Become an IT Security Specialist Learning Path LinkedIn Learning, formerly Lynda com

For data, this field protects information by building structures for backups and encryption. As a discipline within network engineering, this field covers protection against breaches for interconnected electronics rather than individual databases or devices. Network security professionals use firewalls, physical hardware and education efforts to safeguard against intrusions and retain lost data. 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.

In fact, cybercrime is forecasted to amount to $10.5 trillion by 2025 — which is just a few short years away. Combine this upward growth in the industry with the zero percent unemployment rate, and the result is a white-hot job market that features six-figure salaries. Cybersecurity specialists handle a broad set of technical responsibilities related to safeguarding sensitive digital information and data.

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The average yearly salary for a security engineer depends on what type of engineer they are. While this type of job is engaging and unpredictable, it can also take up a lot of time. Security analysts work long hours and are often called in from their free time to take care of a security incident.

• The good news is, the job outlook for IT security specialists is exceptionally strong—and only getting better.
• It is almost a given that you will have a decent income wherever you find employment in the IT security sector.
• Security specialists will also use a range of tools to assess the level of security in an organization’s computer and network systems.
• The pay rate can depend on the industry—for example, companies such as Target pay as much as $155,892 per year for an IT security specialist, while Boeing offers an annual salary of $119,450.
• If your career goals include obtaining a more senior role in a cyber security team, then you’ll need to deepen your knowledge and refine your skills.

At the present time, one of the few cybersecurity positions it tracks is also one of the most common — information security analyst. PenTest+ is for intermediate level cybersecurity professionals who are tasked with penetration testing to manage vulnerabilities on a network. The majority of IT security specialists hold a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field. The good news is, the job outlook for IT security specialists is exceptionally strong—and only getting better. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that employment in this sector is projected to grow 31% from 2019 to 2029, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. Plus, demand for this role continues to be exceptionally high with no signs of slowing.

How long does it take to become an IT security specialist?

After all, the knowledge and skills you gain will benefit your career and, in turn, the organization. Both Master’s degrees and certificates can often be completed fully online, in the evenings, on the weekends, or on a part-time basis. This level of convenience and flexibility means many students manage to complete their studies while holding down a full-time job. CISA is a national organization that seeks to understand, manage, and reduce risk to cyber and physical infrastructure.

• 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.
• They need to have a hacker’s mind to successfully determine what tactics an actual hacker might use to harvest protected data.
• An undergraduate degree in cybersecurity or general computer science may qualify applicants for some positions.
• You may advance to become a security architect, responsible for your organization’s entire security infrastructure.
• The more a security specialist can guard against attacks, the more a business is able to function at full technological throttle.
• Information security specialists may handle aspects like multifactor authentication and access to physical information storage areas.
• According to Indeed.com, the following states had employers looking to hire a IT Security Specialist.
• 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.

To that end, we have built a network of industry professionals across higher education to review our content and ensure we are providing the most helpful information to our readers. There is no guarantee that you will be earning more if you work for a San Francisco company than one in Denver. Nevertheless, these statistics point to certain patterns that you might take into consideration when choosing the organization you will work for next. They oversee everything, from identifying security risks to developing strategies for mitigating them and making sure they are no longer a threat. A CISO also needs to work closely with the other leadership positions as well as the employees working for them, which is why their communication skills need to be outstanding.

Job Description for an IT Security Specialist

Because of their long list of responsibilities, security architects are among the highest-paid cybersecurity professionals – their annual salary averages from $106,362 to $124,051. Different positions within the IT security sector will have different responsibilities. Even two identical job titles in two different companies likely won’t have the same duties. Your specific role will depend on your level of experience, your organization’s type of business, and your job’s specific responsibilities. If you’re interested in starting a career in cybersecurity, consider the Microsoft Cybersecurity Analyst Professional Certificate on Coursera. This program is designed ​​to help individuals with no previous experience learn in-demand skills, and prepare for Microsoft’s SC-900 exam and a first job in cybersecurity, all at their own pace.

All of these will help you to identify weaknesses in a system, ideally before a cyber criminal finds them. 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. The fact that more and more businesses are relying on cloud computing, technology, and remote work presents further reasons to prioritize security infrastructure. We have compiled all the relevant information about the security specialist role, so you can decide whether this is the ideal career path for you. We reveal the essential aspects of the position, how to get hired, data on salary expectations, and the best companies that are hiring.

The CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) is particularly popular, as are those that focus on specific areas of work such as systems auditing or penetration testing. IT security specialists are responsible for putting security measures in place to ensure that computer systems and networks of the organization are protected. Their role changes very often as there are more how to become a security specialist cyberattacks and more sophisticated methods of cybercrime. Cybersecurity specialists can anticipate strong employment growth over the coming decade. 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.

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. Requirements to enter the field vary by job and employer, but cybersecurity professionals usually need extensive knowledge and certifications.