IT Security Specialist

IT Security Specialists Defend an Organization’s Information Systems.

In an era of escalating security threats, computer crime and cyber warfare, organizations need to be vigilant in combating attackers and protecting information assets. IT security specialists leverage an in-depth understanding of information security risks, threats, technologies & procedures to design and implement secure computer systems.

IT security specialists install, configure and upgrade security software to prevent cyber-attacks, educate [technical and non-technical] employees on computer security, monitor networks for security breaches, and inevitably respond to successful attacks with the appropriate countermeasures. Some IT security professionals specialize in computer crime investigation; these highly trained security technicians use cutting-edge computer forensics hardware and software to gather digital & incidental evidence for use in prosecuting cyber crimes.

Job market demand for computer security specialists is high across all organizational structures and verticals, including corporations, education institutions, medical practices and a range of public sector & government agencies. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, IT security specialist employment will grow by at least 22% from 2010 to 2020, adding over 65,000 new positions to this dynamic field.

Colleges, universities and private computer schools offer undergrad & graduate degrees, courses and certificates in the latest information security tools and technologies. Compare·IT security training programs in the U.S., Canada and online.

a.k.a. IT Security Analyst | Information Security Specialist | Computer Security Specialist | Computer Forensics Technician | Cyber Security Specialist | IT Security Officer | Technical Security Specialist

IT Security Training

IT Security Specialist Skills & Responsibilities

Typical day-to-day duties and in-demand skill sets for IT security specialists include:

• IT security pros develop plans to safeguard computer files against unauthorized modification, destruction or disclosure.
• IT security specialists choose, implement, monitor and upgrade computer anti-virus and malware protection systems.
• IT security specialists encrypt data transmissions and erect firewalls to conceal confidential information during transmit.
• IT security specialists who specialize in computer forensics gather data & evidence for use in prosecuting cyber crimes.
• IT security pros specializing in forensics can set up & operate an investigator’s lab and process computer crime scenes.
• IT security specialists implement password authentication, to keep unauthorized users from accessing computer files.
• IT security specialists modify security files to incorporate new software, correct errors, or change user access status.
• IT security pros perform risk assessments and tests on running data processing activities and security measures.
• IT security specialists educate users about computer security and promote security awareness and security protocols.
• IT security specialists keep accurate and up-to-date backup files of all important data on the shared corporate network.

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IT Security Specialist Salary

• Average salary for Information Technology Security Specialist (USA): $87,000

Salaries for IT security specialists and related positions by experience, specialty and certifications:

• Firewall Administrator salary: $66,000
• Information Security Consultant salary: $80,000
• Information Security Analyst salary: $85,000
• IT Security Specialist salary: $87,000
• CISA: Certified Information Systems Auditor salary: $87,000
• CCSA: Check Point Certified Security Administrator salary: $87,000
• CCSE: Check Point Certified Security Expert salary: $88,000
• Computer Forensics Investigator salary: $88,000
• CEH: Certified Ethical Hacker salary: $89,000
• Vulnerability Analyst salary: $89,000
• IT Security Engineer salary: $92,000
• Network Security Engineer salary: $95,000
• Cyber Security Analyst salary: $98,000
• Cyber Intelligence Analyst salary: $98,000
• CISM: Certified Information Security Manager salary: $98,000
• CISSP: Certified Information Systems Security Professional salary: $100,000
• IT Security Manager salary: $102,000
• SAP Security Administrator salary: 115,000
• Lead Digital Forensics Examiner salary: $115,000
• Security Solutions Architect salary: $150,000

The hourly wage for IT security specialists ranges from $22 to $64 per hour, dependent upon geographic location, job-role, certifications and seniority.

Deep dive comparison of information security analyst salaries.

Sources: Indeed.com; U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

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IT Security Specialist Education Requirements

Hiring managers for IT security specialist positions generally require at least an undergraduate degree (associate or bachelor) in information security, computer information systems, network security, computer science or a related field of study. IT job experience and security-centric certifications will aid candidates in securing IT security specialist positions.

Specific coursework and in-demand skill sets to look for in an IT security specialist education program include networking and network security, operating system administration, business continuity & disaster recovery, intrusion detection, hardware & software configuration, risk management and computer forensics. IT security specialists need strong communication skills, as they are responsible for educating technical and non-technical staffers on computer security protocols and raising information security awareness.

Research and compare top-rated IT security training programs online and in your area.

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IT Security Specialist Training, Certificates & Degrees

Browse the top-reviewed undergrad & graduate degrees, professional certificates, online courses and self-paced training programs matching the IT Security Specialist education requirements and career path.

