The job often entails coaching and training co-workers on security best practices. This list of the top 50 cybersecurity networking groups and professional organizations from Digital Guardian is a good place to start. There are several network-oriented professional cybersecurity organizations and groups that are specifically designed to alert members about job openings and professional development opportunities. One of the top online resources for cybersecurity job seekers and those interested in pursuing a career in information security is CyberSeek.org. On its Career Pathways page, CyberSeek lists Cybersecurity Specialist as an entry-level position (one that pays an average annual salary of $99,652). The need for cybersecurity talent is growing as organizations struggle to find balance in the post-COVID business landscape.
Don’t lose sight of your goal—if you keep at it, you’ll eventually land the cybersecurity role of your dreams. Whether you are a fresh graduate, switching from another career, or already working in IT and hoping to advance, there are many paths you can take to achieve your career goals. And don’t worry if you feel like you’re “behind.” You can start right from where you are now. In all professions, networking offers a reliable pathway to finding job opportunities.
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Cybersecurity specialists create and implement security audits across computer hardware and software systems. They make sure that the systems perform the way they are supposed to, and that they are safe from attack. Finally, update your resume with all the certifications, skills, and experience you’ve gained. It’s wise to tailor your resume and cover letter to each job that you apply for to demonstrate that you have the specific qualifications they’re looking for in the job description.
It’s important for current and prospective cybersecurity specialists to earn cybersecurity certifications that will get the attention of hiring managers. They can do this while getting a degree, after they’ve earned a degree or while they are working. A couple of the most in-demand industry certifications are CompTIA Security+ and CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+).
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In addition to connecting with your co-workers, consider joining a professional organization. Infrastructure security covers the protection of physical and digital assets through the architecture itself. This specialty may focus on safeguarding sensitive items using structures like generators, security systems and locks. Digitally, infrastructure security refers to creating and maintaining protected systems from breaches. Forbes Advisor’s education editors are committed to producing unbiased rankings and informative articles covering online colleges, tech bootcamps and career paths.
Relevant certifications can give job seekers a competitive advantage and help them prove to employers that they have in-demand information security skills. Many IT professionals have an IT degree of some sort and experience working at the help desk. Getting their foot in the door to an entry-level cybersecurity specialist program job role can be as easy as earning CompTIA Security+. The more cybersecurity certifications they earn, the more job opportunities will open to them.
How to Get into Cybersecurity: 2024 Career Guide
As the job title implies, cybersecurity specialists are expected to have a certain level of training and expertise that allows them to give advice and training on the latest digital best practices. Other job titles that you might see in your search include IT Security Specialist, Network Security Specialist and Internet Security Analyst. Those who don’t have a degree, experience or certifications may need to put several years into becoming a cybersecurity specialist. This includes the time it takes to get a degree, earn certifications and get work experience. Getting their start in cybersecurity may seem overwhelming to a career changer but it is achievable.
Use this Cyber Security Specialist job description to advertise your vacancies and find qualified candidates. Feel free to modify responsibilities and requirements based on your needs. Matt Whittle has experience writing and editing accessible education-related content in health, technology, nursing and business subjects. His work has been featured on Sleep.org, Psychology.org and NurseJournal.org.
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These IT professionals often gain and sharpen cybersecurity skills as they get hands-on experience in the workplace over a period of time. Cybersecurity specialist is a fascinating and multi-faceted position in a dynamic, fast-growing field. In addition to certifications and advanced education, cybersecurity job seekers are well-advised to connect with internship opportunities and do plenty of reading, self-learning and networking. If you already have a computer-related degree, the process will be quicker. All you’ll need to do is earn relevant cybersecurity certifications and get work experience in data security to land a job as a cybersecurity specialist. These are common skills listed on cybersecurity specialist job descriptions.
- PenTest+ is for intermediate level cybersecurity professionals who are tasked with penetration testing to manage vulnerabilities on a network.
- Some organizations require a master’s degree to become a cybersecurity specialist, but not all.
- Infrastructure security covers the protection of physical and digital assets through the architecture itself.
- Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.
- According to a recent PayScale questionnaire, most employees with the job title cybersecurity specialists responded that they have a high level of job satisfaction.
Keep in mind that most certification exams require significant preparation, and some include experience requirements. 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. Most cybersecurity specialist job descriptions require a candidate to have several years of experience in a data security role.
How much do security specialists make?
Our ranking methodologies use data from the National Center for Education Statistics, education providers, and reputable educational and professional organizations. An advisory board of educators and other subject matter experts reviews and verifies our content to bring you trustworthy, up-to-date information. That often means that continuing education is required — both in the form of formal, industry-recognized certifications — and the form of informal learning and tracking industry developments.
Network+ certifies the essential skills needed to confidently design, configure, manage and troubleshoot wired and wireless networks. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals. Coursera’s editorial team is comprised of highly experienced professional editors, writers, and fact… Identify people in your network who could suit your needs and reach out to them for a meeting to see if it would be a good fit.
They provide ongoing oversight for organizations’ cybersecurity efforts through several methods. Payscale also reports that in 2024, cybersecurity specialists will be compensated across a wide range, depending on experience, responsibilities, and geography. These are just a few examples of the dozens of cybersecurity certifications available. When looking at job opportunities in the cybersecurity industry, it’s a good idea to keep notes about what kinds of certifications employers are looking for. A cybersecurity specialist works on the front lines and behind the scenes to protect digital systems and assets from hackers, threats and vulnerabilities.
