A specialist may protect the information directly, but they may also be in charge of protecting entire information systems as well as networks through which that information spreads. Cybersecurity professionals tend to get paid well for their skills, even at the https://remotemode.net/ entry level. As you gain experience and move into more advanced roles, salaries often go up as well. To give you an idea of what’s possible, here’s a look at the average total pay of several cybersecurity jobs in the US in October 2023, according to Glassdoor.

• They need to excel at problem-solving, critical thinking, software development, as well as working as part of a team and building good working relationships.
• Learn more about key topics including support specialist career paths and educational requirements.
• You may be protecting computer networks of retail chains, government agencies such as the Social Security Administration, and private companies such as Equifax, which was hacked in 2019.
• It also covers managing and exploiting weaknesses in the Internet of Things (IoT), the cloud, and hybrid environments.
• Testing applicants can access career roadmaps that help determine the right certificate for their skills, goals, and interests.

The need for security specialists rose to protect business networks from evolving cyberthreats. When it comes to learning how to become an IT specialist, education is the foundation of this high-demand career. By earning an undergraduate or graduate degree in information technology, you’ll develop the core competencies needed to secure a rewarding position within the IT field and evolve your career.

Job Outlook for an IT Security Specialist

According to a recent PayScale questionnaire, most employees with the job title cybersecurity specialists responded that they have a high level of job satisfaction. There are also a few certifications that an IT security specialist could choose to obtain. Some employers prefer to hire those who are certified, as it proves they have the necessary knowledge and experience required.

Before becoming a security specialist, 47.8% earned their bachelor’s degree. When it comes down to graduating with a master’s degree, 7.0% security specialists went for the extra education. how to become a security specialist If you’re wanting to pursue this career, it may be possible to be successful with a high school degree. But about one out of every six security specialists didn’t attend college at all.

What skills does a computer programmer need?

Using the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE), you may be able to narrow down the field where you want to work. However, this also shows you that this field doesn’t consist of jobs which have a specified list of responsibilities. Even earning an industry certification requires that you possess a specific skill set. Selecting specific titles gives you information about that role, as well as the framework categories. Security specialists protect an organization’s computer systems from cyberattacks and vulnerabilities.