Cybersecurity Specialist Career Path Job Description & Salary

Some employers may require or prefer applicants who hold certain certifications. Entry-level cybersecurity personnel may find that certifications help them achieve the next step of their career path. Ready to develop both technical and workplace skills for a career in cybersecurity? The Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate on Coursera is your gateway to exploring job titles like security analyst SOC (security operations center) analyst, and more.

Now, major breaches, like LinkedIn’s data leak in June 2021, threaten to affect a shocking amount of users. Whichever path you take, make sure to document your progress and experience. Include these details in your coding portfolio to improve your chances of getting a job. Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+) applies behavioral analytics to the IT security field to improve the overall state of IT security. Certifications like ITF+, CompTIA A+ and Network+ give you the background you need if you don’t already have it, and CompTIA Security+ is recommended to begin your career as a Cybersecurity Professional.

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They are also responsible for anticipating future threats and advising on how to deal with them. Some cybersecurity professionals work by themselves, but more often than not, they are a part of an IT security team in an organization. This requires communication and active listening skills to be able to work within a team. Network security professionals work within a narrower scope than cybersecurity workers. Cybersecurity defends against attacks on hardware, software, networks and users. In contrast, network security focuses on vulnerabilities in the connections between devices.

Earning your CISSP demonstrates that you’re experienced in IT security and capable of designing, implementing, and monitoring a cybersecurity program. If you’re just starting out in the world of cybersecurity, consider an entry-level credential, like the Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate. You can build job-ready skills while earning a shareable certificate from an industry leader. Before you spend your money and time on a certification, it’s important to find one that will give you a competitive advantage in your career.

Is learning becoming an expert security specialist hard?

Bootcamps and certifications can offer a short, direct route into the professional world. As technology continues evolve so does the potential for cyber attacks, and companies are working hard to build strong teams ready to protect their valuable data. This rapid expansion is far outstripping the supply of skilled workers, meaning that cyber security jobs are plentiful and salaries are high. However, these exams cover complex technical information that can take many months of study to master.

As you gain experience in cybersecurity, you may choose to advance toward a leadership position within your organization. Cybersecurity managers oversee an organization’s network and computer security systems. In this role, you might manage security teams, coordinate between teams, and ensure security compliance.

What is a cybersecurity specialist?

There are a variety of skills needed to thrive in a cybersecurity specialist position. Among them are intrusion detection, malware analysis and mitigation, programming knowledge and cloud security analysis. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics is a trusted source of information how to become a security specialist about countless job categories and includes listings packed with data about the future job outlook for a wide variety of occupations. At the present time, one of the few cybersecurity positions it tracks is also one of the most common — information security analyst.

A big challenge for aspiring security specialists is getting their first job without years of experience. Networking, internships, and certifications can help individuals land entry-level security positions. Many cybersecurity experts start out as network engineers, help desk technicians, or systems administrators. ISACA generally demands both work experience and passing an exam to achieve certification. The organization also hosts conferences, online training, and in-demand learning experiences to help certified professionals meet their continuing education requirements.

Top certification organizations require extensive professional experience in addition to passing a rigorous exam. Candidates who qualify for certification must abide by standards of ethical conduct and maintain their certifications through ongoing education. Interested applicants should review how long a certifying body has existed and how many certifications it has awarded. Private companies and professional associations provide an array of security-related certifications. Vendor-neutral security certifications — usually offered through professional associations — validate holders’ skills and expertise. Vendor-provided certifications — typically offered from software companies — verify that holders can use a specific software product.