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Cybersecurity specialists go by many names, from information technology analysts and consultants, to network security specialists and analysts. No matter what the official job title, the main goal is to protect the networks and systems within an organization.
Here are suggested steps to follow to enter this in demand profession.
Interested in learning more? Continue reading below to find out what a cybersecurity specialist’s job responsibilities entail daily.
Cybersecurity specialists are responsible for the day-to-day monitoring of the systems and networks of an organization. They must keep all systems up-to-date on security protocols and make sure they are not susceptible to cyber threats. In order to do this, these professionals develop plans for system security tailored to the organization. They also regularly perform assessments to look for any possible threats or areas of vulnerability. If an attack does occur, they are responsible for fixing any damage and ensuring that systems are better protected.
As the experts, cybersecurity specialists can also be expected to train other employees about best practices to limit security breaches and attacks. They also must make sure that network and user access is up-to-date for employees as changes are made within the organization.
With hard work and research, many of the skills for this profession can be self-taught. Many employers, however, do appreciate a formal education in this area because security is so crucial and certifications and degrees show a level of expertise and commitment to the field. There are associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s programs that have cybersecurity focuses.
Looking to enter this field faster? A bootcamp may be a great option for you.
The path to become a cybersecurity specialist includes learning a variety of skills and tools to help ensure the security and health of an organization’s networks and systems. Below are five steps to help guide you to learning these necessary skills.
Python, Java, C, C#, and Perl are common languages used in cybersecurity. Programming can be used to create automated systems for security. Associated language frameworks and programs may also be used to help with the security of web pages, networks, databases, and more.
In order to protect systems and networks, you first must comprehend how they work. Knowledge of the structure of systems like Microsoft and Linux, as well as networking, is crucial. It is also important to know how to maintain these systems and networks properly.
Organizations must remain compliant with protecting client data. Cybersecurity specialists must know security regulatory compliance standards to ensure businesses adhere to these standards. Note that while there are general security standards, many industries have their own specific standards as well. One of the most well-known sets of standards is HIPAA, protecting private data and information.
Both types of assessments are necessary for the continual monitoring of an organization’s security. These assessments help the specialist see the web page, application, and database from the perspective of a possible attacker and work to fix any vulnerabilities or holes in security.
Certifications show organizations that you have a certain level of skill and knowledge in this critical area. Dice.com suggests adding one or more of the following certifications to your repertoire:
Some cybersecurity specialists choose to hone in on a particular area of security. Some examples of focus areas include special IT systems like Cisco Systems or platform-specific like desktop versus mobile application security. Focusing on an area does not mean that you can skip learning other areas of this field, but it does make you more knowledgeable in one domain. This can make you even more marketable to specific sectors that require your particular area of expertise.
While they aren’t necessarily skills that can be taught, soft skills are also highly desirable in this position. Problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and communication skills are all needed to be successful in this career.
The cybersecurity job market is extremely promising. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects jobs in this field to increase by 31% from 2019 to 2029. This is well above the average job outlook of all professions of 4%. This is largely because the number of cyber threats and attacks continues to grow. Cybersecurity Ventures estimates that cybercrime will cost the world $10.5 trillion by 2025. With technology constantly evolving, it is more important than ever for businesses to properly protect their systems and networks.
Virtually every industry benefits from having a cybersecurity specialist but there are some industries where the demand is especially high in 2022. There are, however, five key industries that need stronger cybersecurity,according to the International Security Journal:
Because of demand and need, this profession is often well-paid — even more so as specialists gain experience and education. According to indeed.com the average salary for IT security specialists is $65,125. Many job postings offer a cash bonus which increases the average base salary. It is important to note that average salary varies based on location and experience. A list of average salaries for this position in certain tech hubs is listed below.
| City | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| New York, NY | $124,729 |
| Washington D.C. | $116,939 |
| Silicon Valley, CA | $117,189 |
| Atlanta, GA | $107,430 |
| Austin, TX | $121,768 |
Bootcamps for cybersecurity specialists are offered in-person, online, and via
hybrid courses. This formal structure can help you learn the necessary skills for the cybersecurity profession with the help of experts. Curriculums include the skills mentioned above and also have added benefits. Many bootcamps offer added perks such as internships, networking, portfolio and resume development, and more. Read more below to compare bootcamps and find the one that is right for your needs, goals, and schedule.
