What Is a Cybersecurity Specialist Cybersecurity Expert?

Learn how to become a cybersecurity specialist and help keep the digital space safe. The important trait that all cybersecurity specialists should have is technical know-how. 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. The U.S. Army also offers $4,244 per month for their IT security specialist roles. In general, securities consultants make a higher salary in the technology industry with an average of $99,249.

Cybersecurity specialists need to be comfortable in a world that is constantly moving and shifting. There are numerous opportunities for highly technical roles, like cybersecurity specialists and developers, at cybersecurity companies. Many large how to become a security specialist corporations are also setting up their own cybersecurity taskforces and are increasingly hiring cybersecurity specialists. The demand for cybersecurity specialists and information security analysts, in general, is expected to skyrocket.

Key Skills Needed for Success in 2022

Given the broad scope of cybersecurity specialist work, not all employers require significant professional experience when hiring. Some organizations employ these specialists in entry-level roles, allowing them to develop on-the-job experience. These security professionals keep a close watch on the specific risks that lurk around the organization’s IT ecosystem by tapping into data, right from entry to storage and exit.

CompTIA certifications establish a baseline foundation of skills that you can build upon with other vendor or technology-specific certifications. Project+ gives technical and non-technical professionals the basic concepts to successfully manage small- to medium-sized projects. Knowing how firewalls work, operating them, and maintaining various endpoint security measures is a must.

Ability to perform deep analysis with an eye for detail

Most security specialists can enter the field with a bachelor’s degree. Still, professionals may need to pursue more certifications, education, or training to meet a company’s specific needs. Cybersecurity specialists usually hold a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information security, or a related field. Added certifications can help these professionals develop specialized skills and advance their careers. Among the many cybersecurity jobs that companies are hiring for across all industries is the position of cybersecurity specialist. Like most other careers in cybersecurity, it’ll be a great start to earn your degree relating to cybersecurity specialist category then get industry certifications, clearances, and practical experience.

A security operations center team likely has several tiers of cybersecurity professionals that are responsible for monitoring, directing, containing and remediating IT threats. Cybersecurity Professionals may be tasked with anything from installing, administering and troubleshooting security solutions to writing up security policies and training documents for colleagues. While other job roles are responsible for specific part of the overall system, Cybersecurity Professionals must be able to take a step back and see the big picture to keep it secure from threats.

What Does a Cybersecurity Specialist Do?

These are just a few examples of the dozens of cybersecurity certifications available. When looking at job opportunities in the cybersecurity industry, it’s a good idea to keep notes about what kinds of certifications employers are looking for. Additionally, much of the cybersecurity specialist workforce found employment after completing a related degree and/or by having closely-related work experience. Security specialists with solid leadership traits tend to embrace more responsibilities.

• A report from Ponemon Institute and IBM showed the average cost of one cyberattack was $4.24 million in 2021.
• With the increased demand for cloud storage and online businesses, the demand for cyber security is at an all-time high.
• You should also enroll in various training programs to boost your skills or work closely with the IT gurus to learn more about technology and increase your field expertise.
• Mobile devices are secured by purpose-built software like MDM , which ensures device security at the OS level.
• A day in the life of a security specialist often varies, especially when new cyberthreats happen.

This IT expert will conduct threat and risk analysis and examine the business effect of new and existing systems and technologies to remove risk, performance, and capacity issues. Additionally, understanding intrusion detection systems and intrusion prevention systems and their relation to a firewall can be crucial for the security professional. They also recommend potential solutions such as hardware and software programs that can minimize the impact of breaches. Explore accredited cybersecurity degrees that develop practical skills through hands-on projects. Programs should feature current tools and languages and offer a collaborative environment.