IT Security Specialist

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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 28% from 2016 to 2026, four times faster than the 7% 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., Canada and online.

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

IT Security Training

IT Security Specialist Skills
Cyber Security Specialist Salaries
IT Security Pro Education Requirements
Cyber Security Training and Degrees
IT Security Specialist Certifications
IT Security Specialist Job Outlook
Job Openings in IT Security

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

IT Security Specialist Salary $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.

Admissions advisors can provide more info about security programs and curriculum, admissions & start dates, career placement, tuition costs, personalized financial aid options & scholarships.

Got targeted learning goals? Many schools offer individual courses and certificates from accredited degrees.

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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 28 percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the 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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