As you gain experience in cybersecurity, you may choose to advance toward a leadership position within your organization. Cybersecurity managers oversee an organization’s network and computer security systems. In this role, you might manage security teams, coordinate between teams, and ensure security compliance.
There are a number of network-oriented professional cybersecurity organizations and groups that are specifically designed to alert members about job openings and professional development opportunities. These are just a few examples of the dozens of cybersecurity certifications available. When looking at job opportunities in the cybersecurity industry, it’s a good idea to keep notes about what kinds of certifications employers are looking for. One of the primary responsibilities of a cybersecurity specialist is to keep tabs on the systems employed by their organization and report any issues to management. They are also responsible for anticipating future threats and advising on how to deal with them. If you enjoy problem-solving, working with various networks, and mastering the latest technology, becoming a security specialist may not be hard.
Related careers
It’s important to have that relationship built up and we’re always working on this in the background so that when the time comes, businesses know they can trust the candidates we put forward. As I mentioned, cloud is hugely relevant so experience with Azure in particular is perfect. Then of course network security technologies and web and application security technologies as well as Microsoft Defender and Wireshark.
Third, the global shortage of cybersecurity workers is expected to continue, which will drive up wages and salaries for cybersecurity specialists. Some cybersecurity professionals pursue experience before earning certification. Whatever path they choose, security specialists need strong technical skills and a commitment to continuing education. These companies provide everything that any new employee needs, so they don’t need to worry about anything else in order to begin their careers.
Getting started: Entry-level cybersecurity jobs
Gaining industry experience in such roles can prepare candidates for core security positions. City & Guilds is pleased to support the government’s announcement that cyber security will be an integral feature of all computing and digital vocational qualifications from 2016 onwards. As digital technology becomes more commonplace and sophisticated, the public needs to stay safe. That’s why we’re enabling professionals to build better, more secure systems.
- Security+ is a CompTIA certification that is considered a basic cert among cybersecurity professionals.
- In fact, cybersecurity is among the top 20 fastest-growing occupations, with more than half a million openings in the U.S.
- A Diploma of Higher Education is the equivalent to two years of study at undergraduate level.
- The field of incident response involves the next steps after a security incident.
- Since cybersecurity professionals frequently work with teams to resolve and prevent issues, you’ll also want to develop soft skills such as communication, leadership, critical thinking, and adaptability.
Other companies may stipulate that they seek cybersecurity specialists with a specific amount of professional experience. Candidates can accrue experience in other cybersecurity roles or through internships while still pursuing their degrees to meet this requirement. The main qualification needed to become a cyber security specialist is a bachelor’s degree and some knowledge how to become a security specialist of information technology. When people think about the most important qualifications for a cyber security specialist, they tend to think about technical skills like programming or network design. Again, due to the relative lack of information security professionals in the field, it’s actually somewhat easier to get your foot in the door than one might think.
Career Advice
Higher up, you tend to find Cyber Security Specialists and Consultants, after that Cyber Security Architects right up to CIOs and CTOs who will have a good number of years’ experience behind them. You could take a postgraduate course in computing or cyber security if your first degree is not in a related subject, or if you have a lot of industry experience. Certifications are great tools for career progression and don’t just build technical skills. These qualifications also teach you the value of your own expertise and build communication skills – crucial if you consider moving from a technical to a managerial role. Security specialists are in high demand as companies implement measures to protect themselves from cybercriminals. According to labor statistics, the number of available jobs in this field is expected to grow significantly in the next few years.
They are responsible for making sure that networks and computer systems are up-to-date and not vulnerable to software bugs. The Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) is a more advanced certification designed for cybersecurity professionals with at least five years of work experience. The certification covers topics such as architecture, engineering, and management. Explore the necessary certifications for security specialists and learn more about the educational requirements for this profession. Start your journey to becoming a security specialist by earning one of these certifications. A 2019 Burning Glass Technologies report notes that most cybersecurity jobs (65%) require a bachelor’s degree.
There is a need to protect against risks and threats to an organization’s data. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) reports that 47 percent of adults in the US have had their personal data exposed by cyber criminals [1]. If you take into account that a data breach can cost an average of $9.44 million in the US, it’s clear why there is high demand for cybersecurity [2]. 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. Since most employers expect certification, the first step involves experience. Professionals pursuing higher-level positions may opt for a master’s or doctoral degree.
