Cybersecurity Specialist Career Path Job Description & Salary

You protect your home with locks or alarm systems; you protect your car with insurance, and you protect your health by going to the doctor. Find out how different WGU is about personalizing and supporting your education.

Adding certifications like CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+) can validate your skills in the cybersecurity field and prepare you for a more advanced role within your organization. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts cyber security specialist opportunities will grow 33 percent between 2020 and 2030, which is on a much faster pace than average for all US professions. The good news is, the job outlook for IT security specialists is exceptionally strong—and only getting better. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that employment in this sector is projected to grow 31% from 2019 to 2029, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. Plus, demand for this role continues to be exceptionally high with no signs of slowing. Cybersecurity managers are responsible for overseeing an organization’s security infrastructure.

Related Job Descriptions

There are numerous positions within the field of cybersecurity, which each perform distinct duties as they seek to protect organizations from harm. A physical security specialist can make anywhere between $60,000 and just over $100,000 per year. The average salary is closer to $70,000 per year at mid-level, with higher-level physical security specialists making $90,000 to $100,000 per year. A protective officer https://remotemode.net/ is in charge of preventing theft and damages in stores and other establishments. Among their responsibilities include monitoring alarm systems and surveillance cameras, patrolling areas, keeping an eye on suspicious activities and behavior, developing strategies to enforce security protocols, and responding to distress. There are also instances where they must conduct inspections and produce reports.

A networking security specialist, also known as an information security analyst, is responsible for devising and implementing security measures to safeguard computer networks and systems against cyber threats and viruses. They play a crucial role in protecting organizations’ valuable data and ensuring the integrity and confidentiality of information. A major corporation or organization uses a security specialist to protect its software and network security system.

Example security specialist requirements on a job description

WGU is an accredited online university offering online bachelor’s and master’s degree programs. The specialist’s focus is not only limited to assessing whether vulnerabilities exist but also how those risks could be mitigated which can help provide organizations with more confidence about system stability going forward. Security+ provides a global benchmark for best practices in IT network and operational security, one of the fastest-growing fields in IT. Network+ certifies the essential skills needed to confidently design, configure, manage and troubleshoot wired and wireless networks. The LPI Linux Essentials and ITIL® Foundation Certification are central to this program.

• Public safety officers are 3.1% less likely to earn their Master’s Degree and 0.1% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.
• Cyber Security Specialists are responsible for providing security for an organization’s overall IT systems.
• The U.S. Army also offers $4,244 per month for their IT security specialist roles.
• Additionally, Security Specialist monitors communications and stays informed about local, state, provincial, or federal security-related information, directives, and events.
• In addition to an encyclopedic knowledge of computers, network infrastructures, and breaches (which you’ll learn about while earning your IT degree), certifications can also help set you apart from other IT security specialists.

They also perform other duties that may include monitoring an assigned area for unauthorized or suspicious activity, responding to reports of emergencies and possible crime such as robberies, and building good relationships with community members. To be a successful patrol officer, you should have solid judgment, excellent communication skills, and decision-making skills in stressful situations. PenTest+ is for intermediate level cybersecurity professionals who are tasked with penetration testing to manage vulnerabilities on how to become a security specialist a network. Since a security specialist is essentially an entry-level position in the large world of cyber security, there are positions you can start out in at first and then, you can work your way up the ladder into a management role. It is a great career to enter as there are several roads to travel toward executive-level roles. To help you get a better idea of what to expect from different positions in the field, here are the job descriptions for three different cybersecurity roles you may encounter during your job search.