IT Security Specialist

IT Security Specialists Protect an Organization’s Information Systems.

In an era of escalating security threats, computer crime and cyber warfare, businesses and government agencies must be vigilant in protecting their information assets. IT security specialists leverage an in-depth understanding of information security risks, threats, technologies, policies and best practices to design and implement secure computer systems.

IT security specialists educate employees about computer security, install & upgrade security software to prevent cyber-attacks, monitor networks for security breaches, and inevitably respond to attacks that breach the ·organization's security with the appropriate countermeasures. Some IT security professionals specialize in computer crime investigation; these specialists use cutting-edge computer forensics hardware and software to gather data & evidence for use in prosecuting cyber crimes.

Demand for IT security specialists is high in all types of organizations, including corporations, educational institutions, health care practices and government agencies. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of IT security specialists is expected to increase by 23% from 2008 to 2018, more than double the 11% average for all jobs.

There are numerous undegrad & graduate degrees, courses and accredited certificate programs in the latest information security techniques. Compare the top-rated IT security training programs in the U.S. 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

• IT Security Specialist average salary: $87,000

Salaries for IT security specialists and related positions by experience, specialization and computer security certification:

• Firewall Administrator salary: $66,000
• Information Security Consultant salary: $80,000
• IT Security Analyst salary: $83,000
• IT Security Specialist salary: $87,000
• Information 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
• Vulnerability Analyst salary: $89,000
• IT Security Engineer salary: $92,000
• Computer Systems Security Analyst salary: $92,000
• CEH: Certified Ethical Hacker salary: $94,000
• 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
• Digital Forensics Examiner salary: $115,000
• Chief Information Security Officer salary: $117,000
• CHFI: Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator salary: $121,000
• Security Solutions Architect salary: $150,000

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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.

