Cybersecurity Specialist Career Path Job Description & Salary

Newer technologies such as edge computing, IoT, and others will inevitably bring security threats to the fore, but this will also demand related skills to resolve such events. Cybersecurity will thereby become imperative for organizations, businesses, and even individuals. A security specialist needs to be an expert in data collection and analysis skills. Familiarity with various data-acquiring methods allows these professionals to derive how to become a security specialist insightful data and help them combat any form of attack or intrusion on a network. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts cyber security specialist opportunities will grow 33 percent between 2020 and 2030, which is on a much faster pace than average for all US professions. According to ZipRecruiter, the cyber security specialist annual base salary is $111,052 in the US, and Glassdoor lists the annual salary as $103,746 per year.

Certifications demonstrate expertise in cybersecurity to potential employers, and they indicate a dedication to the field. Keep in mind that most certification exams require significant preparation, and some include experience requirements. Cybersecurity specialists protect sensitive data and analyze vulnerable spots in company networks. These professionals detect and analyze potential threats, evaluate risks, and respond to security incidents. Job titles include network defender, incident responder, and security administrator. Sometimes, cybersecurity specialists must work overtime to react to security threats or track vulnerabilities found through testing or analytics. Professional training may also happen outside of typical work hours.

Cyber Security Specialists: Skills, Roles & How to Become One

Connect with professors, employers, and fellow classmates to build a professional network. Consider joining professional cybersecurity communities to connect with field experts and attend conferences. Most security professionals work a full-time, 40-hour weekly schedule. However, the job’s ever-changing demands sometimes call for more hours to complete an upgrade or curb a cyberattack. Security specialists need in-depth computing and programming mastery. Their jobs demand strong critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. Written and oral communications skills can also help when providing solutions and summaries to executives.

Security trainers educate employees on the best practices in cybersecurity and ways to avoid compromising the organization’s safety. Anyone can take the Security+ exam, but it’ll be helpful to earn a Network+ credential first and gain experience in IT with a concentration on security. Having additional certifications and education can be a benefit when it comes to getting a promotion or heading up a new team or department.

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Before exploring how to become a cyber security engineer, let us learn more about the role. Managing their organization’s network security, from routers to VPNs and firewalls is what network security engineers do.

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