Become an IT Security Specialist Learning Path LinkedIn Learning, formerly Lynda com

Cybersecurity specialists also need to learn about the workings of network infrastructure to understand how it can be used or misused. This involves learning about hacker skills and the breaching of security systems. Their knowledge must allow them to take defensive or preventive measures in the event of an assault.

• It’s important for information security specialists to develop strategies that protect sensitive data from unauthorized access or theft.
• Before shifting to education-related content, he worked in the wine industry, editing tasting notes and reviews.
• Speak to a Learning Advisor to learn more about the Cybersecurity Certificate Course at BrainStation.
• They do this by first identifying potential threats and loopholes in software and systems.

Security will remain a top concern for IT hiring managers as the frequency and impact of cyber attacks continues to rise. You can also earn other certifications that demonstrate specialized knowledge in areas such as ethical hacking or penetration testing. A master’s program may also allow you to take elective courses in areas such as cryptography, penetration testing, risk assessment and digital forensics. You may also be able to complete these programs faster than a standard four-year bachelor’s program. Unlike the world of movies and TV, cyber security is a career that you can enter with a regular college education. A degree in cyber security can launch you into a career in a field that is crucially important in today’s world. There is a desperate need for cyber security workers; according to the National Institute of Standards and Technology, there are 301,000 open cyber security jobs in the United States.

IT Security Specialist Education Requirements

This level of convenience and flexibility means many students manage to complete their studies while holding down a full-time job. However, check beforehand whether an employer does want you to have a cyber security certificate, and which specific one they have in mind. After all, you don’t want to waste your time, effort, and money on a qualification you don’t need or that won’t come in handy for your chosen career path.

• Read our informational guide to learn about the degrees, certifications, and professional experiences needed to become a security specialist.
• The Certified Ethical Hacker program is a comprehensive ethical hacking and Information Systems Security course that covers all the latest security technologies and tools.
• Students pursuing these programs learn about topics such as cryptography, network security, disaster recovery planning and ethical hacking.
• The CISA exam tests a candidate’s knowledge of information systems auditing, control, and security.

Companies hire these professionals to prevent security breaches by analyzing current systems, researching ever-evolving risks, suggesting improvements, and implementing changes. Career opportunities for current and aspiring cybersecurity specialists have never been more plentiful or lucrative. You are probably already well aware that cybercrime is continually on the rise. In fact, cybercrime is forecasted to amount to $10.5 trillion by 2025 — which is just a few short years away. Combine this upward growth in the industry with thezero percent unemployment rate, and the result is a white-hot job market that featuressix-figure salaries. Note that a cybersecurity engineer’s job and responsibilities come very close to those of a security analyst. A cyber security engineer designs and builds systems, while a security analyst is more concerned with putting the system through its paces, trying to break it.

Cybersecurity Benefits

While a security expert will likely have a high income regardless of the industry type they’re in, they’re more likely to earn more in any of those fields. Cybersecurity organizations are a great way for those in the industry to keep up with current happenings, collaborate with like-minded individuals and more. By submitting this form I accept the privacy policy and understand that University of San Diego may contact me about educational programs using an automated technology. In terms of cyber-related crime, Cybersecurity Ventures predicted that the annual costs of cyber crime damages would increase dramatically, going from $3 trillion in 2015 to $6 trillion by the end of 2021. Looking forward, Cybersecurity Ventures expects global cybercrime costs will reach $10.5 trillion per year by 2025. Consequently, Gartner predicts that cyber security spending will hit $172 billion this year. This can take the form of other, related work experience, or it can take the form of a structured internship or other formal hands-on learning.

• Top positions in cybersecurity include security auditor, security software developer, security manager, and security architect.
• Following entry-level, there are several Security Specialist career path levels to advance into.
• A person in this role needs to be multi-disciplinary and adaptable to a wide variety of situations.
• They then create security protocols and firewalls that protect an organization’s data against unauthorized access.
• After all, the knowledge and skills you gain will benefit your career and, in turn, the organization.
• Under our ISA, you agree to pay back 10% of your gross income for 48 payments as long as you’re making $3,333/month ($40,000 annual salary) or higher.

Information security specialists are responsible for protecting an organization’s computer networks and systems from cyber attacks. They work with a variety of technologies to secure data and prevent unauthorized access.

Master’s

NICCS offers comprehensive information on cybersecurity education and careers. The NICCS Education and Training Catalog helps cybersecurity professionals find over 6,000 cybersecurity-related courses. Security specialists use the skills developed in their degree programs when they implement and modify software, and conduct deep computer system analysis.

The following section explores the requirements for becoming a cybersecurity analyst. Cybersecurity specialists perform similar work to information security specialists but may focus more on hardware. As experts in cybersecurity, these specialists help to create, analyze and deploy organizational security systems. Cybersecurity specialists test for areas of potential exposure in interconnected computer networks, document their findings and provide solutions for vulnerabilities.

Major job requirements can widely vary among employers and you might miss the opportunity to build up your work experience and knowledge before making the leap towards a senior or management position. However you choose, a security specialist role is a career with many opportunities. A how to become a security specialist bachelor’s degree is the minimum educational requirement for most information security specialist positions. A computer science or information systems major can provide you with a strong foundation in cybersecurity and prepare you to pursue certifications and advanced degrees later on.

They determine who requires access to which information, and then plan, coordinate and implement information security programs. The proliferation of cyber crime means businesses and government agencies around the globe face constant threats to their financial information, customer data, and military and trade secrets. It’s the role of cybersecurity specialists to protect organizations and the public from hackers, scammers and other online criminals.