You might be interested in cybersecurity if you’re interested in technology. When considering a career in cybersecurity, it is important to understand the job requirements, education requirements, and certifications required.
This article will explain what cybersecurity expert is and why they are so important. It also outlines the steps you need to take in order to become one.
What does it mean to be a cyber security specialist?
A cybersecurity specialist is an IT professional whose main function is to ensure the safety and security of an organization’s network security system and software. This involves creating, testing, implementing, and analyzing the effectiveness of different security systems.
A cybersecurity specialist must be able to identify potential vulnerabilities, conduct vulnerability testing, and familiarize themselves with products in order to suggest and implement effective strategies for prevention and intervention. Effective communication skills are essential for cybersecurity specialists to communicate with new employees and create written reports for the organization about its security status. Enrolling in a Cyber Security course can definitely improve your communication skills.
Cybersecurity specialists are often considered junior roles. They typically perform entry-level tasks and require a wider knowledge base to complete technical and administrative tasks. As they gain experience and expand their skills, cybersecurity specialists can move up to director or analyst roles.
Average salary
Although exact salaries can vary from one state to another, the average salary of a cybersecurity specialist is $1,15,898 per annum. Based on education, experience, and type of organization, the estimated salary ranges from $33,000 to $247,000 annually.
How to become a cybersecurity specialist
Below are four steps that can help you become a cyber security specialist, regardless of what job or organization you work for.
- Get the education and certifications you need
- Gain relevant experience
- Improve your hard and soft skills
- Make sure your resume is strong
- Get the education and certifications you need
The formal education requirements for cybersecurity specialists vary depending on the state you are working in. Although some employers will accept an associate with substantial work experience, many employers prefer a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, IT, or Cybersecurity.
Many schools offer cybersecurity concentrations for computer science and information technology degrees. This helps students to narrow their focus and develop relevant skills. The coursework in all these programs typically covers digital and computer security, database design, administration, and cryptology.
Although not required to be a cybersecurity specialist, industry certifications will enhance your resume and allow you to advance in your career. Professional organizations offer a variety of certifications in this field. Some of the most popular include:
- EC-Council Network Security Admin
- Cisco Certified Network Associate Routing and Switching
- Certified Information Security Manager
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional
- CompTIA’s most popular base-level security certification
1. Gain relevant experience
Employers prefer to hire cybersecurity specialists with relevant experience in computer science and information technology, in addition to their education requirements. Your resume will be enhanced if you have completed college internships in these fields or are able to hold entry-level positions in any of them.
You might be a network administrator, security administrator, or system administrator. This work experience will be a great asset when you start your job search.
2. Improve your hard and soft skills
No matter what entry-level position you hold, make sure you have the chance to improve your soft and hard skills before you apply for the job. This refers to the technical and computer skills required for this job.
Examples of hard skills include security coding practices and vulnerability assessment and reporting, computer routing, switching, and proficiency with the various operating system. Soft skills are the interpersonal skills required to excel in this field. Examples of soft skills are problem-solving and oral communication.
3. Make sure your resume is strong.
A well-written resume will help you stand out among other qualified cybersecurity candidates and increase the likelihood of getting an interview. Include your education and certifications, as well as your work experience.
It is important to highlight your interpersonal and transferable skills and to sum up your objectives in a concise and thoughtful summary statement. Entry-level applicants have the opportunity to increase their competitiveness by obtaining undergraduate honors, awards, membership in professional organizations, internships, or other leadership opportunities since they entered the workforce.
Your resume can be tailored to suit the job by adding keywords to the job description and highlighting your most important transferable skills.