Computer School	IT Security Training Program	Course Highlights & Certifications
Request More Info	Master's Degree in Information Security & Assurance Method: Online Degree Degree Level: Master Accredited Program: Yes Financial Aid Available: Yes Prerequisite: Bachelor's Degree	Includes Certification Prep & Exams for: EC-Council Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) EC-Council Computer Hacking Forensics Investigator (CHFI) Cisco CCENT Certification GIAC ISO-27000 Specialist NSA & CNSS Accredited Degree Program Based on 10 CISSP® Security Domains Advanced Network Security Training Hacking, Defenses, and Ethical Hacking Cyber-Law, Regulations and Compliance Computer Forensics & Network Intrusion Risk Management Program Development Business Continuity & Disaster Recovery Organizational Management & Leadership Create Customized Six-Month Semesters
Request More Info	Computer Security Certificate Method: Online or On-Campus Degree Level: Certificate Accredited Program: Yes Financial Aid Available: Yes	Computer Network Security Training Desktop Security and Administration Computer Crime Scene Investigation Information Security Strategy & Policy Computer Systems Forensics Training Classroom, Online & Self-Paced Courses Option to Attend Individual Online Courses
Request More Info	B.S.I.T in IT Security & Forensics Method: Online Degree Degree Level: Bachelor Accredited Program: Yes Financial Aid Available: Yes	Network Security & Administration Training Lab Setup & Computer Forensics Training Intrusion Detection & Incidence Response IT Vulnerability Assessments & Solutions Information Systems Analysis and Design Intro to Web Development & Programming Technology Project Management Training Kaplan's Acclaimed IT Core & Electives Option to Attend Individual Online Classes
Request More Info	Master's in IT Security Management Method: Online Degree Degree Level: Master Accredited Program: Yes Financial Aid Available: Yes Prerequisite: Bachelor's Degree	Learn how to Plan, Design, Implement, Monitor and Manage Enterprise IT Security Systems Deep Dive into IT Security Management Operating System Security Training in Microsoft Windows, Linux & Unix Operating Systems Contingency Plans & Disaster Recovery Develop Security Policies & Procedures Enterprise Risk Analysis Methodologies Internet Data and Applications Security Digital Forensics & Investigation Training Option to Attend Individual Online Classes
Request More Info	IT Security Bachelor's Degree Method: Online Degree Degree Level: Bachelor Accredited Program: Yes Financial Aid Available: Yes	Advanced Network Security Training Windows/Linux/Unix OS Maintenance, Account Security and Vulnerability Assessment Learn Firewall Design & Configuration Computer Forensics and Investigation Tactical Perimeter Network Defense TCP/IP Concepts and Router Security Intrusion Detection & Countermeasures Wireless Network Design and Security Internet and Web Security Training Windows 7 & Server 2008 Configuration Information Systems Threat Assessment Implementing Security Policies & Auditing Learn to Develop a Disaster Recovery Plan Multi-Level IT Career Placement Program Option to Attend Individual Online Courses
Request More Info	B.S. Information Assurance & Security Method: Online Degree Degree Level: Bachelor Accredited Program: Yes Financial Aid Available: Yes	Based on (ISC)2 Body of Knowledge Frameworks for CISSP & SSCP Corpoarate & Military IT Career Prep Accredited by NSA & Homeland Security System Assurance Security Training Cyber Defense and Countermeasures Cyber Attacks and Ethical Hacking Advanced Network & OS Security Training PC Forensics & Cyber Crime Investigation IT Security Management and Policies Capella's Long-Term Tuition Discounts Option to Attend Individual Online Courses
Request More Info	Bachelor's Degree in IT Security Method: Online Degree Degree Level: Bachelor Accredited Program: Yes Financial Aid Available: Yes	Includes Certification Prep & Exams for: CompTIA A+ | Security+ | Project+ CCENT | CCNA | CCNA - Security MCTS: Windows 7 - Configuration CIW Web Design, Database Design and JavaScript Specialist Certificates Manage Cisco Wired/Wireless Networks Advanced IT Network Security Training Windows 7 OS Maintenance and Security Designing Network Infrastructure Security Programming & Application Development Learn to Design Access Control Strategies WGU is a Microsoft and Oracle IT Academy Create Customized Six-Month Semesters
Request More Info	IT Homeland Security Certificate Method: Online or On-Campus Degree Level: Certificate Accredited Program: Yes Financial Aid Available: Yes	Information Warfare & Homeland Security Computer Network Security Training Contingency Plans & Disaster Recovery Information Security Strategy and Policy Homeland Security Organization & Admin. Current Homeland Security Case Studies Choose from 3 Flexible Learning Formats Option to Attend Individual Online Courses
Request More Info	D.B.A. Computer & Info. Security Method: Online Degree Degree Level: Doctorate Accredited Program: Yes Financial Aid Available: Yes View MBA Degree Version	Examination of & Protections Against Sabotage, Financial Fraud, Electronic Attacks, Blended Attacks, and Other Malicious Activity Learn IT Security Countermeasures including Access Controls and Biometric Technologies Develop an Organizational IT Security Plan Global IT Operations Auditing and Controls Information Assurance Legalalities & Ethics IT Outsourcing: Analyzing Costs & Benefits, and Managing & Minimizing Associated Risks Advanced Risk Management in Information Assurance and Computer System Security Learn Business Research Methodologies and Write a Professional Doctorate Dissertation Option to Attend Individual Online Courses
Request More Info	B.S. in Information Systems Security Method: Online Degree Degree Level: Bachelor Accredited Program: Yes Financial Aid Available: Yes	Network Security: Tools & Techniques, Attacks, Countermeasures and Prevention Cryptography: Symmetric/Asymmetric Ciphers, Hash Algorithms & Message Authentication Risk Management: Legalities, Ethics, Firewall Analysis, VPN Security & Intrusion Detection Data Protection and Secure Database Design Internet and E-Commerce Security Training Computer Forensics Hands-On Learning Labs Access Control Systems & User-Authorization Object-Oriented Programming: Java, C & C++ Hardware & Software Systems Architecture Option to Attend Individual Online Courses
Request More Info	A.A.S. in Network Security & Forensics Method: Online or On-Campus Degree Level: Associate Accredited Program: Yes Financial Aid Available: Yes	Includes Certification Prep & Exams for: CompTIA A+ | Network+ | Security+ Cisco CCENT Certification Exam MCTS: Windows 7 - Configuration MCTS: Server 2008 Active Directory MCTS: Server 2008 Network Infrastructure Learn how to Manage Threats Against Email, Web Apps, Files & Print Services Forensics Software & Hardware Training Computer Crime Scene Processing Wireless Network Security Training Govt. & Military Information Security Common Attacks & Countermeasures Business Continuity & Disaster Recovery Expansive Career Placement Services Option to Attend Individual Online Courses

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IT Security Specialist Certifications

Highly desirable certifications for IT Security Specialists may 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

Security will remain a top concern for IT hiring managers as the frequency, scope and sophistication of cyber attacks continues to rise. Employment of IT security specialists is expected to increase by at least 23 percent from 2008 to 2018, more than double the 11% average for all occupations.

Aggressive regulatory mandates are also driving IT security specialist demand, e.g., DoD 8570, which requires Department of Defense (DoD) employees, military & homeland security personnel, 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: U.S. Dept. of Labor - Bureau of Labor Statistics, Foote Partners - 2011 IT Labor Report

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IT Security Specialist Jobs

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

• IT Security Specialist Jobs: Browse and apply to IT Security Specialist Job Openings
• Computer Security Specialist Jobs: Browse and apply to Computer Security Specialist Jobs
• Network Security Specialist Jobs: Browse and apply to Network Security Specialist Jobs
• IT Security Engineer Jobs: Browse and apply to IT Security Engineer Job Openings
• CISSP Jobs: Browse and apply to Certified Information Systems Security Professional Jobs
• IT Homeland Security Jobs: Browse and apply to Homeland Security Specialist Jobs
• IT Security Analyst Jobs: Browse and apply to IT Security Analyst Job Openings
• Businesses & Hiring Managers: Find candidates & post jobs on CareerBuilder at a discount

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IT Security Specialist Related Careers

• IT Manager / CIO
• Network Administrator
• Database Administrator
• Software Engineer
• Help Desk Technician
• Health Information Technician

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