how to become a security specialist

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. Security specialists, also known as cybersecurity specialists, develop and implement security measures that protect computer networks and systems.

Two of the best cybersecurity certifications you can get are CompTIA Security+ and CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+). PenTest+ is for intermediate level cybersecurity professionals who are tasked with penetration testing to manage vulnerabilities on a network. If you’re interested in starting a career in cybersecurity, consider the Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate. You’ll learn about the importance of protecting networks, devices, people, and data from unauthorized access and cyberattacks using Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) tools.

  1. Continuous learning and pursuing certifications are key to staying current with evolving technologies and best practices.
  2. CISA is a national organization that seeks to understand, manage, and reduce risk to cyber and physical infrastructure.
  3. Cybersecurity specialists handle a broad set of technical responsibilities related to safeguarding sensitive digital information and data.
  4. Threats to online security closely shadow the history and development of the internet itself.
  5. With CompTIA Security+, you’ll gain knowledge and skills related to cyberattacks, threats and vulnerabilities, as well as operations and incident response.

They work to prevent cyber attacks, detect security breaches, and respond to security incidents. Cybersecurity specialists need to be comfortable in a world that is constantly moving and shifting. 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.

Cybersecurity Education Requirements

CSIA offers an environment for an exchange of ideas between national security thought leaders. CSIA focuses on intelligence issues related to cybersecurity, military, and space. Integrity Network members typically work full time in their how to become a security specialist industry profession and review content for CyberDegrees.org as a side project. All Integrity Network members are paid members of the Red Ventures Education Integrity Network. Explore programs of your interests with the high-quality standards and flexibility you need to take your career to the next level. CASP+ is an advanced certification that validates critical thinking and judgment across a spectrum of security disciplines in complex environments.

Gaining Practical Experience

They offer industry resources, analyses, and tools to help build cyber communications. A security specialist’s exact duties may vary by company, but they can expect to complete the following tasks in the course of their work. Analysts often report to upper administration and may have to present findings and recommendations before management.

How Can I Get Cybersecurity Training For Free

how to become a security specialist

Some of those skills include communication, collaboration, malware prevention, and computer forensics. CompTIA Security+ is a foundational cybersecurity certification that can help an IT professional begin a cybersecurity career. 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. As you gain experience in cybersecurity, you may choose to advance toward a leadership position within your organization.

Certifications for Security Specialists

Now that we have a fundamental understanding of cybersecurity, let’s explore the skills and qualifications necessary to embark on a successful career in this exciting field. The key areas where this is happening include industry certifications and advanced degree programs. Security specialists use the skills developed in their degree programs when they implement and modify software, and conduct deep computer system analysis. They need a deep understanding of computer and network infrastructure to identify and effectively solve any breaches that occur. These days, employers are increasingly seeing the benefits of a larger and more inclusive talent pipeline that include alternative pathways into technology jobs.