PenTest+ is for intermediate level cybersecurity professionals who are tasked with penetration testing to manage vulnerabilities on a network. Below are some of the most frequently asked questions (FAQs) about IT security and cybersecurity specialists. A Cyber Security Specialist’s responsibilities include using their skills to detect insecure features and malicious activities within our networks and infrastructure. They will implement customized application security assessments for client-based asset risk, corporate policy compliance as well as conduct vulnerability assessment.
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. If you are starting from scratch, becoming a cybersecurity specialist will take longer. Shorten the journey by completing a cybersecurity internship during school and working an entry-level cybersecurity or help-desk job if time allows. If you consistently network on LinkedIn, you may find that job opportunities will present themselves to you as you complete a degree program, earn industry certifications and get experience. With CompTIA Security+, you’ll gain knowledge and skills related to cyberattacks, threats and vulnerabilities, as well as operations and incident response.
Cybersecurity Specialist Qualifications and Certifications Requirements
More experience is required for advanced roles and less is needed for early-career roles. Having industry credentials and higher-level degrees could shorten the experience requirements some potential employers have. It’s not uncommon for cybersecurity specialist job descriptions to call for several years of experience[MOU4] . Interested candidates shouldn’t let this discourage them if they have less experience. Employers may be willing to lower their experience requirements for job candidates with cybersecurity-focused degrees and/or in-demand cybersecurity certifications.
Information security shares some overlap with cybersecurity—in fact, cybersecurity is a subset of information security. However, cybersecurity focuses exclusively on protecting digital assets, while information security covers digital and physical information across all mediums. The demand for these IT pros is unlikely to change due to the fast growth of the IoT (Internet of Things) and because the rate of digital transformation is increasing. Where you choose to get your degree is totally up to you and based on your needs. If you are a career changer and already working a full-time job that’s not in the tech sphere, an online degree could work best as it will be the most flexible option.
Types of Cybersecurity
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. 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. Chief information security officers (CISOs), network engineers, systems engineers and systems administrators, plus other roles, are also considered cybersecurity specialists.
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. Though certification is not required to work in this role, formal credentials can boost your job opportunities and cybersecurity specialist salary. Certifications demonstrate expertise in cybersecurity to potential employers, and they indicate a dedication to the field.
The Role and Responsibilities of a Cybersecurity Specialist
Certifications like CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+), PenTest+ and Project+ can prove you have the skills to take your cybersecurity career to the next level. The outlook for both Cyber Security Analysts and Cyber Security Specialists is positive, with job growth expected to be much faster than average. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of information security analysts is projected to grow 31 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. Other cybersecurity certifications to consider include Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) and Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP). Validate skills in various cybersecurity areas, including offensive operations, cyber defense, cloud security, industrial control systems and more.
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 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.
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Additional terms that can be used interchangeably with cybersecurity specialist are information security specialist, security specialist, information technology specialist and operations specialist. A Cyber Security Specialist is an expert in the field of information technology security. They work to make sure that networks are safe from external threats like hackers or crackers who want access for malicious purposes. With CompTIA, the sky’s the limit when it comes to your cybersecurity career. Whether you want to be a network engineer, security analyst or CISO, CompTIA can help you get there.
- Sometimes, IT professionals work in IT networking, systems engineering, security intelligence and financial and risk analysis prior to moving into a cybersecurity specialist role.
- Sometimes, this may mean taking additional cyber certifications or classes after you are hired.
- Good communication, problem-solving, and analytical skills are also important for a cybersecurity specialist.
- These professionals also educate co-workers on best practices, as breaches may occur accidentally or deliberately by bad actors within their companies.
- This guide offers information on how to become a cybersecurity analyst, along with details on other cybersecurity roles such as information security specialist.
- Where you choose to get your degree is totally up to you and based on your needs.
Additionally, you’ll learn about architecture and design, implementation and governance, risk and compliance. To lessen the devastation cybercrime causes, organizations employ cybersecurity specialists. Cybersecurity specialists are problem-solvers, analytical thinkers, leaders and cybersecurity experts. To become a cybersecurity specialist, you should complete a formal education—like a degree or a cybersecurity bootcamp—in information security or a related subject. The following section explores the requirements for becoming a cybersecurity analyst.
Requirements and skills
Sometimes both a degree and cybersecurity certifications are required for cybersecurity specialists – but that’s not always the case. Cybersecurity jobs are in high demand right now and employers are realizing that they need to be open to alternative paths to knowledge and experience in order to fill these positions. Relevant certifications can give job seekers a competitive advantage and help them prove to employers that they have in-demand information security skills. In general, cybersecurity specialists are often required to have several years of experience in a cybersecurity-focused job.
This title encompasses roles like cybersecurity analyst and information security specialist. Cybersecurity specialists handle a broad set of technical responsibilities related to safeguarding sensitive digital information and data. Depending on the size of their employer, these cybersecurity experts may work in niche, specialized areas of the field or oversee more general security tasks.
The 10-year projected growth for cybersecurity specialists is 242% above the national rate per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), CompTIA State of the Tech Workforce 2023 and Lightcast. Cybersecurity specialists cybersecurity specialist program can anticipate strong employment growth over the coming decade. For example, The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a 32% projected employment growth rate for information security analysts from 2022 to 2032.
