What is A Network Security Specialist? Career Path and Overview

Threats to online security closely shadow the history and development of the internet itself. Starting as early as the 1990s, simple antivirus software like the Reaper, created by Ray Tomlinson, became necessary to protect user’s online activity. Ensuring that the organization’s data and infrastructure are protected by enabling the appropriate security controls.

The Security Specialist will have to identify the compromised machines and will provide a brief of the security measures taken by them. They have to evaluate the security risks and come up with proper response procedures. The other additional tasks include creating and examining the software deployment tools, firewalls, and intrusion detection systems. The median annual wage for network security specialists is $84,810 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics . Get started with NSE 6Cybersecurity Advanced CertificationNSE 7 identifies your advanced skills in deploying, administering, and troubleshooting Fortinet security solutions. This curriculum offers courses for network and security professionals who are involved in advanced administration and support of security infrastructures using Fortinet solutions.

Outlook for cybersecurity specialists

Some organizations require a master’s degree to become a cybersecurity specialist, but not all. Hiring businesses are looking for a mix of education, certifications and hands-on industry experience. If you’re interested in becoming a network security specialist, one of the first things to consider is how much education you need. We’ve determined that 60.6% of network security specialists have a bachelor’s degree. In terms of higher education levels, we found that 9.5% of network security specialists have master’s degrees. Even though most network security specialists have a college degree, it’s possible to become one with only a high school degree or GED.

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. CyberDegrees.org is committed to delivering content that is objective and actionable.

How To Become A Cybersecurity Specialist

Because network hacking methods are constantly evolving, you may need to monitor reports of current computer viruses and update anti-virus software accordingly. According to job postings found on Monster.com in May 2017, additional job duties could include developing network communication policies and installing firewalls. 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. Work ExperienceAlways 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. FieldEngineer.com has umpteen number of opportunities for Network Security Specialists.

Other job titles that you might see in your search include IT Security Specialist, Network Security Specialist and Internet Security Analyst. Cybersecurity specialists work on IT teams that are dedicated to protecting the integrity of the business’s network and data. Traditionally, network operations and IT technology supplemented the core business. But increasingly, the success of a business relies on the success and capability of its network. As a result, employees dedicated full time to cybersecurity have gone from being a luxury to a necessity. Payscale also reports that cybersecurity specialists are compensated across a wide range, depending on experience, responsibilities, and geography. The skills section on your resume can be almost as important as the experience section, so you want it to be an accurate portrayal of what you can do.

Cyber Security Specialist

These professionals work with public and private employers of all sizes to ensure the safety of data for customers, government entities and healthcare organizations. They are responsible for making sure that networks and computer systems are up-to-date and not how to become a security specialist vulnerable to software bugs. Since a security specialist is essentially an entry level position in the large world of cyber security, there are positions you can start out in at first and then, you can work your way up the ladder into a management role.

So the ability to articulate the reason for the change and the ability to relate to co-workers’ needs and objections is also important. Security+ is a CompTIA certification that is considered a basic cert among cybersecurity professionals. A cybersecurity specialist might wear many hats depending on the size and shape of his or her company or organization. The Security Specialist must create final reports and evaluate the incident reports. The professionals should work in collaboration with the analysts to investigate cyber events. They have to analyze cyber indicators and play a critical role in the development of IDS signatures and detection mechanisms.