While requirements for cybersecurity jobs vary widely from company to company, you might notice some common trends. Let’s take a closer look at some of the requirements and how you can go about meeting them to get your first cybersecurity job. Below are some of the most frequently asked questions (FAQs) about IT security and cybersecurity specialists. CompTIA Security+ is the first security-focused certification cybersecurity professionals should earn, but it shouldn’t be the last. Hiring managers will also be looking for advanced certifications such as CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+).

This program is designed ​​to help individuals with no previous experience learn in-demand skills, and prepare for Microsoft’s SC-900 exam and a first job in cybersecurity, all at their own pace. Before you apply for your first cybersecurity role, take some time to develop core IT skills, including programming, networks and systems administration, and cloud computing. While you don’t necessarily need a degree to get a job in cybersecurity, having some form of structured training might accelerate your path toward a job. Having soft skills like problem-solving, leadership, teamwork and adaptability are also important.

What Is a Cybersecurity Specialist?

They can do this while getting a degree, after they’ve earned a degree or while they are working. A couple of the most in-demand industry certifications are CompTIA Security+ and CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+). Most cybersecurity specialist job descriptions require a candidate to have several years of experience in a data security role. These IT professionals often gain and sharpen cybersecurity skills as they get hands-on experience in the workplace over a period of time. The outlook for cybersecurity specialists is very positive due to the increasing reliance on technology and the growing threat of cyber attacks.

Network security professionals work within a narrower scope than cybersecurity workers. Cybersecurity defends against attacks on hardware, software, networks and users. In contrast, network security focuses on vulnerabilities in the connections between devices. Cybersecurity specialists perform similar work to information security specialists but may focus more on hardware. As experts in cybersecurity, these specialists help to create, analyze and deploy organizational security systems. Cybersecurity specialists test for areas of potential exposure in interconnected computer networks, document their findings and provide solutions for vulnerabilities.

Seek Cybersecurity Work Experience

People in this role are often hired as much for their soft skills as their technical ability. 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. These companies may hold job fairs, put on conferences and provide resources for connecting with peers and employers.

Cybersecurity organizations are a great way for those in the industry to keep up with current happenings, collaborate with like-minded individuals and more. All salary data represents average annual total pay in the US, according to Glassdoor (March 2024). Total pay includes base salary and additional compensation such as commission, bonuses, and profit sharing. Even for vendor-specific certifications, many skillsets are transferable, so don’t worry about getting pigeonholed. Security engineering and architecture could be a good fit if you enjoy tinkering with technology and like to take a big picture approach to cybersecurity.

CompTIA Certifications

Cybersecurity jobs are in high demand right now and employers are realizing that they need to be open to alternative paths to knowledge and experience in order to fill these positions. Relevant certifications can give job seekers a competitive advantage and help them prove to employers that they have in-demand information security skills. It’s not uncommon for cybersecurity specialist job descriptions to call for several years of experience[MOU4] .

“In the context of cybersecurity, it’s networks, and computers and software.” However, for some (but not all) master’s program tracks, you might need a computer science or engineering undergrad degree. Some top programs include cybersecurity specialist program Georgia Tech, New York University, Stanford University, Carnegie Mellon University, and the University of California, Berkeley. If you want to become a cybersecurity specialist, you need industry-recognized certifications.

Salaries and Job Outlook for Cybersecurity Specialists

In fact, cybersecurity is among the top 20 fastest-growing occupations, with more than half a million openings in the U.S. The demand for these IT pros is unlikely to change due to the fast growth of the IoT (Internet of Things) and because the rate of digital transformation is increasing. If you’ve already earned CompTIA Network+ and have at least two years of experience in IT administration with a cybersecurity focus, you are a good candidate for CompTIA Security+.

• Employers may be willing to lower their experience requirements for job candidates with cybersecurity-focused degrees and/or in-demand cybersecurity certifications.
• These professionals work with public and private employers of all sizes to ensure the safety of data for customers, government entities and healthcare organizations.
• Other companies may stipulate that they seek cybersecurity specialists with a specific amount of professional experience.
• “You need to understand the technology for you to be able to secure it,” Ahamad says.

Cybersecurity specialists need to be comfortable in a world that is constantly moving and shifting. That said, having a bachelor’s or master’s degree can often create more job opportunities, make you a more competitive candidate in the cybersecurity job market, or help you advance in your career. Some degree programs, like the Online Master of Computer Science from Arizona State University (available on Coursera), let you concentrate your studies in cybersecurity. Chief information security officers (CISOs), network engineers, systems engineers and systems administrators, plus other roles, are also considered cybersecurity specialists. Those who don’t have a degree, experience or certifications may need to put several years into becoming a cybersecurity specialist. This includes the time it takes to get a degree, earn certifications and get work experience.

The more cybersecurity certifications they earn, the more job opportunities will open to them. In general, cybersecurity specialists are often required to have several years of experience in a cybersecurity-focused job. More experience is required for advanced roles and less is needed for early-career roles. Having industry credentials and higher-level degrees could shorten the experience requirements some potential employers have. Among the many cybersecurity jobs that companies are hiring for across all industries is the position of cybersecurity specialist. These are common skills listed on cybersecurity specialist job descriptions.

In all professions, networking offers a reliable pathway to finding job opportunities. In addition to connecting with your co-workers, consider joining a professional organization. Validate skills in various cybersecurity areas, including offensive operations, cyber defense, cloud security, industrial control systems and more. Search “cyber security specialist $100,000” on LinkedIn and you find a cornucopia of high-paying jobs from across the country. Traditionally, network operations and IT professionals and teams handled core technology functions.

Certifications demonstrate expertise in cybersecurity to potential employers, and they indicate a dedication to the field. Keep in mind that most certification exams require significant preparation, and some include experience requirements. This guide offers information on how to become a cybersecurity analyst, along with details on other cybersecurity roles such as information security specialist. If you’re wondering how to get into cybersecurity, read on to explore salaries, job outlooks and available certifications in the field.