With a strong background in coding and programming languages, software security engineers develop firewalls and intrusion detection systems for their companies. Their skillset has to include a combination of soft skills and hard skills, such as software engineering, problem-solving, building relationships with clients, and learning technology. As the name suggests, cybersecurity specialists are all about protecting digital information. This can be anything from encrypting personal information on social media so no one can harvest it to making sure entire information systems are malware-, virus-, and hacker-proof. Without them, there would be an increased risk of cyberattacks, which can lead to the loss of consumer confidence, leaks of private information, network failures, stalled production, and compliance violations. For this reason, security specialists are necessary to maintain the overall operations and credibility of a company.

• The professionals must keep track of the CND incidents from the beginning through final resolution.
• Aspiring security specialists should gain as much experience as possible in using SIEM, programming languages, firewalls, and threat protection software.
• Security certification is often required for advancement, and can help candidates boost their resumes and stand out in the job market.
• In fact, one becomes a chief information security officer only after years and years of experience.
• The Security Specialist must play an active role in building firewalls, setting up anti-virus software and keep an eye on the organization’s network to detect any threats or breaches.

IT Security Specialists might find the job search competitive but understanding what experience is needed can aid in their search. Candidates for the IT Security Specialist position are expected to have some IT job experience. They can gain experience through positions, like Systems Administrator, Network Administrator, or Network Engineer. Junior positions, like Junior Cybersecurity Specialist, are easier to land and provide a generous amount of on-the-job training. The Network Security Specialist should evaluate the network flow data, signature-based IDS events, and full packet capture data.

Security Specialist Jobs By Location

The U.S. Army also offers $4,244 per month for their IT security specialist roles. Once you’re ready to become a security specialist, you should explore the companies that typically hire security specialists. According to security specialist resumes that we searched through, security specialists are hired the most by Target, Allied Universal, and Lincoln Financial Group.

The platform currently has 40,000 freelance engineers from 180 countries across the globe. According to Payscale, the Network Security Specialist earns about $73,932 annually and $30.52 on an hourly basis in the United States. As per Neuvoo, for this position, the professional earns about $79,835 per year or $40.94 per hour. The professionals at entry-level positions start at $18,525 per year, whereas the experienced workers make up to $106,750 per year. The Glassdoor salary estimate states that on an average the Network Security Specialist makes about $67,620 per year.

Why choose IT Security Specialist?

Consider what makes you feel excited and what is not much of a motivator for you in your job search. Choose the job that plays into your strengths, one that you will love doing day in and day out. Pretty much all cybersecurity positions are well-paid, so it will be just a matter of personal preference what you decide to pursue.

Then choose from 12+ resume templates to create your security specialist resume. Security specialists use training and skills to thwart criminals and stop criminal activity. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ current Occupational Employment Statistics lists the median annual salary for information security analysts at $102,600.

How many skills do you need to be a cybersecurity specialist?

If your career goals include obtaining a more senior role in a cyber security team, then you’ll need to deepen your knowledge and refine your skills. Over the next few years, you can continue your education, such as by studying for an online Master’s degree in cyber security or one or more of the above certificates. A security specialist is responsible for maintaining the security of an organization’s database, ensuring that it’s free from cyber threats and unusual activities. A security specialist must have a strong command of programming languages and system codes, as well as broad experience with technical expertise.

Top 5 security administrator interview questions with detailed tips for both hiring managers and candidates. Experience with implementing and maintain detection systems, firewalls, and prevention systems. Contact recruiters directly to double-check that your qualification will be right for the specific job you’re aiming for. Security Clearance, 4%Enforce government security policies; provide direction and guidance with regards to these program security regulations, processed personnel security clearances. Patrol, 7%Contracted through this established security agency to provide security patrol and various security-related services at Progressive Insurance Companies in Highland Heights. Maintain access control, key control, and closed-circuit TV systems and software with attention to detail.

By monitoring, detecting, investigating, analyzing, and responding to how to become a security specialist events, cybersecurity specialists protect systems from cybersecurity risks, threats, and vulnerabilities. The actual job description of a security specialist can be hard to pin down, because these specialists may have varying duties based on their actual position. But typically these specialists are expected to install, configure, and maintain security software designed to prevent outside attacks on the company’s internal network. IT security professionals are also be expected to monitor the company network for any breaches or vulnerabilities, devising plans for further safeguarding as needed. Computer security specialists are IT professionals who use their skills to prevent cyber attacks on corporate information systems. They implement and maintain security systems, respond to privacy breaches, and train staff on security protocols.

• Additionally, security specialists are known to earn anywhere from $25,000 to $98,000 a year.
• As a result, employees dedicated full time to cybersecurity have gone from being a luxury to a necessity.
• A protective officer is in charge of preventing theft and damages in stores and other establishments.
• Organizations hire security specialists to prevent security breaches, which involves identifying any system weaknesses that a cyber criminal might exploit.