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. The Certified Information Systems Security Professional https://remotemode.net/ (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.

  • A cybersecurity specialist’s role provides exciting opportunities to handle critical cyber threats and, in turn, safeguard a company’s information systems and infrastructure.
  • Security specialists should begin by obtaining a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity or a related area, such as computer science.
  • In addition, they can also brief their colleagues on how a complex security event was concluded.
  • Finally, cryptography is the science of codes and encryption, and a part of cybersecurity, in which knowledge of math can help decipher and create algorithms for automated reasoning and data processing.
  • While you likely already possess some 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.

Perhaps because there is such a skills gap in this area, employers have often focused on technical skills for IT hires and neglected to focus on soft skills. What this means for your business is that you’ll need to make every hire count in this space. It also means that, if you put in the effort at the hiring stage and attract IT professionals that are a truly great fit for your organization, you have the opportunity to really get ahead of your competition in this area. One way to find great IT specialists is to look for junior hires who you can train on the job.

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Starting as early as the 1990s, simple antivirus software like the Reaper, created by Ray Tomlinson, became necessary to protect user’s online activity. CyberDegrees.org is committed to delivering content that is how to become a security specialist objective and actionable. To that end, we have built a network of industry professionals across higher education to review our content and ensure we are providing the most helpful information to our readers.

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Training on the job provides employees with progression and satisfaction, and demonstrates your commitment to long-term skills development as an employer. The University of San Diego, which offers a highly regarded online Master of Science in Cyber Security Operations and Leadership, also publishes a Cyber Blog featuring ongoing reports on the cybersecurity employment landscape. According to Indeed.com, the average annual salary for this occupation is $50,380 in the United States. Compensation varies according to experience, as well as geographical location, so the average salaries for some of the most popular U.S. tech hubs are listed in the chart below.

The Importance of Data Analytics and Its Applications in Decision-Making

Cisco, CompTIA, CISSP, and CEH are some of the certs that may be required by your employer to be qualified for a role. Additional computer security courses can provide in-demand risk management and systems security skills that employers seek. Aspiring security specialists should gain as much experience as possible in using SIEM, programming languages, firewalls, and threat protection software. A strong foundation of education, combined with internships and professional experience, set candidates up for success.

Network+ certifies the essential skills needed to confidently design, configure, manage and troubleshoot wired and wireless networks. Adopting the mindset of a  lifelong learner can help you keep up with (or stay one step ahead of) these changes. Accredited schools offer college degrees, courses, and certificates in IT security tools and technologies. But being a key component of a company’s information technology needs can be a rewarding responsibility. Finally, the rise of flexible work, including remote and hybrid arrangements, allows you to hire people no matter where they live.

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