Other job titles that you might see in your search include IT Security Specialist, Network Security Specialist and Internet Security Analyst. Here’s a small sampling of companies hiring cybersecurity specialists. It is a great career to enter as there are several roads to travel toward executive-level roles.

A report from Ponemon Institute and IBM showed the average cost of one cyberattack was $4.24 million in 2021. This figure represents the highest level of damage in the last 17 years. The rise in data breaches has increased the demand for cybersecurity experts globally. Big and small companies alike are striving to protect their cyberspace. In this article, we explore cybersecurity, salaries, job outlook, and how to become a cybersecurity specialist. Some cybersecurity professionals pursue experience before earning certification. Whatever path they choose, security specialists need strong technical skills and a commitment to continuing education.

IT Security Specialist Jobs

Tech employees in Seattle, WA, are earning slightly less at $138k, then those in New York, NY at $133k, Denver, CO, at $117k, and San Diego, CA, at $113k. 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.

• As you move up the ranks, the questions may become more about leadership, running a program, conflict resolution and budgeting.
• The typical timeline to becoming a cyber security Engineer can depend on your education, experience, and certifications.
• Digitally, infrastructure security refers to creating and maintaining protected systems from breaches.
• Apart from money, some other motives for cybercrimes include ethical, social, and political incentives.
• 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.

Some positions may accept bootcamp graduates or self-taught workers with drive and certifications. Learning about how to prevent hacks is also a crucial subject when it comes to cybersecurity for beginners.

Recommended Programs

It’s not unusual to see job listings for a Security Engineer/Analyst, effectively rolling both positions into one. In terms of skills, experience, and general mindset, a cybersecurity specialist needs to be like a Swiss Army knife of the digital world. A person how to become a security specialist in this role needs to be multi-disciplinary and adaptable to a wide variety of situations. Cybersecurity specialists are also responsible for continual monitoring security systems and networks for anomalies and tracking those activities in documents and reports.

Companies are listing more cybersecurity jobs and paying higher salaries than ever because it is difficult to find strong, qualified talent in this industry. PenTest+ is for intermediate level cybersecurity professionals who are tasked with penetration testing to manage vulnerabilities on a network. In your daily tasks, you’ll help to design and build data communications networks.

Penetration Tester

In-demand roles include penetration testers, who go into a system or network, find vulnerabilities, and either report them to the organization or patch them themselves. Cybersecurity engineers, who often come from a technical background within development, dive into code to determine flaws and how to strengthen an organization’s security posture. Security software developers integrate security into applications software during the design and development process. ISACA, ISC, ISSA and The SANS Institute are national and international organizations where you can seek out information about the profession as well as certification and training options. A number of universities and online courses also offer cybersecurity-related degrees, certifications, and prep programs. “You need to understand the technology for you to be able to secure it,” Ahamad says. “In the context of cybersecurity, it’s networks, and computers and software.” However, for some master’s program tracks, you might need a computer science or engineering undergrad degree.

• Some cybersecurity certifications cater to entry-level candidates while others prepare workers for advanced positions.
• Depending on where you live and work your salary could be as high as $165,000 per year.
• It will also be your responsibility to make suggestions to increase or harden security for any data or information.
• These professionals detect and analyze potential threats, evaluate risks, and respond to security incidents.
• Students who have completed their BE/B.Tech or BSc degree in Computer Science, Cyber Security, IT, and other equivalent courses are eligible to apply for the MSc Cyber Security course.