IT security professionals are also be expected to monitor the company network for any breaches or vulnerabilities, devising plans for further safeguarding as needed. Cybersecurity specialists need to be comfortable in a world that is constantly moving and shifting. They accomplish this by managing security software, educating personnel on cybersecurity best practices to prevent data breaches, and responding with the appropriate countermeasures when cyber attacks breach the defenses. Cybersecurity specialists perform crucial work in protecting sensitive digital information and communications. These professionals work with public and private employers of all sizes to ensure the safety of data for customers, government entities and healthcare organizations. 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.

Finally, holding the position of security specialist might require helping co-workers adopt new technologies and security software as it develops. However, most people are reluctant to change, especially if it requires learning a new operating procedure or workflow. So the ability to articulate the reason for the change and the ability to relate to co-workers’ needs and objections is also important. There are several network-oriented professional cybersecurity organizations and groups that are specifically designed to alert members about job openings and professional development opportunities. Information technology security specialists take home a median annual wage of $112,000, according to the latest salary data from the U.S.

Why You Can Trust Forbes Advisor Education

Certifications like CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+), PenTest+ and Project+ can prove you have the skills to take your cybersecurity career to the next level. Use this Cyber Security Specialist job description to advertise your vacancies and find qualified candidates. It’s a good idea to let your employer know about your plans to study, as they might be willing to help with the funding. After all, the knowledge and skills you gain will benefit your career and, in turn, the organization. Matt Whittle has experience writing and editing accessible education-related content in health, technology, nursing and business subjects.

• But being a key component of a company’s information technology needs can be a rewarding responsibility.
• The good news is, the job outlook for IT security specialists is exceptionally strong—and only getting better.
• Like most other careers in cybersecurity, it’ll be a great start to earn your degree relating to the cybersecurity specialist category and then get industry certifications, clearances, and practical experience.
• It’s a good idea to let your employer know about your plans to study, as they might be willing to help with the funding.
• Cybersecurity specialists handle a broad set of technical responsibilities related to safeguarding sensitive digital information and data.

They will be able to clarify which items a company deems necessary, preferred, or desirable. As a security specialist, you will spend your days studying the devices in use and testing security measures like firewalls and other software. This role also involves reporting to more senior members of the IT team and presenting any findings and recommendations. Security specialists also collaborate with other departments to ensure that colleagues are aware of how to practice good IT security. A security specialist, also known as an IT security specialist or a cyber security specialist, is responsible for developing and implementing security measures for an organization.

IT Security Specialist Jobs

They make sure that the systems perform the way they are supposed to, and that they are safe from attack. This list of the top 50 cybersecurity networking groups and professional organizations from Digital Guardian is a good place to start. It makes sense to start thinking about what kinds of certifications are required by an employer, or what kinds of certifications make job applicants competitive within the field. “Security is the only area of certified IT skills that has never had a negative quarter throughout this recession,” says David Foote, CEO and Chief Research Officer of leading research firm Foote Partners. “We’ve never had three months with a loss or decline in premiums for IT security specialists.” Adding certifications like CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+) can validate your skills in the cybersecurity field and prepare you for a more advanced role within your organization.

Another aspect of a cybersecurity specialist’s job is the design of firewalls and other security measures to make sure that information and proprietary networks are compliant with the most recent security standards. Security+ is a CompTIA certification that is considered a basic cert among cybersecurity professionals. One of the primary responsibilities of a cybersecurity specialist is to keep tabs on the systems employed by their organization and report any issues to management. They are also responsible for anticipating future threats and advising on how to deal with them.

How to become an IT security specialist in 2024

Certifications like ITF+, CompTIA A+ and Network+ give you the background you need if you don’t already have it, and CompTIA Security+ is recommended to begin your career as a Cybersecurity Professional.

The Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) is a more advanced certification designed for cybersecurity professionals with at least five years of work experience. A simple way of thinking about a cybersecurity specialist is someone who keeps tabs on a company’s or organization’s security while also helping other employees and teammates stay current on best practices. Refer to the salary section below to find out which companies pay particularly well for security specialist roles. Organizations hire security specialists to prevent security breaches, which involves identifying any system weaknesses that a cyber criminal might exploit. A security specialist should also research evolving risks (new methods that cyber criminals employ) and implement changes that take all known risks into account.

Requirements and skills

This role is critical because oftentimes data breaches come from inside the organization, either intentionally or accidentally. Welcome to IT Career Finder, a website designed to help IT pros advance their careers. Working closely with IT professionals, world-class trainers, and hiring managers cybersecurity specialist program since 2005 has given him unique insight into the information technology job market and the skills and credentials IT pros need to succeed. Validate skills in various cybersecurity areas, including offensive operations, cyber defense, cloud security, industrial control systems and more.

Cyber security jobs of all sorts are becoming increasingly crucial in the digital age. From a specialist to an analyst to the IT security director, there are many jobs that focus on network security and all of these positions are vital for information security success. As a result, cyber security jobs have only grown in importance and demand—especially with the growth of ransomware attacks and data breaches that expose sensitive information. The outlook for cybersecurity specialists is very positive due to the increasing reliance on technology and the growing threat of cyber attacks.

Featured Cybersecurity Training

In all professions, networking offers a reliable pathway to finding job opportunities. In addition to connecting with your co-workers, consider joining a professional organization. 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. That often means that continuing education is required — both in the form of formal, industry-recognized certifications —  and the form of informal learning and tracking industry developments.

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. 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. They provide ongoing oversight for organizations’ cybersecurity efforts through several methods. A cybersecurity specialist is a professional who is responsible for protecting computer systems, networks, and data from unauthorized access, theft, or damage. They work to prevent cyber attacks, detect security breaches, and respond to security incidents.

IT Security Specialist Career Path

At the app level, infrastructure security professionals develop and deploy effective databases to prevent access by bad actors. For data, this field protects information by building structures for backups and encryption. Payscale reports an average annual cybersecurity salary of around $97,000, and these wages typically increase with experience.