How to Become a Cyber Security Specialist Guide & Market Insights

While a degree may be necessary to get hired, sometimes it’s not sufficient. An employer might want candidates to have gained specific certificates, as these can teach you particular essential skills. Also, even if one of these certificates isn’t required for a role, it may still be preferable, or at least beneficial. To get hired as a security specialist, you always want to develop your skills and knowledge as much as possible, and certificates help you to do exactly that. Cybersecurity specialists handle a broad set of technical responsibilities related to safeguarding sensitive digital information and data.

Get a Computer-Related Degree (If Necessary)

Network security professionals use firewalls, physical hardware and education efforts to safeguard against intrusions and retain lost data. According to Cyberseek, the average advertised salary for a cybersecurity specialist is $106,265. These days, employers are increasingly seeing the benefits of a larger and more inclusive talent pipeline that include alternative pathways into technology jobs. Students can attend how to become a security specialist university job fairs, ask professors about internship opportunities, and join IT security organizations. Groups like the Information Systems Security Association International host conferences and seminars that provide ample networking opportunities. Professionals pursuing higher-level positions may opt for a master’s or doctoral degree.

Cyber Security Specialist: FAST-TRACK Your Career!

A certification that demonstrates your ability to manage and optimize advanced networks. The exam covers networking fundamentals, security fundamentals, IP services, automation, and programmability. There’s a lot of competition in the job market today, so getting certified is an effective way to demonstrate your knowledge to future employers and become competitive in your job search.

While a degree is not mandatory, certifications such as CompTIA Security+ are highly recommended. Additionally, I outline the essential skills and knowledge areas needed for success in this role, covering everything from threat identification to compliance and auditing. Most of their experience should come from working a cybersecurity-related job. Sometimes, IT professionals work in IT networking, systems engineering, security intelligence and financial and risk analysis prior to moving into a cybersecurity specialist role. Requirements to enter the field vary by job and employer, but cybersecurity professionals usually need extensive knowledge and certifications. Others attend technology bootcamps, and many pursue a college degree in cybersecurity.

The demand for cyber security specialists is also discussed, with thousands of job openings nationwide, indicating strong job stability and growth prospects. Though there are many cybersecurity positions where a master’s degree is not required, it is increasingly common to see an advanced degree listed as “required” or “preferred” in listings for top jobs. According to CyberSeek’s breakdown of the cybersecurity specialist position, 63% of employers require a bachelor’s degree and 20% require a master’s degree. As well as how to stay safe and help everyone understand the risks and avoid problems. So, if you are wondering how to become a cyber security specialist, gaining the right skills and experience is essential for success in this field. Most cybersecurity specialist job descriptions require a candidate to have several years of experience in a data security role.

Do I need a master’s degree to be a cybersecurity specialist?

As a security specialist, your overarching goal is to analyze current security procedures and suggest changes to upper management for improving efficiency and overall security. Cybersecurity workers and information security specialists both protect valuable information and data. However, cybersecurity prevents access by bad actors, and information security considers aspects like the availability and confidentiality of data. Information security specialists may handle aspects like multifactor authentication and access to physical information storage areas. Payscale reports an average annual cybersecurity salary of around $97,000, and these wages typically increase with experience. Forbes Advisor’s education editors are committed to producing unbiased rankings and informative articles covering online colleges, tech bootcamps and career paths.

These technicians also create and enforce security policies, carry out threat and risk analyses and perform vulnerability assessments. Candidates may spend 3-5 years gaining technology experience, often in non-security IT roles. These “cyberenabled” positions focus on technical support, network engineering, or project management, but still require workers to handle minor security issues. Gaining industry experience in such roles can prepare candidates for core security positions. Next, I address the crucial topic of salary, highlighting the lucrative opportunities available in the field, with entry-level salaries averaging around $83,834 annually.

It encompasses a wide range of technologies and practices, such as encryption, network security, incident response, vulnerability assessment, and ethical hacking. As a cybersecurity specialist, you’ll play a crucial role in safeguarding digital assets and defending against cyber threats in both the corporate and government sectors. Once you’ve gained a security specialist position, you can then start to think about the rest of your career development.

How to Become a Cyber Security Specialist – Guide & Market Insights

• These hands-on experiences are critical in learning how to respond to real-time threats.
• “You never know how your jobs will intertwine when you’re a career changer,” she says.
• Payscale also reports that in 2025, cybersecurity specialists will be compensated across a wide range, depending on experience, responsibilities, and geography.
• In other words, you’re the professional responsible for protecting your organization’s computer systems, networks, and data from security breaches or potential threats.
• While most make between $111,000 and $150,000, some make as much as $186,000 a year.
• Bootcamps, official training materials, cybersecurity degrees, internships and related work experience can help candidates learn the topics covered by their certification exams.

So does membership in professional organizations for cybersecurity professionals. Applicants should explore which certifications match their skills and desired career path. Some cybersecurity certifications cater to entry-level candidates while others prepare workers for advanced positions. Becoming a cybersecurity specialist involves more than just technical skills—it also requires building relationships and networking.

GIAC Security Essentials

Certifications demonstrate expertise in cybersecurity to potential employers, and they indicate a dedication to the field. Keep in mind that most certification exams require significant preparation, and some include experience requirements. Instead of (or in addition to) a degree, cybersecurity certifications help qualify an IT professional for a cybersecurity specialist role.

• For example, The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a 32% projected employment growth rate for information security analysts from 2022 to 2032.
• For example, a GRC Specialist vs. Security Operations Specialist vs. Threat Intel Specialist, etc.
• As mentioned in the list of daily responsibilities, you might be expected to carry out penetration testing.
• Highlight your technical skills, proficiency in monitoring systems, and your ability to respond to security threats effectively.

Required Experience for Security Specialists

If you have any uncertainties about the education, experience, knowledge, or skills you need for a security specialist role, be sure to get in touch with the recruiter directly. They will be able to clarify which items a company deems necessary, preferred, or desirable. Network security professionals work within a narrower scope than cybersecurity workers. Cybersecurity defends against attacks on hardware, software, networks and users. In contrast, network security focuses on vulnerabilities in the connections between devices. These professionals also educate co-workers on best practices, as breaches may occur accidentally or deliberately by bad actors within their companies.

These cybersecurity professionals also construct, install and operate firewalls and set and implement security standards. Networking is another critical part of how to become a cybersecurity specialist. Joining professional organizations, college groups, and online communities can help jumpstart a security specialist career. Security specialists handle sensitive information, so most employers require experience and expertise.