- In other words, there are cybersecurity specialist jobs for people completing a cybersecurity associate’s degree, a bachelor’s degree, or a master’s degree. …
- Security+ is a CompTIA certification that is considered a basic cert among cybersecurity professionals.
Opportunities for employment as a cybersecurity specialist are more plentiful and lucrative than ever. You are likely already aware of the fact that cybercrime is constantly increasing. In fact, cybercrime is forecasted to amount to $10. 5 trillion by the year 2025, which is very soon. When you combine this sector’s upward growth with the unemployment rate of zero percent, you get a hot job market with six-figure salaries.
Getting Into Cyber Security: 5 Skills You NEED to Learn
What is a cybersecurity specialist?
A cybersecurity specialist is a member of the information technology community whose main responsibility is to maintain the software and network security of organizations. The tasks involved in this work include designing, developing, implementing, and evaluating the efficacy of various security systems.
Knowing potential vulnerabilities and how to conduct vulnerability testing, being familiar with products to recommend, and having efficient threat prevention and intervention techniques are all requirements for becoming a cybersecurity specialist. In order to instruct new hires and produce written reports for organization administrators on the security status of the organization, cybersecurity specialists also maintain effective communication skills.
A cybersecurity specialist is frequently regarded as a junior position because they typically perform entry-level duties and need a broader knowledge base to carry out both technical and administrative tasks. As they gain more expertise and diversify their skill set, cybersecurity experts can eventually advance to analyst or director roles.
Average salary
These four steps will assist you in getting ready to become a cybersecurity specialist, regardless of the specific business or job you want to pursue:
1. Obtain the necessary education and certifications
The formal education requirements to become a cybersecurity specialist vary slightly depending on what state or organization you intend to work in. Most employers prefer a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, or cybersecurity, though some may accept an associate’s degree with substantial work experience.
To help students focus and develop pertinent knowledge and skills, many schools that offer degrees in computer science and information technology also offer a cybersecurity concentration. In all of these programs, the coursework frequently includes cryptology, database design and administration, and digital and computer forensics.
Industry certifications can improve your resume and help you advance your career, though they are not always necessary for entry-level cybersecurity specialist positions. Professional organizations in the field provide a variety of certifications. A few of the most common include:
2. Gain relevant experience
Many employers prefer to hire cybersecurity experts who have relevant work experience in the computer science or information technology fields in addition to the education and certification requirements. Your resume will be improved by completing internships during college or entry-level positions in either field, which will show that you are qualified for a cybersecurity specialist position.
Being a network administrator, security administrator, or system administrator are a few of these jobs. You will also gain from using that work experience to network professionally and make connections when you start the job search process.
3. Refine your hard and soft skills
Whatever entry-level position you land, make sure to take advantage of the chance to hone the necessary hard and soft skills of a cybersecurity specialist before applying for the position. Hard skills are the specific technological and computer abilities required for this job.
Secure coding techniques, vulnerability assessment and reporting, computer routing and switching, and familiarity with a variety of operating systems are a few examples of hard skills. The interpersonal skills required to succeed in this field are referred to as “soft skills.” Sample soft skills include oral and written communication and problem-solving.
4. Create a strong resume
You can increase your chances of getting called in for an interview by standing out from other cybersecurity candidates who are similarly qualified by crafting a strong resume. Your formal education credentials, any certifications you hold, and any relevant work experience should all be listed on your resume.
It’s also crucial to highlight your transferable technical and interpersonal skills and to summarize your goal in a clear, thoughtful summary statement. Entry-level candidates can raise their competitiveness by adding undergraduate honors or awards, membership in professional organizations, undergraduate internships, or leadership positions held since beginning their careers.
FAQ
Is IT hard to become a cyber security specialist?
Even though learning cybersecurity can be difficult, it doesn’t have to be, especially if you love technology. Develop an interest in the technologies you use, and you might find that difficult skills become simpler.
How long does IT take to become a cybersecurity expert?
You’ll typically need two to four years to acquire the necessary skills to enter the cyber industry. College tuitions of course vary greatly. At bootcamps, your education is more practical and hands-on. Additionally, they are much shorter than the 2-4 years at a college; cyber bootcamps typically last 12 to 15 weeks.
How do I become a cyber security specialist without a degree?
If you have prior IT or military experience, or if you have a security-related certification like CompTIA Security+, and if you’re looking for an entry-level job, you can get a job in cybersecurity without a degree.
