Security specialist career guide: Finding a security specialist job

Entry-level positions often involve developing code, troubleshooting problems, and testing malware. Once you’ve gained the necessary education, you can start applying for roles. Without much experience working in the cyber security field, you’ll probably need to apply for entry-level IT or cyber security positions. These will give you the relevant experience you need before you can be considered for a security specialist job. On the other hand, if you already have relevant experience working in a cyber security team, then you will stand a much better chance of getting hired as a security specialist.

• Jay (Chuck) McCormick, PSP, has pursued many facets of security integration and assumed many roles in security management.
• They should also look into career opportunities and what other industries they can cross paths with if they are so inclined.
• The following section explores the requirements for becoming a cybersecurity analyst.
• This can take the form of other, related work experience, or it can take the form of a structured internship or other formal hands-on learning.

Many also offer preparation for a variety of certifications that are highly-regarded in this field. Jay (Chuck) McCormick, PSP, has pursued many facets of security integration and assumed many roles in security management. He says continuous learning, certification, and a great mentor were important factors in his upward career trajectory. Learn more about the responsibilities, duties, and daily tasks of security specialists and how they make a difference in their companies. Security specialists use the skills developed in their degree programs when they implement and modify software, and conduct deep computer system analysis.

What Is a Security Specialist?

If you’re wanting to pursue this career, it may be possible to be successful with a high school degree. But about one out of every six security specialists didn’t attend college at all. Security researchers spend their days investigating the systems in operation, evaluating the layout of the network, and checking security mechanisms such as firewalls and permissions for applications. A CISO must have excellent security management and organization skills because they essentially run the entire cybersecurity department.

Individuals in this role are also working as well for their soft skills as for their technical abilities. Specialists of cybersecurity ought to be willing to connect effectively in team capacities to be relaxed. The job also includes coaching and instruction of co-workers on best practices in defense. Also, cybersecurity experts are called upon in moments of disaster or disaster or where networks or computer structures have challenges. Cybersecurity professionals with bachelor’s degrees earn more than those without.

Required Experience for Security Specialists

Security analysts, in particular, spend their days studying the devices in use, analyzing network structure, and testing security measures like firewalls and software permissions. Digital forensic investigators work with law enforcement to retrieve data from digital devices and investigate cybercrimes. Security engineering and architecture could be a good fit if you enjoy tinkering with technology and like to take a big picture approach to cybersecurity. If you enjoy planning and building, you may choose to pursue security engineering and architecture.

• 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.
• They provide ongoing oversight for organizations’ cybersecurity efforts through several methods.
• In that case, it is no wonder that companies are investing in cybersecurity like never before.
• This list of the top 50 cybersecurity networking groups and professional organizations from Digital Guardian is a good place to start.
• 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.
• Because of Silicon Valley’s undeniable impact on the global technology market, the average tech salary is the highest in the San Francisco area, at $145k per year.

Individuals must apply for certification through organizations like (ISC)², Cisco, and CompTIA. Their average annual salary is similar to that of a cybersecurity specialist at $76,410. However, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics lists an information security analyst’s salary as $99,730 per year or $47.95 per hour.

What skills are required to become a security specialist?

Specific fallout from security breaches can vary depending on the type of work an organization does. 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.

In this role, you might manage security teams, coordinate between teams, and ensure security compliance. Typically, the highest security role in an organization is that of chief information security officer (CISO). Working in security at the executive level often means managing operations, policies, how to become a security specialist and budgets across the company’s security infrastructure. It is a great career to enter as there are several roads to travel toward executive-level roles. Explore the necessary certifications for security specialists and learn more about the educational requirements for this profession.