{"id":238,"date":"2022-02-02T20:43:32","date_gmt":"2022-02-02T20:43:32","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/he-cyberdegrees-org-sonic.lndo.site\/?p=238"},"modified":"2023-09-27T14:55:32","modified_gmt":"2023-09-27T14:55:32","slug":"jobs-security-specialist","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.cyberdegrees.org\/jobs\/security-specialist\/","title":{"rendered":"Security Specialist Career Overview"},"content":{"rendered":"

The demand for security specialists who can develop effective cybersecurity solutions continues to grow. According to the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency<\/a> (CISA), ransomware attacks<\/a> occur about every 11 seconds in 2021, up from every 39 seconds in 2019. <\/p>\r\n

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\n The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports a median salary of $103,590 for information security analysts in 2020.\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\r\n

Security specialists, also known as cybersecurity specialists, develop and implement security measures that protect computer networks and systems. Companies often hire security specialists to secure data networks, prevent security breaches, and make changes to improve security. Due to the industry's evolving nature, security specialists' responsibilities are complex and ever-changing. <\/p>\r\n

Computer security specialist careers often come with large compensation packages. The Bureau of Labor Statistics<\/a> (BLS) reports a median salary of $103,590 for information security analysts in 2020. Security specialists enjoy strong job prospects, with the BLS projecting a 33% job growth from 2020-2030. <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\n \n \n <\/a>\n\n\r\n\r\n

History of Cybersecurity Specialists <\/h2>\r\n

Threats to online security closely shadow the history and development of the internet itself. Starting as early as the 1990s, simple antivirus software<\/a> like the Reaper, created by Ray Tomlinson, became necessary to protect user's online activity. <\/p>\r\n

In the early 2000's the continued growth of internet usage led to a rise in internet crime and a call for further internet security. Now, major breaches, like LinkedIn's data leak<\/a> in June 2021, threaten to affect a shocking amount of users. <\/p>\r\n

Cybersecurity specialists offer solutions to many of these threats. These specialists apply programming languages<\/a> and ingenuity to create solutions for complex issues. Developing security systems often involves the collaboration of many specialized professionals. Read about other careers in internet security below. <\/p>\r\n\r\n \n

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Top Online CyberSecurity Programs<\/h2>\n \n

Explore programs of your interests with the high-quality standards and flexibility you need to take your career to the next level.<\/p>\n \n <\/sonic-editorial-listings>\n\n <\/section>\n\n\r\n\r\n\n \n \n <\/a>\n\n\r\n\r\n

Similar Specializations and Career Paths<\/h2>\r\n

Controlling all aspects of cybersecurity for an organization involves the expertise of many trained professionals. Top positions in cybersecurity include security auditor, security software developer, security manager, and security architect. <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Career<\/th>\r\nDescription<\/th>\r\nRequired Education<\/th>\r\nRequired Experience<\/th>\r\nAverage Annual Salary<\/th>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/thead>\r\n
Security Auditor<\/a><\/td>\r\nSecurity auditors process and analyze computer security systems. They apply computer and information technologies, cybersecurity methods, and penetration testing to identify threats.<\/td>\r\nBachelor's degree in information systems management, computer science, accounting, or a related field<\/td>\r\nPreferred 3-5 years of experience in security, network, or information technology<\/td>\r\n$70,440<\/a><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
Security Software Developer<\/a><\/td>\r\nSecurity software developers design and implement new security technologies. They troubleshoot and improve existing programs and integrate new security protocols into existing software applications.<\/td>\r\nBachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, or a related field<\/td>\r\nPreferred experience in general software development and coding<\/td>\r\n$73,460<\/a><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
Security Manager<\/a><\/td>\r\nSecurity managers lead their organizations\u2019 security departments. They act in supervisory roles and assume responsibility for cybersecurity operations. They often collaborate with information technology administrators and other security professionals. <\/td>\r\nBachelor's degree in information technology, information assurance, or cybersecurity or related field; master\u2019s degree in cybersecurity or information systems preferred<\/td>\r\nPreferred 5+ years experience in the information security field<\/td>\r\n$118,536<\/a><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
Security Architect<\/a><\/td>\r\nSecurity architects use knowledge of hardware and software to anticipate threats and design solutions. They also require expertise in programming, research, and policy development. <\/td>\r\nBachelor's degree in computer security, computer science, or a related field; graduate degrees in information technology security or cybersecurity preferred<\/td>\r\nPreferred experience in entry- and mid-level information technology security positions<\/td>\r\n$125,920<\/a><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n
Source: Payscale<\/a><\/figcaption>\r\n\r\n\r\n\n
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\n Explore more careers in cybersecurity<\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/sonic-icon>\n <\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\r\n\n
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\n Consider a government cybersecurity career<\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/sonic-icon>\n <\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\n \n \n <\/a>\n\n\r\n\r\n

What Does a Security Specialist Do?<\/h2>\r\n

Security specialists take responsibility for their organizations' computer-related security, protecting company data against cyberattacks. Companies hire these professionals to prevent security breaches by analyzing current systems, researching ever-evolving risks, suggesting improvements, and implementing changes.<\/p>\r\n

Specific fallout from security breaches can vary depending on the type of work an organization does. Cyberattacks can result in the loss of consumer confidence, sensitive information leaks, network failures, stalled production, and compliance infractions, giving security specialists a crucial role in their company's overall health.<\/p>\r\n

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\n Security analysts<\/a> sometimes work with multiple departments.\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\r\n

Security analysts<\/a>, in particular, spend their days studying the devices in use, analyzing network structure, and testing security measures like firewalls and software permissions. They look for weak points and aim to shore up defenses. <\/p>\r\n

Analysts often report to upper administration and may have to present findings and recommendations before management. Security analysts<\/a> sometimes work with multiple departments to ensure their colleagues understand the organization's best practices for information security.<\/p>\r\n

Employers often require prospective cybersecurity specialists to have prior job experience, potentially through entry-level positions with information security teams or internships completed as part of college studies.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

Key Soft Skills for Security Specialists<\/h3>\r\n\r\n
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