How to Become a Cybersecurity Specialist Updated for

Speak to a Learning Advisor to learn more about the Cybersecurity Certificate Course at BrainStation. Explore BrainStation’s global community network, including our on-campus and online bootcamps, certificate courses, and thought leadership events. Matt Whittle is a freelance writer and editor who holds a BA in English from Penn State University. Before shifting to education-related content, he worked in the wine industry, editing tasting notes and reviews. Matt lives in Warrington, Pennsylvania, where he spends his free time watching movies with his family and recording music.

For new graduates, these jobs can be a good opportunity to get their foot in the door of a desired company or industry. Below we outline the steps to starting a career in cybersecurity if, of course, it turns out to be the right fit for you. Threat intel analysts are often analyzing data vulnerabilities and run a wide variety of risk analyses to keep an eye on impending threats. Run tests and use malware prevention software how to become a security specialist to identify new threats to their organization’s data networks. Analysts often report to upper administration and may have to present findings and recommendations before management. Security analysts sometimes work with multiple departments to ensure their colleagues understand the organization’s best practices for information security. To avoid data breaches and cyberattacks, monitor and evaluate the company’s network.

What is a Cybersecurity Analyst?

Traditionally, network operations and IT professionals and teams handled core technology functions. But now that our world has become so heavily dependent on using advanced technology for practically everything, the stakes are higher than ever.

• You can do this by attending a full-time cybersecurity bootcamp or pursuing a degree in computer science.
• But regardless of the range, a cyber security engineer can earn some serious pay.
• The ones that require you to complete a degree to take the certification exam may allow you to sign up if you will be finished with your degree when the exam in offered.
• Here are two ways to use networking websites to make the most of your career.

Selecting specific titles gives you information about that role, as well as the framework categories. This is another CompTIA certification and may be one of the most valuable you can earn. You’ll cover cryptography, network architecture/design, threats, attacks, vulnerabilities, risk management and identity, and access management. The good news is there’s no one education path to become a cybersecurity speciality; you have options. Much of the issue is self-imposed, McShane added, and organizations must reframe their expectations of who can fill roles and what skills are required for addressing today’s cybersecurity issues. A study found that the global cyber workforce will need to grow more than 145% to meet the demand for professionals.

Cybersecurity Education Requirements

Cyber security experts need to evolve with the times to effectively combat cyber criminals. Another way to advance is to earn your master’s in cybersecurity or a closely related field. If you plan to move into the C-suites, you need to have the skills and knowledge to work as a Chief Information Security Officer . And more than a degree itself, recruiters want to see that applicants for cybersecurity roles have gotten some hands-on experience along the way—either in school or a prior job. A certification credential can increase your job opportunities and earning potential, and a large number of employers require it.

As you move up the ranks, the questions may become more about leadership, running a program, conflict resolution and budgeting. In a study by Enterprise Strategy Group and the Information Systems Security Association, 70 percent of cybersecurity professionals report that their organization has a cybersecurity skills shortage. As the need for cybersecurity grows, companies are focused on finding people with the right skills. These professionals also educate coworkers on best practices, as breaches may occur accidentally or deliberately by bad actors within their companies. Cybersecurity specialists must remain up to date with changes in the field by researching emerging threats and fixes. Their average annual salary is similar to that of a cybersecurity specialist at $76,410.