Network security professionals work within a narrower scope than cybersecurity workers. Cybersecurity defends against attacks on hardware, software, networks and users. In contrast, network security focuses on vulnerabilities in the connections between devices. According to a recent PayScale questionnaire, most employees with the job title cybersecurity specialists responded that they have a high level of job satisfaction.

• According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the number of cybersecurity jobs is expected to increase by 32 percent from 2022 through 2032.
• Having industry credentials and higher-level degrees could shorten the experience requirements some potential employers have.
• Workers in this specialty area may spearhead organizational efforts to create stronger passwords or limit web browsing to trusted sites.
• If you’re wondering how to get into cybersecurity, read on to explore salaries, job outlooks and available certifications in the field.
• So the ability to articulate the reason for the change and the ability to relate to co-workers’ needs and objections is also important.

Among the many cybersecurity jobs that companies are hiring for across all industries is the position of cybersecurity specialist. Other companies may stipulate that they seek cybersecurity specialists with a specific amount of professional experience. Candidates can accrue experience in other cybersecurity roles or through internships while still pursuing their degrees to meet this requirement. Though certification is not required to work in this role, formal credentials can boost your job opportunities and cybersecurity specialist salary. Certifications demonstrate expertise in cybersecurity to potential employers, and they indicate a dedication to the field.

Get a Computer-Related Degree (If Necessary)

First, the increasing reliance on technology in all aspects of our lives has created more opportunities for cybercriminals to attack. Cybersecurity organizations are a great way for those in the industry to keep up with current happenings, collaborate with like-minded individuals and more. Security+ provides a global benchmark for best practices in IT network and operational security, one of the fastest-growing fields in IT. Earning CompTIA Network+ in combination with two years of experience in IT administration with a security focus ensures candidates are prepared to earn CompTIA Security+. Ultimately, you will work to ensure the security of our business information, employee data and client information throughout our entire network. In the Google IT Support Professional Certificate program, I learned skills to assist customers with end-to-end support, ranging from identifying problems to troubleshooting and debugging.

They can be attained through industry certifications, degree programs, internships and work experience. A computer science degree provides a foundation in information technology (IT), including understanding TCP/IP protocols that are at the core of all networking. Further educational certification may help professionals get a job in cybersecurity. The CCNA Cyber Ops certification program provides practical, relevant, and job-ready curricula that aligns closely with the specific tasks expected of cybersecurity professionals. However, the qualifications required for a cybersecurity job can vary from employer to employer. Some organizations require a master’s degree to become a cybersecurity specialist, but not all.

Get a Degree (If Needed)

A Cyber Security Specialist’s responsibilities include using their skills to detect insecure features and malicious activities within our networks and infrastructure. They will implement customized application security assessments for client-based asset risk, corporate policy compliance as well as conduct vulnerability assessment. They should have an advanced understanding of TCP/IP, common networking ports and protocols, traffic flow, system administration, OSI model, defense-in-depth and common security elements. If you are starting from scratch, becoming a cybersecurity specialist will take longer. Shorten the journey by completing a cybersecurity internship during school and working an entry-level cybersecurity or help-desk job if time allows. If you consistently network on LinkedIn, you may find that job opportunities will present themselves to you as you complete a degree program, earn industry certifications and get experience.

Cybersecurity specialists are also known as information technology specialists, operations specialists, information security specialists and security specialists. The term applies to a skill set that a variety of cybersecurity professionals use to prevent cyberattacks and mitigate data breaches. Some of these roles include but are not limited to security administrator, systems administrator and security analyst. Sometimes both a degree and cybersecurity certifications are required for cybersecurity specialists – but that’s not always the case. Cybersecurity jobs are in high demand right now and employers are realizing that they need to be open to alternative paths to knowledge and experience in order to fill these positions.

Professional Organizations for Cybersecurity Specialists

The following section explores differences among various subsets of cybersecurity. Cybersecurity specialists perform crucial work in protecting sensitive digital information and communications. These professionals work with public and private employers of all sizes to ensure the safety of data for customers, government entities and healthcare organizations.

A cybersecurity specialist is trained in spotting suspicious patterns in computer systems. They monitor all aspects of the computer infrastructure for threatening activities. These cybersecurity professionals also construct, install and operate firewalls and set and implement security standards. You can also check out these in-demand cybersecurity jobs and entry-level jobs, and this career guide that points you toward detailed articles on specific entry-, mid-, and senior-level roles. This is the reason why cybersecurity specialists are and will remain in demand.

What is a Cybersecurity Specialist?

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. A simple way of thinking about a cybersecurity specialist is someone who keeps tabs on a company’s or organization’s security while also helping other employees and teammates stay current on best practices. The key areas where this is happening include industry certifications and advanced degree programs. Search “cyber security specialist $100,000” on LinkedIn and you find a cornucopia of high-paying jobs from across the country. Certifications like CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+), PenTest+ and Project+ can prove you have the skills to take your cybersecurity career to the next level. These days, employers are increasingly seeing the benefits of a larger and more inclusive talent pipeline that include alternative pathways into technology jobs.

People in this role are often hired as much for their soft skills as their technical ability. Security+ is a CompTIA certification that is considered a basic cert among cybersecurity professionals. There are many pathways that people take to become a cybersecurity specialist, but they all involve some combination of education, specialized training, and experience. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics is a trusted source of information about countless job categories and includes listings packed with data about the future job outlook for a wide variety of occupations. At the present time, one of the few cybersecurity positions it tracks is also one of the most common — information security analyst. Adding certifications like CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+) can validate your skills in the cybersecurity field and prepare you for a more advanced role within your organization.

Many large corporations are also setting up their own cybersecurity taskforces and are increasingly hiring cybersecurity specialists. Cybersecurity specialists play a key role in securing information systems. By monitoring, detecting, investigating, analyzing, and responding to security events, cybersecurity specialists protect systems from cybersecurity risks, threats, and vulnerabilities. Cybersecurity specialists can anticipate strong employment growth over the coming decade. For example, The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a 32% projected employment growth rate for information security analysts from 2022 to 2032. This title encompasses roles like cybersecurity analyst and information security specialist.

Third, the global shortage of cybersecurity workers is expected to continue, which will drive up wages and salaries for cybersecurity specialists. Though there are many cybersecurity positions where a master’s degree is not required, it is increasingly common to see an advanced degree listed as “required” or “preferred” in listings for top jobs. According to CyberSeek’s breakdown of the cybersecurity specialist position, 63% of employers require a bachelor’s degree and 20% require a master’s degree.

CompTIA Security+ is the first security-focused certification cybersecurity professionals should earn, but it shouldn’t be the last. Hiring managers will also be looking for advanced certifications such as CompTIA Cybersecurity cybersecurity specialist program Analyst (CySA+). These companies may hold job fairs, put on conferences and provide resources for connecting with peers and employers. Consider some of the following professional organizations for cybersecurity workers.