cybersecurity professionals pursue experience before earning certification.

• It’s the role of cybersecurity specialists to stop cyberattacks from causing irreparable damage to a company or even better, find vulnerabilities before the hackers do.
• A developer could inadvertently allow a vulnerable piece of code to go unnoticed, enabling hackers to carry out a zero-day attack.
• Keep in mind that most certification exams require significant preparation, and some include experience requirements.
• Cybersecurity is the ideal industry for remote workers as it’s usually possible to access a company’s network without having to visit the office in person.
• With training and experience, candidates can also pursue other security specialties, such as computer forensics, penetration testing, and governance, risk, and compliance.
• A security specialist is an excellent way to jump-start your career in cyber security.

They offer industry resources, analyses, and tools to help build cyber communications. 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. But being a key component of a company’s information technology needs can be a rewarding responsibility.

What Does a Security Specialist Do?

Information security requires employees to possess hard skills, such as programming languages, and engage in complex technological solutions. Security specialists should begin by obtaining a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity or a related area, such as computer science. Cisco, CompTIA, CISSP, and CEH are some of the certs that may be required by your employer to be qualified for a role. IT security specialists can opt for a degree in computer science, cyber security and information assurance, or network operations and security.

• Professionals pursuing higher-level positions may opt for a master’s or doctoral degree.
• These professionals detect and analyze potential threats, evaluate risks, and respond to security incidents.
• Read on to learn more about cybersecurity job descriptions and how to launch your security specialist career.
• As a security specialist, your overarching goal is to analyze current security procedures and suggest changes to upper management for improving efficiency and overall security.
• The NICCS Education and Training Catalog helps cybersecurity professionals find over 6,000 cybersecurity-related courses.
• With the necessary technical skills, you can apply for entry-level tech positions.

A strong foundation of education, combined with internships and professional experience, set candidates up for success. Qualified cybersecurity specialists need a strong foundation of soft and hard skills to complete their daily tasks. Some of those skills include communication, collaboration, malware prevention, and computer forensics.