Training Provider	IT Security Education Program	Course Highlights & Certifications
Request More Info	B.S. C.I.S. Computer Forensics Method: Online or On-Campus Degree Level: Bachelor Accredited College: Yes Financial Aid Available: Yes	Flexible CIS Degree Program with Specialization in the Red-Hot Field of Computer Forensics Electronic Evidence Gathering and Reporting Cyber Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) Training Build & Testify on Computer Forensics Cases Combat IT Threats and Attacks from Overseas Develop Network & Systems Security Protocols Incident Response Tactics & Countermeasures Explore Legal & Ethical Concerns in Digital Age Online, Classroom & Combined Learning Plans
Request More Info	A.A. IT Cisco Networking Method: Online or On-Campus Degree Level: Associate Accredited Program: Yes Financial Aid Available: Yes	Includes Certification Prep & Exams for: Cisco CCENT & CCNA Certifications Earn the Skills and Credentials to Become an Entry-Level Cisco Network Professional Led by Certified Cisco Systems Instructors (CCSI) using Official Books, Labs & Curriculum Local and Wide Area Network Administration Learn Network Security & Penetration Testing Cisco Routing & Switching Mgmt/Configuration Implement Virtual Private Network Solutions Flexible 5-Week Classes Starting Year Round Study Online or at one of 200+ U.S. Locations
Request More Info	B.S.I.T. Cyber Security Technology Method: Online or On-Campus Degree Level: Bachelor Accredited Program: Yes Financial Aid Available: Yes	Network Administration and Security Training Information Security Risk Analysis & Mitigation Network Penetration Testing & Ethical Hacking Perimeter Defense Tools & Countermeasures Enterprise Security Law, Policy and Procedures Core Curriculum inc. Networking, Databases, Computer Programming & Systems Analysis Soft Skills: Oral/Written Communication, Team Leadership, Critical Thinking & Research Online, Campus or Blended Learning Solutions Degrees and Certificates Starting Year Round
Request More Info	B.S.I.T. Security Method: Online Degree Degree Level: Bachelor Accredited Program: Yes Financial Aid Available: Yes	Includes Certification Prep & Exams for: CompTIA A+, Security+ and Project+ Cisco CCNA, CCENT & CCNA-Security MCTS: Windows 7 - Configuration MTA: Windows OS Fundamentals MTA: Web Development Fundamentals MTA: Software Dev. Fundamentals MTA: Database Admin. Fundamentals CIW Web Foundations, Web Design, Database Design & JavaScript Specialist Cisco Wired/Wireless Network Management Network Security and Penetrtion Testing Windows OS Desktop & Systems Security Develop Innovative and Secure Web Apps Plan and Design Access Control Strategies Attend Individual Courses and Certifications
Request More Info	CompTIA Security+ Training Camp Method: Accelerated Boot Camp Degree Level: IT Certification Duration: 3 Days (30 hours) Financial Aid Available: Yes	Includes Certification Prep & Exams for: CompTIA Security+ Certification Provides the Skills and Credentials to Pursue a Wide Range of IT Security Job Roles Tools, Techniques & Best Practices in Network, Operational, Cloud and Application Security Official CompTIA Trainer, Labs & Curriculum Price Match & Certification Pass Guarantees Offered On-Campus in PA, DC, TX, CA and FL Ask about our CompTIA Online Training Series Optional Hospitality Packages featuring Hotel Accommodations, Meals & Round-Trip Airfare
Request More Info	M.S.C.I.S. Security Method: Online Degree Degree Level: Master Accredited Program: Yes Financial Aid Available: Yes Prerequisite: Bachelor's	Includes Certification Preparation for: CISSP Certification Learn how to Design, Build and Manage Highly Secure Information Systems that Support Organizational Goals & Drive Productivity Information Systems Analysis and Design IT Strategy &Management in a Global Corp. Information Security Policies and Procedures Real-World Applications of Enterprise Security Digital Forensics & Cyber Crime Investigation Develop an IT Risk Management Plan (RMP) Database Security Training using Oracle DBMS Learn how to Successfully Manage IT Projects Customize with Impressive List of IT Electives
Request More Info	Certified Ethical Hacker Boot Camp Method: Online or On-Campus Degree Level: IT Certification Duration: 5 Days (50 hours) Financial Aid Available: Yes	Includes Certification Prep & Exams for: CEH: Certified Ethical Hacker Learn to Identify, Prevent & Counter Hacker Attacks using the Latest Network Security Tools Official EC-Council Ethical Hacker Training IT Network Security & Penetration Testing Learn from EC-Council Certified Instructors Includes Pre-Class CEH Exam Prep Software Learn using Top-Tier Software and Equipment Live Online or On-Campus in NY, CA, NJ or TX Optional Hospitality Package featuring Hotel Accommodations, Meals & Round-Trip Airfare
Request More Info	M.S. Info. Security and Assurance Method: Online Degree Degree Level: Master Accredited Program: Yes Financial Aid Available: Yes Prerequisite: Bachelor's	Includes Certification Prep & Exams for: EC-Council CEH: Certified Ethical Hacker EC-Council CHFI: Computer Hacking Forensics Investigator Cisco CCENT Certification GIAC ISO-2700 Specialist National Security Agency (NSA) Certified Covers (ISC)2's CISSP Security Domains Network Security and Penetration Testing Cyber Law, Regulations and Compliance Computer Forensics Software & Hardware Risk Management Program Development Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery Organizational Management and Leadership Customizable for Targeted IT Learning Goals
Request More Info	B.S. Network Security Method: Online Degree Degree Level: Bachelor Accredited Program: Yes Financial Aid Available: Yes	Includes Certification Prep & Exams for: CompTIA Linux+ and Security+ Cisco CCNA and CCENT Certificates MCTS: Windows 7 - Configuration MCTS: Project 2010 - Managing Projects Prevent, Detect and Counter Cyber Attacks Learn Penetration Testing & Ethical Hacking Analyze & Troubleshoot Network Problems Install & Upgrade Network Security Software Oral & Written Communication Skills Training Learn Anytime, Anywhere with 24/7 Support ECPI Graduate Career Placement Services Courses & Degrees Begin Throughout Year
Request More Info	M.S.I.T. Security Management Method: Online Degree Degree Level: Master Accredited Program: Yes Financial Aid Available: Yes Prerequisite: Bachelor's	Advanced Information Security Management Learn how to Plan, Design, Implement, Monitor and Manage Enterprise IT Security Systems Systems Security Training for Windows, Linux and Unix Operating Environments Contingency Plans and Disaster Recovery Develop Security Policies and Procedures Study Enterprise Risk Analysis Techniques Internet Systems and Applications Security Cyber Crime Investigation & Digital Forensics Online Courses & Programs Begin Year Round

