Information technology security specialists take home a median annual wage of $112,000, according to the latest salary data from the U.S. “Security is the only area of certified IT skills that has never had a negative quarter throughout this recession,” says David Foote, CEO and Chief Research Officer of leading research firm Foote Partners. “We’ve never had three months with a loss or decline in premiums for IT security specialists.” Cybersecurity has to protect an organization from attack, theft, and loss, as well as comply with industry regulations. If you’re working for a company that does business around the globe, familiarity with General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) could be beneficial. Read our informational guide to learn about the degrees, certifications, and professional experiences needed to become a security specialist.

it security specialist skills

The employment of information security analysts, which includes cybersecurity specialists, is predicted to grow 36 percent by 2024, much faster than the average for all occupations. Cybersecurity specialists need to be comfortable in a world that is constantly moving and shifting. New digital attack vectors and mechanisms are popping up all of the time, and a cybersecurity how to become a security specialist specialist is tasked with figuring out what kinds of skills and experience are required to protect against those emerging threats. They accomplish this by managing security software, educating personnel on cybersecurity best practices to prevent data breaches, and responding with the appropriate countermeasures when cyber attacks breach the defenses.

What Are Some Other Top Cybersecurity Careers?

As of November 2023, the average IT security professional’s salary is $101,927 per year, while the average CISSP holder earns $126,000 annually [2, 3]. Strayer University’s online technology degrees provide real-world skills and IT certifications to achieve your career goals. The median annual wage for IT security specialists is $112,000, according to the latest data from the U.S. While you likely already possess some https://remotemode.net/ of the skills listed above, developing those you’re less familiar with could make you a more competitive candidate when you start applying for jobs. As an analyst, you may need to communicate technical concepts to individuals without a technical background, such as executives or legal teams. You may also be asked to write incident reports, where you’ll have to document what you did in a concise and clear manner.

While some IT positions require prior specialization (degrees in software engineering, for example), others could be selected based on potential or natural aptitude. Cybersecurity bootcamps have focused curriculums on the skills, strategies, and tools that IT Security Specialists will need to protect networks and systems. Many also offer preparation for a variety of certifications that are highly-regarded in this field. Employment of IT security specialists will increase by 32% from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the 3% average for all U.S. occupations. Security remains a top concern for IT hiring managers as the frequency and devastation of cyber attacks rise.

IT Security Specialist Career Path & Training

Highly motivated and experienced IT Security Specialist with 15 years of experience in IT security engineering and analysis. Proven track record of managing and administering security systems within an organization. Proficient at developing and executing comprehensive security policies, procedures, and best practices. Adept at managing IT security operations, including designing and implementing security solutions, to ensure the safety of an organization’s data.

it security specialist skills