IT Security Specialist

IT Security Specialists Defend an Organization’s Information Systems.

In today's era of rapidly escalating threats and sophisticated cyber warfare, organizations need to be vigilant in combating attackers and protecting information assets. IT security specialists leverage an in-depth understanding of cyber security threats, technologies and countermeasures to ensure secure computer systems. This often includes tasks like installing and configuring security software to prevent attacks, educating employees on data security, monitoring and protecting against network breaches, and responding to cyber attacks with the appropriate countermeasures.

Workforce demand for computer security specialists is high across all organizational structures and verticals, including corporations, schools, medical practices, and government agencies. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the IT security specialist job market will grow by 32% from 2018 to 2028, much faster than the 5% average for all occupations, placing it among the nation's fastest growing career paths.

Accredited universities and private computer schools offer college degrees, courses, and certificates in modern information security tools and technologies. Compare top-reviewed IT security training programs in the U.S. and online.

a.k.a. IT Security Analyst | Information Security Professional | Cyber Security Analyst | Computer Security Specialist

IT Security Training

IT Security Specialist Skills & Responsibilities

Typical day-to-day duties and marketable cyber security skill sets include the following. IT security specialists:

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

Read this post from information security curriculum designer, Jason Nufryk, for a deeper look at marketable cyber security skills.

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IT Security Specialist Salary

• Average salary for Information Technology Security Specialist (USA): $107,000

Salaries for IT security specialists and related positions by job role, seniority and technological specialization:

• Information Security Consultant: $80,000
• Information Security Analyst: $84,000
• Computer Forensics Investigator: $88,000
• Certified Ethical Hacker: $89,000
• Vulnerability Analyst: $89,000
• Cyber Security Analyst: $98,000
• Cyber Intelligence Analyst: $98,000
• Information Technology Auditor: $99,000
• Firewall Engineer: $100,000
• IT Security Specialist salary: $107,000
• Network Security Engineer: $109,000
• SAP Security Administrator: 115,000
• Lead Digital Forensics Examiner: $115,000
• Director of Information Security: $134,000
• Security Solutions Architect: $150,000

Although this is typically a full-time salaried position, the hourly wage for IT security professionals in the U.S. can range from $35 to $100+ per hour, dependent upon employee location, job-role, certifications and experience level.

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.

Find Information Security Schools

Select a Subject: Computer Forensics DNS Domain Name System Hacking and Ethical Hacking Information Assurance Information Systems Security Intrusion Detection SMS Systems Management Server SSCP Systems Security Certified Practitioner CDE Cardholder Data Environment Cisco Security CISSP Certified Professional Information Systems Analyst Information Security Information Technology Database Administration and Development Network Administration and Management Mobile App Development Computer Programming IT Help Desk Support Computer Systems Analyst Health IT Training Project Management Technology Management Graphic Design Web Development Web Design Training Computer Applications Computer Science Degrees Computer and Systems Engineering Computers and Technology Basic Computer Skills Business Administration Accounting Programs Communications and Media Criminal Justice and Legal Culinary Arts Education and Teaching Entrepreneurship Finance Training Healthcare and Nursing High School and GED Programs Liberal Arts Programs Marketing and Advertising Math and Science Project Management Psychology Programs Vocational and Trade

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IT Security Specialist Certifications

Highly desirable certifications for information security specialists:

• CompTIA - Security+
• (ISC)2 - Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
• EC-Council - Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
• ISACA - Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
• Cisco Certified Network Associate - Security (CCNA Security)
• Check Point Certified Security Administrator (CCSA)
• 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 thirty-two percent from 2018 to 2028, much faster than the 5% average for all U.S. 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 demand for IT security specialists, for instance the DoD 8570 initiative, which requires Department of Defense (DoD) employees, military personnel, homeland security officers, and private contractors with access to sensitive data to get trained and certified in information security topics 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 IT Labor Report, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook

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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: Find IT security specialist jobs
• Network Security Jobs: Find network security jobs
• IT Security Consultant: Find IT security consultant jobs
• Ethical Hacker Jobs: Find ethical hacking job openings
• Penetration Tester: Find penetration testing jobs
• IT Auditor: Find information systems auditor jobs
• Computer Forensics Analyst: Find digital forensics jobs
• Security Engineer Jobs: Find IT security engineering jobs
• Homeland Security Jobs: Find jobs in homeland security
• Information Security Analyst: Find security analyst jobs

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Related Careers

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

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