Digitally, infrastructure security refers to creating and maintaining protected systems from breaches. We are looking for a Cyber Security Specialist to join our team to work closely with the stakeholders to ensure that cyber security projects meet objectives across our organization. They are responsible for various tasks, including process re-engineering and documentation of activities related to this area.

In addition to your degree, you may also want to consider getting a certificate in an area of cybersecurity that interests you. Entire movies have been made about cyber-attacks targeting agencies that work with nuclear materials—imagine the disaster that could ensue if a cyber-attacker successfully got into the computer networks of the U.S. We don’t have to imagine that a hack in this or similar facilities is possible. Sometime during your final semester in school, you’ll want to start scanning job ads. You should choose which area of this field you want to focus on the most as you are choosing which positions you want to apply for. If this program sounds like a fit, you can contact one of our knowledgeable advisors.

Four key steps to becoming a cybersecurity specialist

This role also involves reporting to more senior members of the IT team and presenting any findings and recommendations. Security specialists also collaborate with other departments to ensure that colleagues are aware of how to practice good IT security. It’s the right time to enter a career in the cyber security field, and we can help you take the next steps to secure your dreams. Graduate in as little as 18 months with courses that will equip you with a fundamental understanding of cyber security and cyber risk management.

• With these credentials, security professionals validate and even improve their ability to implement best practices as security specialists, paving the way to more expertise and job opportunities.
• Workforce demand for computer security specialists is high in all verticals, including corporations, schools, medical practices, and government agencies.
• You may need to visit the websites of several universities to find a degree that checks off all the boxes you want.

Apple has fought with the New York District Attorney’s office, trying to protect customers’ private information. It has hired additional cybersecurity professionals to protect itself and its users’ data. You can begin by exploring different cybersecurity or IT degree programs at the bachelor’s level. You may need to visit the websites of several universities to find a degree that checks off all the boxes you want. Refer to the salary section below to find out which companies pay particularly well for security specialist roles. If you are part of an existing IT team, make sure you’re aware of the internal recruitment process and any openings for security specialist roles.

Are You Ready to Take Your Education to The Next Level

Cyber security jobs of all sorts are becoming increasingly crucial in the digital age. From a specialist to an analyst to the IT security director, there are many jobs that focus on network security and all of these positions are vital for information security success. As a result, cyber security jobs have only grown in importance and demand—especially with the growth of ransomware attacks and data breaches that expose sensitive information. Because you want a security career, you will have to learn how to perform certain actions and you’ll have to gain certain skills.

If you’re not yet qualified to be a Security Engineer, you can aim for a Security Analyst position. Moving up to the position of Security Engineer will most likely result in a raise for a Security Analyst. Some smaller companies combine the role of Security Engineer and Security Analyst and this would be a simple way to move into this position without making a big leap.

Find Your Degree

For example, The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a 35% projected employment growth rate for information security analysts from 2021 to 2031. This title encompasses roles like cybersecurity analyst and information security specialist. Cybersecurity specialists perform similar work to information security specialists but may focus more on hardware. As experts in cybersecurity, these specialists help to create, analyze and deploy organizational security systems. Cybersecurity specialists test for areas of potential exposure in interconnected computer networks, document their findings and provide solutions for vulnerabilities. Other job titles that you might see in your search include IT Security Specialist, Network Security Specialist and Internet Security Analyst.

All of these will help you to identify weaknesses in a system, ideally before a cyber criminal finds them. A security specialist, also known as an IT security specialist or a cyber security specialist, is responsible for developing and implementing security measures for an organization. As a security specialist, your overarching goal is to analyze current security procedures and suggest changes to upper management for improving efficiency and overall security. If you are looking toward leadership positions in the cyber security space, you’ll need to find a program that will develop your management and communication skills. The right program will  also train you on the technical tools that you need.

Cloud Security

Lumify Learn, for example, offers their cyber security course 100% online – allowing students (employed or otherwise) to train according to their personal needs and schedule. These tell employers (current and future) that you are serious about learning more in your field. Fortunately, being an adept security specialist makes you a prime candidate for roles in computer forensics, penetration testing, security consulting, security management, and security architecture. Security specialists will also use a range of tools to assess the level of security in an organization’s computer and network systems. As mentioned in the list of daily responsibilities, you might be expected to carry out penetration testing. Software that can assist you in this task includes Kali Linux, nmap, Metasploit, Wireshark, and John the Ripper.

“In the context of cybersecurity, it’s networks, and computers and software.” However, for some (but not all) master’s program tracks, you might need a computer science or engineering undergrad degree. Some top programs include Georgia Tech, New York University, Stanford University, Carnegie Mellon University, and the University of California, Berkeley. While the role of a cybersecurity specialist may seem technically daunting, it can entail much more than programming. In fact, some cybersecurity roles don’t require a background in computer science—and can still help drive meaningful business decisions.

The field is ripe with potential, and we’re about to show you why a cybersecurity career is a fantastic (and rewarding!) choice. Certifications like CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+), PenTest+ and Project+ can prove you have the skills to take your cybersecurity career to the next level. Enquire today to kickstart a fulfilling career in the world of cyber security. If you’re how to become a security specialist one of the lucky ones, you may just snag full-time employment straight out of your training. For many others, pursuing an internship is common to gain further industry experience. Reports show a growing need for cyber security workers in Australia (up to an additional 17,600 by 2026) – with the government planning to increase the quality of university courses in the sector.

It is based on a common body of knowledge that covers a broad range of topics, including network security, Cryptography, and access control. To be eligible for the CISSP, candidates must have at least five years of work experience in two or more of the eight CISSP domains. There are a number of 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 as someone who keeps tabs on a company’s or organization’s security while also helping other employees and teammates stay current on best practices. So now that you know what a cyber security engineer does, what they make, and how secure the career is, you no doubt are curious about how to become one.