A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Become a Cybersecurity Specialist

Rasmussen University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is authorized to operate as a postsecondary educational institution by the Illinois Board of Higher Education.

Cybersecurity specialists create and implement security audits across computer hardware and software systems. They make sure that the systems perform the way they are supposed to, and that they are safe from attack. There are several network-oriented professional cybersecurity organizations and groups that are specifically designed to alert members about job openings and professional development opportunities. 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. To succeed as an IT security specialist, accruing some hands-on experience in cybersecurity and computer programming is important. A majority of people in this role work for two to five years in computer programming before shifting into security-focused roles.

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. Like most other careers in cybersecurity, it’ll be a great start to earn your degree relating to the cybersecurity specialist category and then get industry certifications, clearances, and practical experience. Cybersecurity workers and information security specialists both protect valuable information and data.

Government and Defense

It covers attacks, threats and vulnerabilities, operations and incident response and architecture and design. Other topics that are covered include implementation and governance, risk and compliance. They are responsible for making sure that networks and computer systems are up-to-date and not vulnerable to software bugs. 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.

• Learning how to prevent and counteract threats and attacks efficiently takes practice and experience.
• Many IT professionals have an IT degree of some sort and experience working at the help desk.
• Additionally, a cyberattack in 2018 on the national Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) affected over 100,000 Alaska households, in which their data was breached.
• Developmental Education courses do not count toward total program credits and are not calculated in GPA.
• IT Security Specialists hold networking and administrative skills in Windows-based TCP/IP networks, as well as familiarity with a variety of operating systems, including OS X, Unix, or Linux.

Major job requirements can widely vary among employers and you might miss the opportunity to build up your work experience and knowledge before making the leap toward a senior or management position. Whatever option you choose, a security specialist role may be a career that offers many opportunities. They play a crucial role in protecting organizations’ valuable data and ensuring the integrity and confidentiality of information.

It’s never too late to get a degree that will support you in your pursuit of a cybersecurity specialist career. Majors that would benefit a cybersecurity specialist include computer science, information technology, cybersecurity, database management and network administration. Additionally, cybersecurity specialists are often called on in times of crisis or emergency — or when there are issues with networks or data systems. To become an IT Security Specialist, complete a training program like the one offered by MedCerts.

Having industry credentials and higher-level degrees could shorten the experience requirements some potential employers have. The curriculum includes a cybersecurity concentration and a well-rounded curriculum that covers advanced cybersecurity practices and security software development to prepare you with skills for industry certification. Additionally, the program is transfer-friendly and offers individualized attention so graduates can leave with the tools they need for success and advancement. In today’s era of rapidly escalating threats and sophisticated cyber warfare, organizations must be vigilant in combating attackers and protecting information assets. The outlook for cybersecurity specialists is very positive due to the increasing reliance on technology and the growing threat of cyber attacks.

IT SECURITY SPECIALIST SALARY EXPECTATIONS

As organizations continue to invest in cybersecurity to protect their data and systems, the demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals is expected to continue to increase in the years to come. Many IT professionals have an IT degree of some sort and experience working at the help desk. Getting their foot in the door to an entry-level cybersecurity specialist job role can be as easy as earning CompTIA Security+. The more cybersecurity certifications they earn, the more job opportunities will open to them. Healthcare cybersecurity specialists must understand HIPAA compliance requirements as they work to keep electronic health records, medical devices, and hospital networks secure.

REQUIREMENTS TO BECOME A SECURITY SPECIALIST

To be a successful cybersecurity specialist, one should have knowledge and skills in areas such as network security, cryptography, risk management, compliance, incident response, and threat analysis. They must stay up to date with the become an it security specialist learning latest trends and threats in the cybersecurity industry and be able to adapt to evolving security risks. Good communication, problem-solving, and analytical skills are also important for a cybersecurity specialist.

What’s more, multiple government agencies like the National Security Agency, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and the U.S. The state’s Division of Homeland Security & Emergency Management Planning Division now routinely conducts Cyber Security Vulnerability Assessments. These are designed to improve security of critical cyber infrastructure across Alaska in 18 Critical Infrastructure and Key Resource Sectors (CIKRS). Critical infrastructure sectors include systems, assets, functions and networks that are vital to the U.S.

Four key steps to becoming a cybersecurity specialist

The state’s Chief Information Security Officer, Shannon Lawson, noted that Alaska is in the midst of making unprecedented investments in cybersecurity tools from many different vendors. Under previous governor, Bill Walker, Alaska started a technology consolidation project. Lawson is striving to coordinate cybersecurity activities across different agencies statewide. He noted that there are 15 government agencies across the state, some of them with independently operated cyber operations centers.

Whether you want to be a network engineer, security analyst or CISO, CompTIA can help you get there. Before pursuing CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+), IT professionals should have CompTIA Network+ and CompTIA Security+, plus at least 4 years of hands-on experience working in an information security role. Examples include incident response analyst or security operations center (SOC) analyst. 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 typically involves a combination of classroom education and on-the-job experience. The median annual wage for IT security specialists is $120,000, according to the latest data from the U.S.

Get a Computer-Related Degree (If Necessary)

• To become a cybersecurity specialist, you should complete a formal education—like a degree or a cybersecurity bootcamp—in information security or a related subject.
• There are many pathways that people take to become a cybersecurity specialist, but they all involve some combination of education, specialized training, and experience.
• “We’ve never had three months with a loss or decline in premiums for IT security specialists.”
• Digitally, infrastructure security refers to creating and maintaining protected systems from breaches.
• The financial sector often faces sophisticated cyberattacks targeting monetary assets and sensitive customer information.
• Please review our State Restriction page to view what restrictions there may be in your state/region or residence of employment and ensure you are eligible for enrollment.

These roles often require security clearances and involve protecting against state-sponsored threats and advanced persistent attacks. Not only do these experts monitor systems against threats and utilize technology to prevent breaches within networks, they also must be able to quickly react when an attack occurs. A company also relies on their IT security specialist to educate other employees about practices that will keep their personal and company data secure. In order to plan and implement these company trainings, the IT security specialist must not only have the required technical skills for the position, but also necessary soft skills. 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 professionals may design and implement security measures like firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and VPNs while monitoring networks for suspicious activities and potential breaches. Pursuing a job in cybersecurity typically requires a strong educational foundation that includes technical knowledge, theoretical understanding, and detailed cybersecurity training. A security specialist is an excellent way to jump-start your career in cyber security. Whether it is something you are striving for before college, or making a job transition, be prepared by garnering as much knowledge as possible about what companies are looking for in potential employees.

This includes the time it takes to get a degree, earn certifications and get work experience. Getting their start in cybersecurity may seem overwhelming to a career changer but it is achievable. The need for cybersecurity specialists will continue to grow, reaching about 234,000 by 2033. The 10-year projected growth for cybersecurity specialists is 242% above the national rate per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), CompTIA State of the Tech Workforce 2023 and Lightcast.

Cybersecurity Specialist Education Requirements

IT security specialists need strong communication skills, as they are responsible for educating technical and non-technical staffers on cybersecurity protocols and raising information security awareness. Instead of (or in addition to) a degree, cybersecurity certifications help qualify an IT professional for a cybersecurity specialist role. So does membership in professional organizations for cybersecurity professionals.