Many employers require cybersecurity specialists to obtain prior work experience in information security or a related field. Experience in a particular industry, such as banking, may give aspiring security specialists a leg up on other applicants aiming to work in that specific field. 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. A degree will give you a head start, as well as a certification known as a CISSP (more on this later), but a surprising number of individuals learn on the job. Even if you’ve studied with another industry in mind, it’s never too late to learn how to become a cyber security specialist.

However, employers may also ask for the attainment of certain certificates. Even if these extra qualifications aren’t required, they can still give you a leg up when it comes https://remotemode.net/ to applying for jobs. If you’re interested in starting a career in cybersecurity, consider the Microsoft Cybersecurity Analyst Professional Certificate on Coursera.

IT Security Specialist Career Path

However, you will also be expected to engage in manual checks and tests to ensure that you don’t miss any issues. First, the increasing reliance on technology in all aspects of our lives has created more opportunities for cybercriminals to attack. Research and compare top-rated information security degree programs online and in your area. Matt Whittle has experience writing and editing accessible education-related content in health, technology, nursing and business subjects. His work has been featured on Sleep.org, Psychology.org and NurseJournal.org. Discover programs you’re interested in and take charge of your education.

• Maybe you enjoy the thrill of incident response, or perhaps you’d prefer to hone your hacking skills to stay one step ahead of bad actors.
• Before investing in higher education or certifications, explore salaries in cybersecurity and learn about the projected career outlook for the coming decade.
• If you’re interested in starting a career in cybersecurity, consider the Microsoft Cybersecurity Analyst Professional Certificate on Coursera.
• The outlook for cybersecurity specialists is very positive due to the increasing reliance on technology and the growing threat of cyber attacks.

Don’t lose sight of your goal—if you keep at it, you’ll eventually land the cybersecurity role of your dreams. Always 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.

Understanding the Role of a Cyber Security Analyst

Developing security systems often involves the collaboration of many specialized professionals. PenTest+ is for intermediate level cybersecurity professionals who are tasked with how to become a security specialist penetration testing to manage vulnerabilities on a network. For this reason, security specialists are necessary to maintain the overall operations and credibility of a company.