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It makes sense to start thinking about what kinds of certifications are required by an employer, or what kinds of certifications make job applicants competitive within the field. This Computer Security Specialist job description template is optimized for posting to online job boards or careers pages and easy to customize for your company. Research and compare top-rated cyber security degree programs online and in your area. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ current Occupational Employment Statistics lists the median annual salary for information security analysts at $102,600.
Is a hacker a job?
One of the most in-demand positions in this field is that of an ethical hacker—an IT professional who purposefully penetrates networks and systems to find and fix potential vulnerabilities. If you're looking to put on your “white hat” and infiltrate systems for good, this position can be a great career opportunity.
Additionally, cybersecurity specialists are often called on in times of crisis or emergency — or when there are issues with networks or data systems. Information technology security specialists, a.k.a. cyber security analysts, take home a median annual wage of $103,590, according to the latest salary data from the U.S. Qualified cybersecurity specialists need a strong foundation of soft and hard skills to complete their daily tasks. Some of those skills include communication, collaboration, malware prevention, and computer forensics. These specialists apply programming languages and ingenuity to create solutions for complex issues. Developing security systems often involves the collaboration of many specialized professionals. You protect your home with locks or alarm systems; you protect your car with insurance, and you protect your health by going to the doctor.
Cyber Security
Any postsecondary education is valuable, especially in criminal justice or police science. If you’re looking at a high-level vocation in physical security, you’re most likely required to have an appropriate degree and work experience. NICCS offers comprehensive information on cybersecurity education and careers.
- You protect your home with locks or alarm systems; you protect your car with insurance, and you protect your health by going to the doctor.
- People in this role are often hired as much for their soft skills as their technical ability.
- Some companies may accept as little as 1-to-2 years of experience while some may require over five years of IT security experience.
- A simple way of thinking about a cybersecurity specialist is as someone who keeps tabs on a company’s or organization’s security while also helping other employees and teammates stay current on best practices.
As technology becomes more available in the information age, a demand has risen to protect computers, networks, and data. You’ll familiarize yourself with viruses and other forms of cyber attacks to learn how to counter, prevent, and fix common damages. You might want to pursue a police or military background before getting involved in personal security. Many of you can learn useful skills in those fields that you can later apply to personal security. The education and training requirements vary heavily, since the needs of employers can differ from one to the next. Important and high-profile individuals count on personal security specialists to keep them safe every day.
Personal Security
They offer industry resources, analyses, and tools to help build cyber communications. Familiarity with back-end programming languages, including C++ and PHP. This can take the form of other, related work experience, or it can take the form of a structured internship or other formal hands-on learning.
According to the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency , ransomware attacks occur about every 11 seconds in 2021, up from every 39 seconds in 2019. Top 5 security analyst interview questions with detailed tips for both hiring managers and candidates. Top 5 security administrator interview questions with detailed tips for both hiring managers and candidates. That often means that continuing education is required — both in the form of formal, industry-recognized certifications — and in the form of informal learning and tracking industry developments. In addition, security specialists are also responsible for making sure that other co-workers are kept up-to-date on security best practices, which means they might take on the role of a trainer or an advisor.
Requirements and skills
When your time with that person is over, you’ll move onto the next customer your firm assigns to you. Other vocational choices include armored car guard and gaming surveillance officer. If you’re in the former career, then you’ll work with banks to transport and protect money as it’s transported from one location to another. If you’re involved in the latter occupation, then you’ll help protect casinos during monetary exchanges. Collaborate with other security colleagues and propose network improvements and new software solutions to security managers and architects. A security specialist’s exact duties may vary by company, but they can expect to complete the following tasks in the course of their work. Analysts often report to upper administration and may have to present findings and recommendations before management.
Backing up your employer’s information is another duty you’ll need to perform to ensure that in the worst case scenario, you don’t lose everything you’re working to protect. Work ExperienceAlways inquire with a potential employer for their specific job requirements. Some companies may accept as little as 1-to-2 years of experience while some may require over five years of IT security experience.