We ensure you secure a new job opportunity within 12 months of completing your last qualification, however, most students secure a role within 4 months (on average) of passing their last exam. Your certification will provide you with a significant competitive advantage by validating your skills and knowledge – with that, you can either contribute toward your current company or grow in another one. Cybersecurity protects digital assets and systems from unauthorised access and attacks.
Research and compare top-rated information security degree programs online and in your area. This role is critical because oftentimes data breaches come from inside the organization, either intentionally or accidentally. Earning a master’s degree in a related field shows that you have extensive knowledge in the area and have an even more extensive understanding of IT Security.
Gain Experience
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. Read this guide to learn about the professional certifications that can help security specialists secure higher paying jobs and promotions. Specific fallout from security breaches can vary depending on the type of work an organization does. Many of the most coveted certifications require (or at least recommend) some previous experience in cybersecurity or IT. If your career goals include a job in this in-demand industry, there are some steps you can take now to start gaining the experience you need.
According to a Burning Glass Technologies report, 46% of cybersecurity jobs require 3-5 years of experience. These cyber security experts use their in-depth understanding of security threats, technologies, and countermeasures to ensure that an organization has robust computer security systems. A security specialist will run regular checks on network and computer systems and suggest improvements where necessary. This makes them responsible for staying up to date with existing best practices and responses to novel threats. Real-world experience working on cybersecurity projects is one of the best ways to learn and represent your abilities to prospective employers. Cybersecurity specialists can anticipate strong employment growth over the coming decade.
Certifications
Information security requires employees to possess hard skills, such as programming languages, and engage in complex technological solutions. Security specialists should begin by obtaining a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity or a related how to become a security specialist area, such as computer science. While you don’t need a degree to enjoy a successful career in cybersecurity—eight percent of surveyed professionals only reported a high school diploma—it can help you build a strong foundation [2].
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. Typically, the highest security role in an organization is that of chief information security officer (CISO).
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There is no one-size-fits-all approach to achieving personal and professional goals. You deserve career consulting and employability advice tailored toward your specific skills, experience, and aspirations – luckily, this is our forte. Discover whether the security specialist profession fits your strengths and interests by exploring daily tasks and responsibilities. Another area of incident response involves digital forensics and cybercrime. Digital forensic investigators work with law enforcement to retrieve data from digital devices and investigate cybercrimes.
However, cybersecurity prevents access by bad actors, and information security considers aspects like the availability and confidentiality of data. Information security specialists may handle aspects like multifactor authentication and access to physical information storage areas. As a discipline within network engineering, this field covers protection against breaches for interconnected electronics rather than individual databases or devices.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the number of cybersecurity jobs is expected to increase by 32 percent from 2022 through 2032. Welcome to ITCareerFinder, a website designed to help IT pros advance their careers. “Security is the only area of certified IT skills that has never had a negative quarter throughout this recession,” says David Foote, CEO and Chief Research Officer of leading research firm Foote Partners. “We’ve never had three months with a loss or decline in premiums for IT security specialists.” That often means that continuing education is required — both in the form of formal, industry-recognized certifications — and in the form of informal learning and tracking industry developments. In addition, security specialists are also responsible for making sure that other co-workers are kept up-to-date on security best practices, which means they might take on the role of a trainer or an advisor.
- Before investing in higher education or certifications, explore salaries in cybersecurity and learn about the projected career outlook for the coming decade.
- Employers may also view a degree as a sign of focus and discipline, core skills for security specialists.
- Some experts say the fields of cybersecurity, network security, information security and infrastructure security are all different.
Although security specialists do not always need certification, most employers prefer certified candidates. Keep in mind that certificate programs and technology bootcamps do not provide certification. Individuals must apply for certification through organizations like (ISC)², Cisco, and CompTIA.