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Furthermore, 13.8% earned their master’s degrees before becoming a cyber security specialist. While it’s true that most cyber security specialists have a college degree, it’s generally possible to become one with only a high school degree. In fact, one out of every seven cyber security specialists did not spend the extra money to attend college. A cyber security specialist annual salary averages $93,395, which breaks down to $44.9 an hour. However, cyber security specialists can earn anywhere from upwards of $69,000 to $125,000 a year. This means that the top-earning cyber security specialists make $57,000 more than the lowest-earning ones.
- Furthermore, they need to be familiar with products and know effective threat intervention and prevention strategies.
- According to a recent PayScale questionnaire, most employees with the job title cybersecurity specialists responded that they have a high level of job satisfaction.
- In your daily tasks, you’ll help to design and build data communications networks.
Research ever-evolving risks, analyze past breaches, and implement new security measures like firewalls. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median salary of $103,590 for information security analysts in 2020. Certifications like CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+), PenTest+ and Project+ can prove you have the skills to take your cybersecurity career to the next level. Cyber Security, 17%Recorded assessment results, conclusions and justifications, and transmitted documentation as required by the cyber security plan.
How to Become a Cybersecurity Specialist [+ Career & Salary Guide]
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a job growth rate of 32% between 2018 and 2028. Cybersecurity specialists are constantly testing security systems, both in computer hardware and software. Read our informational guide to learn about the degrees, certifications, and professional experiences needed to become a security specialist. NICCS offers comprehensive information on cybersecurity education and careers.
Most days on the job vary, as computer systems need constant fine-tuning to prevent cyberthreats. Government and corporate settings typically employ security specialists. However, government agencies may require specialized knowledge and different security levels than corporate employers. Although their key responsibilities remain the same, a day in the life of a cybersecurity specialist may vary. The next day, they might stop an active cyberthreat and install new counterattack software. A successful cybersecurity specialist should have strong leadership skills that can be exercised through credibility, responsiveness, and ethics.
Hard technical skills
To begin with, a fundamental understanding of administration, management, and O.S architectures (Linux, Windows, etc.) is essential. Also, a command over networking concepts and software virtualization is necessary. Other companies have Cyber Security Specialists on call during weekends, nights, or holidays to respond in case of a breach. Cybersecurity organizations are a great way for those in the industry to keep up with current happenings, collaborate with like-minded individuals and more.
- A securities consultant writes incident reports, recommend strategic techniques, and research threat risks that may put the company in jeopardy.
- The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median salary of $103,590 for information security analysts in 2020.
- The comprehensive IT curriculum is enhanced with specialized instruction in cybersecurity.
Cybersecurity specialists, also known as security specialists, are the professionals who are responsible for maintaining network security. They help to protect an organization’s network from threats, risks and vulnerabilities.
What is A Cybersecurity Specialist?
Ensuring that there are no vulnerabilities or loopholes present in the network for cybercriminals to exploit is one of the primary responsibilities. Cybersecurity professionals like security specialists enjoy a promising job outlook and salary potential. Staying up to date with technology and best practices can challenge security specialists. Full-time cybersecurity workers can update their knowledge and skills through certifications and continuing education. Cybersecurity specialists usually hold a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information security, or a related field.
- Explore programs of your interests with the high-quality standards and flexibility you need to take your career to the next level.
- If you’re further along in your IT career, the in-depth cybersecurity policy instruction, security design principles, and cryptology experience can help you advance to mid- or senior-level roles.
- They collaborate across sectors to inform best practices, research, and funding opportunities for ethical data sharing.
- These attacks can put organizations out of business and can lead to loss of livelihood for many individuals.
- They create systematic strategies to proactively prevent and react to security breaches, thereby protecting software systems, networks, data centers, and hardware.
- It has some dedicated tools to ensure that information accumulated over the cloud is distributed and maintained securely.
They need a deep how to become a security specialist of computer and network infrastructure to identify and effectively solve any breaches that occur. Specific fallout from security breaches can vary depending on the type of work an organization does.
