What Does An IT Security Specialist Do?

Developing security systems often involves the collaboration of many specialized professionals. InfoSec specialists with real life experience argue that educational institutions in any case don’t provide enough practical knowledge – and don’t have access to modern technologies and equipment. Thus, to work in the InfoSec field and to fight real cyberthreats, some additional education is required anyway. To stay ahead of cyber threats, specialists continuously monitor and analyze network traffic, looking for any anomalies or signs of potential attacks.

Companies hire these professionals to prevent security breaches by analyzing current systems, researching ever-evolving risks, suggesting improvements, and implementing changes. If you have a passion for technology and a strong desire to protect sensitive information, a career in cyber security might be the right choice for you. With the increasing number of cyber threats, professionals in how to become a security specialist this field are in high demand. Discover the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in this exciting and challenging industry. Another promising career path in cyber security is that of a penetration tester or ethical hacker. These professionals are hired to identify vulnerabilities in a system by attempting to exploit them, thereby helping organizations enhance their security measures.

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The skills section on your resume can be almost as important as the experience section, so you want it to be an accurate portrayal of what you can do. Luckily, we’ve found all of the skills you’ll need so even if you don’t have these skills yet, you know what you need to work on. Out of all the resumes we looked through, 14.9% of security specialists listed ladders on their resume, but soft skills such as analytical skills and detail oriented are important as well. Learn more about the responsibilities, duties, and daily tasks of security specialists and how they make a difference in their companies.

  • Validate skills in various cybersecurity areas, including offensive operations, cyber defense, cloud security, industrial control systems and more.
  • Cybersecurity specialists must remain up to date with changes in the field by researching emerging threats and fixes.
  • Cybersecurity specialists play an interesting role in the companies and organizations where they are employed.

They also test systems to bridge vulnerabilities and upgrade computing equipment to improve safety. Payscale reports an average annual cybersecurity salary of around $97,000, and these wages typically increase with experience. Regardless of your degree, it is important to constantly educate yourself on new technologies and threats.

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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. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

  • A cyber security specialist stays up-to-date with the latest threats and trends, implementing proactive measures to prevent these attacks.
  • Security specialists take responsibility for their organizations’ computer-related security, protecting company data against cyberattacks.

As you might expect, IT security specialists require extensive technical skills and knowledge to effectively do their jobs. And while it’s important to have fluency in programming languages and experience with UNIX-, Linux-, and Windows-based systems, it’s even more important to have a bachelor’s degree to be qualified for this job. According to Payscale, major companies paying security specialists well above the national average include the Boeing Company, the Walt Disney Company, and American Express Co. Aspiring cybersecurity specialists may also find ample opportunities in companies like CACI International Inc, American Electric Power, and IBM. A security specialist’s job description includes analyzing computer security vulnerabilities, reporting findings, and implementing new security measures. Career security specialists work closely with other technology personnel like IT support specialists and network administrators.

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That often means that continuing education is required — both in the form of formal, industry-recognized certifications —  and in the form of informal learning and tracking industry developments. This list of the top 50 cybersecurity networking groups and professional organizations from Digital Guardian is a good place to start. It makes sense to start thinking about what kinds of certifications are required by an employer, or what kinds of certifications make job applicants competitive within the field. This role is critical because oftentimes data breaches come from inside the organization, either intentionally or accidentally. Always inquire with a potential employer for their specific job requirements.

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By investing in these programs, organizations can ensure the safety and security of their sensitive information, while professionals can enhance their expertise and advance their careers. In today’s digital https://remotemode.net/ world, the importance of cyber security cannot be overstated. With the rapid advancement of technology, businesses and individuals are becoming more interconnected, making them vulnerable to cyber threats.