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Computer Forensics DNS Domain Name System Hacking and Ethical Hacking Information Assurance Information Systems Security Intrusion Detection SCNP Security Certified Network Professional SMS Systems Management Server SSCP Systems Security Certified Practitioner CDE Cardholder Data Environment Cisco Security CISSP Certified Professional Information Systems Analyst Information Technology Computers and Technology Basic Computer Skills and IT Fundamentals Computer Applications Mobile Development Computer Science Degrees Computer Programming Software Engineering Software Development .NET Programming AJAX Programming ASP Active Server Page C and C++ and C Sharp Cascading Style Sheets CSS Certified Internet Webmaster CIW ColdFusion Training Computer Game Programming HTML Training Java Programming JavaScript Programming PHP Training Microsoft Visual Studio VB Visual Basic Web Design Training Web Development WebSphere Training XML eXtensible Markup Language Networking Network Administration Network Management Network Applications Network Design and Development Network Technology Wireless Networks Proxy Server Internet Systems Communications Technology Telecommunications Technology Information Systems Database Administration Database Design and Development Database Technology IBM DB2 Databases Microsoft SQL Server Oracle SQL SQL Technical Support and Repair Hardware Support and Repair Technical Support Administration - Management MCDST Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician Computer Systems Analyst IT Administration and Management Information Systems Management Technical Support Administration and Management Technical Writing Call Center Management Information Technology Project Management Project Management Microsoft Project CompTIA Project+ Systems Analyst Android App Development Apple iOS App Development Objective-C and C++ Programming Java Programming Health Information Technology Healthcare Informatics Medical Insurance - Billing and Coding Medical Records - Health IT Administration Medical Transcription Bioinformatics Check Point Certification CCSA Checkpoint Certified Security Administrator CCSE Checkpoint Certified security expert CCDA Cisco Certified Design Associate CCDP Cisco Certified Design Professional CCIE Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert CCNA Cisco Certified Network Associate CCNP Cisco Certified Network Professional CCSP Cisco Certified Security Professional CCVP Cisco Certified Voice Professional Cisco ICND I - Interconnecting Cisco Network Devices Cisco ICND II - Interconnecting Cisco Network Devices Cisco Security CompTIA A+ CompTIA CDIA+ Certified Document Imaging Architect CompTIA CTT+ Certified Technical Trainer CompTIA Project+ CompTIA Linux+ CompTIA Network+ CompTIA Security+ CompTIA Server+ CISSP Certified Information Systems Security Professional Citrix Certification CCA Citrix Certified Administrator CCEA Citrix Certified Enterprise Administrator Oracle Certification Oracle Associate OCP - Oracle Certified Professional Oracle DBA Database Administrator Oracle Developer Oracle Master Sun Certification SCJP Sun Certified Java Programmer SCSA Sun Certified System Administrator Autodesk AutoCAD Autodesk Maya CRM Customer Relationship Management Crystal Reports Intuit QuickBooks Lotus Applications SAP Systems Applications and Products Microsoft BizTalk Microsoft Dynamics Microsoft Excel Microsoft FrontPage Microsoft PowerPoint Microsoft Project Microsoft Visual Studio Adobe Applications Adobe Acrobat Adobe Director Adobe Dreamweaver Adobe Fireworks Adobe Flash Adobe Illustrator Adobe InDesign Adobe Photoshop Corel Draw Quark Publishing Microsoft FrontPage Microsoft PowerPoint Graphic Design Computer Animation Computer Graphics Game Art and Design Multimedia Design Visual Effects Engineering and Architecture CAD CADD Computer Aided Drafting Design AutoCAD Training Architecture General Engineering Engineering Technology Industrial Technology Quality Control Technology Robotics Training Six Sigma Programs Surveying Courses Aerospace Engineering Architectural Engineering Automotive Engineering Biomedical Engineering Biotechnology Engineering Civil Engineering Construction Engineering Electrical Engineering Electronics Engineering Environmental Engineering Industrial Engineering Materials Engineering Mechanical Engineering Systems Engineering Alternative Power Generation Technology Construction Management Electrician Training Accounting Programs Business Administration Communications and Media Criminal Justice, Legal and Safety Culinary Arts Education and Teaching Entrepreneurship Finance Training Health, Healthcare and Nursing High School and GED Programs Liberal Arts Programs Marketing and Advertising Math and Science Project Management Psychology Degrees Vocational and Trade

