Companies are listing more cybersecurity jobs and paying higher salaries than ever because it is difficult to find strong, qualified talent in this industry. Although security specialists do not always need certification, most employers how to become a security specialist prefer certified candidates. Keep in mind that certificate programs and technology bootcamps do not provide certification. Individuals must apply for certification through organizations like (ISC)², Cisco, and CompTIA.

A big challenge for aspiring security specialists is getting their first job without years of experience. 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. Applicants should explore which certifications match their skills and desired career path.

Southern Methodist University

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. Job titles include network defender, incident responder, and security administrator. A networking security specialist, also known as an information security analyst, is responsible for devising and implementing security measures to safeguard computer networks and systems against cyber threats and viruses.

Here are some things to consider when choosing which certification is right for you. If you’re just getting started in information technology (IT), CompTIA recommends that you get your Google IT Support Professional Certificate first. You’ll build foundational skills in IT while preparing to pass the CompTIA A+ exams—the first step in the CompTIA certification path. SNHU provides affordable online technology degrees that are respected by employers and universities nationwide. According to Indeed.com, the average annual salary for this occupation is $50,380 in the United States. Compensation varies according to experience, as well as geographical location, so the average salaries for some of the most popular U.S. tech hubs are listed in the chart below.

Become an IT Security Specialist

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. The Defense Department has called for a major initiative to support education in science, technology, engineering and math, or STEM. It says there are eight times as many college graduates in these disciplines in China and four times as many engineers in Russia as in the United States. To write an effective IT security specialist job description, begin by listing detailed duties, responsibilities and expectations. We have included IT security specialist job description templates that you can modify and use.

• The Bridge to Calculus program at Northeastern, where Kevin Tran spent his summer, is one response to that.
• This certification from the Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC) is an entry-level security credential for those with some background in information systems and networking.
• Internships and entry-level IT positions will help you gain hands-on experience with security tools and protocols.
• 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.

Joining professional organizations, college groups, and online communities can help jumpstart a security specialist career. Security specialists handle sensitive information, so most employers require experience and expertise. According to a Burning Glass Technologies report, 46% of cybersecurity jobs require 3-5 years of experience. 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. According to Glassdoor.com, the national average salary for an IT security specialist is $95,689 based on a scale that checks in at $45,000 per year on the low end and up to $102,000 per year at the high end.

Partner Certifications

“Mathematics is becoming more and more a part of almost every career,” said Michael Allen, who chairs the math department at Tennessee Technological University. “We are no longer keeping pace with other countries, particularly China,” the Aspen report says, calling this a “dangerous” failure and urging decisionmakers to make education a national security priority. “This is not an educational question alone,” said Josh Wyner, vice president of The Aspen Institute think tank. In July, the think tank warned that other nations are challenging America’s technological dominance.

• Cybersecurity defends against attacks on hardware, software, networks and users.
• Upon completion, you’ll have exclusive access to a job platform with over 150 employees hiring for entry-level cybersecurity roles and other resources that will support you in your job search.
• In today’s era of rapidly escalating threats and sophisticated cyber warfare, organizations need to be vigilant in combating attackers and protecting information assets.
• IT security specialists are responsible for their organization’s computer-related security, ensuring company data remains secure and protected against cyberattacks.
• Some companies may accept as little as 1-to-2 years of experience while some may require over five years of IT security experience.
• Networking is another critical part of how to become a cybersecurity specialist.

Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+) applies behavioral analytics to the IT security field to improve the overall state of IT security. 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. Find out how different WGU is about personalizing and supporting your education.

Many large corporations are also setting up their own cybersecurity taskforces and are increasingly hiring cybersecurity specialists. Not only do these experts monitor systems against threats and utilize technology to prevent breaches within networks, they also must be able to quickly react when an attack occurs. A company also relies on their IT security specialist to educate other employees about practices that will keep their personal and company data secure. In order to plan and implement these company trainings, the IT security specialist must not only have the required technical skills for the position, but also necessary soft skills. IT security specialists and cybersecurity specialists perform similar jobs. However, cybersecurity specialists usually focus on analyzing, monitoring, and responding to threats, while IT security specialists research, monitor, and install protective software.