Free Online Courses to Become a Computer Security Specialist

Experience with programming languages such as C, C++, C#, Java or PHP is also needed. Background of the compliance assessments such as PCI, HIPAA, NIST, GLBA and SOX is a must especially for big organizations. She should also know how to perform tasks like ethical hacking and threat modeling.

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. The Certified Ethical Hacker certification is also considered a more advanced cert because it generally requires that applicants have multiple years of work experience. The goal of an ethical hacker certification is to be able to understand how cyber attacks unfold in order to improve threat assessment and mitigation skills. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ current Occupational Employment Statistics lists the median annual salary for information security analysts at $102,600. Depending on where you live and work your salary could be as high as $165,000 per year.

Outlook for cybersecurity specialists

Many cybersecurity experts start out as network engineers, help desk technicians, or systems administrators. A security specialist is an excellent way to jump start your career in cyber security. Whether it is something you are striving for before college, or making a job transition, be prepared by garnering as much knowledge as possible toward what companies are looking for in potential employees. Major job requirements can widely vary among employers and you might miss the opportunity to build up your work experience and knowledge before making the leap towards a senior or management position. However you choose, a security specialist role is a career with many opportunities. This skill is also vital for cybersecurity specialists, as they constantly have to share theories and ideas with like-minded people. Networking can also help professionals advance their skills and roles in the industry.

They should also look into career opportunities and what other industries they can cross paths with if they are so inclined. In the case of computer security, this is especially important since you can pretty much find employment in whatever field you want. Aside from taking a course to obtain a certification at the end, you can also choose to sharpen your skills by yourself. There are hundreds of free and paid course options online that might not lead to a desirable certification, how to become a security specialist but that will provide you with more theoretical and practical knowledge. They oversee everything, from identifying security risks to developing strategies for mitigating them and making sure they are no longer a threat. A CISO also needs to work closely with the other leadership positions as well as the employees working for them, which is why their communication skills need to be outstanding. While this type of job is engaging and unpredictable, it can also take up a lot of time.

Soft Skills for Information Security Professionals

Tools, such as firewalls and antivirus software, should be used alongside cybersecurity best practices to ensure that data is protected. Watch this video to learn how to become a physical security specialist. Any of these business or government agencies may require more cybersecurity and more professionals in the field moving forward. Hackers aren’t going to stop trying to steal our data or break into our sensitive facilities any time soon.

However, you will also be expected to engage in manual checks and tests to ensure that you don’t miss any issues. Once you get to this highly prestigious position, you can expect to earn around $179,763 per year on average.

Related Careers

A successful Cyber Security Specialist must know how to troubleshoot problems, implement ongoing network monitoring, and provide real-time security solutions to their team. They must also be able to make decisions in high-stress situations and communicate effectively with other team members.

• Read this guide to learn about the professional certifications that can help security specialists secure higher paying jobs and promotions.
• At the start of new career paths or career changes, everyone must first familiarize themselves with their desired job.
• The job often entails coaching and training of co-workers on security best practices.
• Keep in mind that most certification exams require significant preparation, and some include experience requirements.
• Professionals in this field teach staff about the procedures and policies of their organization, industry best practices, and how to monitor and report suspicious or malicious actions.