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IT Security Specialist Certifications

Highly desirable certifications for IT security specialists include the following:

• CompTIA - Security+
• CompTIA - Network+
• MCTS: Windows 7 - Configuration
• MCTS: Windows Server 2008 Active Directory - Configuration
• Cisco Certified Entry Network Technician (CCENT)
• Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
• Cisco Certified Network Associate - Security (CCNA - Security)
• (ISC)2 - Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
• EC-Council - Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
• EC-Council - Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator (CHFI)
• Check Point Certified Security Administrator (CCSA)
• Check Point Certified Security Expert (CCSE)
• ISACA - Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
• ISACA - Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
• GIAC - Certified Intrusion Analyst (GCIA)

IT Security Certification Prep

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IT Security Specialist Job Outlook

Employment of IT security specialists is expected to increase by at least 22 percent from 2010 to 2020, faster than the average for all occupations. Security will remain a top concern for IT hiring managers as the frequency, scope and complexity of cyber attacks continues to rise.

Aggressive government mandates are helping to drive IT security specialist demand, e.g., DoD 8570, which requires Department of Defense (DoD) employees, military & homeland security officers, and private contractors with access to sensitive government information systems get trained and certified in areas of IT security relevant to their access and position.

"Security is the only area of certified IT skills that has never had a negative quarter throughout this recession," says David Foote, CEO and Chief Research Officer of leading research firm, Foote Partners. "We've never had a three-month period with a loss or decline in premiums for IT security specialists."

Sources: Foote Partners 2011 IT Labor Report, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook v2012-2013

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IT Security Specialist Jobs

Your specialized IT security training, experience and certifications qualify you for a range of positions including:

• IT Security Specialist: Browse and apply to IT security specialist jobs
• Network Security Specialist: Browse and apply to network security jobs
• IT Security Consultant: Browse and apply to IT security consultant jobs
• Security Administrator: Browse and apply to IT security administration jobs
• IT Security Consultant: Browse & apply to IT security consultant jobs
• Ethical Hacker: Browse and apply to ethical hacking job openings
• Penetration Tester: Browse and apply to penetration testing jobs
• Site Administrator: Browse and apply to site administration jobs
• IT Auditor: Browse and apply to information systems auditor jobs
• Computer Forensics Analyst: Browse and apply to forensics jobs
• CISSP Certified Professional: Browse and apply to CISSP jobs
• Security Engineer: Browse and apply to IT security engineering jobs
• Homeland Security Specialist: Compare IT jobs in homeland security
• Computer Security Analyst: Browse and apply to computer security analyst jobs
• Businesses & Hiring Managers: Post job opportunities on CareerBuilder.com at a discount

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IT Security Specialist Related Careers

• IT Manager
• Systems Analyst
• IT Project Manager
• Network Administrator
• Database Administrator
• Software Engineer
• Help Desk Technician
• Health Information Technician

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