Companies hire security consultants to test their computer and network systems for any vulnerabilities or security risks. In this role, you get to practice cybersecurity offense and defense by testing systems for vulnerabilities and making recommendations on how to strengthen those systems. These days, employers are increasingly seeing the benefits of a larger and more inclusive talent pipeline that include alternative pathways into technology jobs. 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. This list of the top 50 cybersecurity networking groups and professional organizations from Digital Guardian is a good place to start.
Instead of (or in addition to) a degree, cybersecurity certifications help qualify an IT professional for a cybersecurity specialist role. So does membership in professional organizations for cybersecurity professionals. Second, the growing sophistication of cyberattacks means that organizations need more skilled cybersecurity professionals to protect themselves. Third, the global shortage of cybersecurity workers is expected to continue, which will drive up wages and salaries for cybersecurity specialists. Some organizations require a master’s degree to become a cybersecurity specialist, but not all. Hiring businesses are looking for a mix of education, certifications and hands-on industry experience.
What Are Some Other Top Cybersecurity Careers?
Professional skills like these help cybersecurity specialists prevent and mitigate security breaches by effectively leading cybersecurity teams and protecting IT infrastructures. Also, good communication skills are essential for cybersecurity specialists. Additionally, cybersecurity specialists promote network security by taking measures to block unauthorized access to the computer network. They also run diagnostics on any change that takes place in the IT infrastructure. Cybersecurity specialists are IT professionals that are responsible for protecting the data and complete IT infrastructure of organizations. They are experts at detecting cyber threats and implementing data-saving security measures.
Network security professionals use firewalls, physical hardware and education efforts to safeguard against intrusions and retain lost data. Other cybersecurity certifications to consider include Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) cybersecurity specialist program and Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP). CompTIA Security+ is chosen by more corporations and defense organizations than any other certification on the market to validate baseline security skills.
Are there any jobs in cybersecurity that don’t require programming?
A cybersecurity specialist is trained in spotting suspicious patterns in computer systems. They monitor all aspects of the computer infrastructure for threatening activities. These cybersecurity professionals also construct, install and operate firewalls and set and implement security standards. They are responsible for making sure that networks and computer systems are up-to-date and not vulnerable to software bugs. 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.
- Consider some of the following professional organizations for cybersecurity workers.
- Further educational certification may help professionals get a job in cybersecurity.
- Below are some of the most frequently asked questions (FAQs) about IT security and cybersecurity specialists.
- Many IT professionals have an IT degree of some sort and experience working at the help desk.
- This guide offers information on how to become a cybersecurity analyst, along with details on other cybersecurity roles such as information security specialist.
Increasingly, though, universities are integrating either industry certification or internships into their programs. Essentially, it is the practice of being protected against the unauthorized use of electronic data. As a penetration tester, you’ll seek to identify and exploit system weaknesses to help companies build more secure systems. As an ethical hacker, you can try out even more attack vectors (like social engineering) to reveal security weaknesses.
What Is a Cybersecurity Specialist?
Getting their start in cybersecurity may seem overwhelming to a career changer but it is achievable. The employment of information security analysts, which includes cybersecurity specialists, is predicted to grow 32 percent by 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations. Additionally, cybersecurity specialists are often called on in times of crisis or emergency — or when there are issues with networks or data systems. A cybersecurity specialist works on the front lines and behind the scenes to protect digital systems and assets from hackers, threats and vulnerabilities. Most cybersecurity professionals enter the field after gaining experience in an entry-level IT role.
Ready to develop both technical and workplace skills for a career in cybersecurity? Upon completion, you’ll have exclusive access to career resources like resume review and interview prep that will support you in your job search. 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. A cybersecurity specialist might wear many hats depending on the size and shape of his or her company or organization.
Why You Can Trust Forbes Advisor Education
As organizations continue to invest in cybersecurity to protect their data and systems, the demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals is expected to continue to increase in the years to come. Other companies may stipulate that they seek cybersecurity specialists with a specific amount of professional experience. Candidates can accrue experience in other cybersecurity roles or through internships while still pursuing their degrees to meet this requirement. If you want to stand out in the cybersecurity field, CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+) is for you. It is designed for cybersecurity professionals who monitor security and deal with incident detection, prevention and response. The skills you’ll learn with CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+) include security operations, incident response and management, vulnerability management and reporting and communication.
Regardless of your degree, it is important to constantly educate yourself on new technologies and threats. Sometimes, this may mean taking additional cyber certifications or classes after you are hired. Cybersecurity specialists are problem-solvers, analytical thinkers, leaders and cybersecurity experts. With CompTIA, the sky’s the limit when it comes to your cybersecurity career.
Cybersecurity professionals tend to get paid well for their skills, even at the 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. A computer science degree provides a foundation in information technology (IT), including understanding TCP/IP protocols that are at the core of all networking. Further educational certification may help professionals get a job in cybersecurity.
Adding certifications like CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+) can validate your skills in the cybersecurity field and prepare you for a more advanced role within your organization. The average salary of a cybersecurity specialist is $99,652, according to Cyberseek.org. The good news is there’s no one education path to become a cybersecurity speciality; you have options.
Demonstrate you’re a critical thinker
The CCNA Cyber Ops certification program provides practical, relevant, and job-ready curricula that aligns closely with the specific tasks expected of cybersecurity professionals. However, the qualifications required for a cybersecurity job can vary from employer to employer. To be a successful cybersecurity specialist, one should have knowledge and skills in areas such as network security, cryptography, risk management, compliance, incident response, and threat analysis. They must stay up to date with the latest trends and threats in the cybersecurity industry and be able to adapt to evolving security risks. Good communication, problem-solving, and analytical skills are also important for a cybersecurity specialist. Though certification is not required to work in this role, formal credentials can boost your job opportunities and cybersecurity specialist salary.
