If you are pursuing a degree in computer science or information technology with career interests related to the in-demand field of cyber security, then you may be wondering what an IT security specialist does. Since maintaining secure information systems is essential for business leaders today, IT security specialists are vital professionals who help companies protect their information assets in secure systems. As cyber attacks continue to grow in frequency and sophistication, more IT security specialists are in need to assist companies in finding innovative solutions for preventing hackers from stealing information. In fact, employment of information security specialists is expected to skyrocket at the rapid rate of 37%, thus creating 27,400 new jobs before 2022, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Read on to learn about what an IT security specialist does in order to determine whether this hot IT job is right for you.
IT Security Specialist Job Description
Information security specialists are employed in various industries to help organizations create disaster recovery plans and carry out security measures that will protect the company’s computer networks and systems from being comprised. Due to the increasing importance of information security, these specialists often report directly to upper-level managers, including information systems managers and chief technology officers, to design effective security precautions to protect their organization. Some IT security specialists may also work on teams within the information technology department to collaborate with network administrators, computer systems analysts, and software developers. Most information security specialists work for computer systems design companies, consulting firms, private corporations, and financial institutions.
Daily Responsibilities for IT Security Specialists
As the number and severity of cyber attacks continues to rise, the responsibilities placed on information security specialists are also continually expanding and becoming increasingly complex in nature. In an effort to stay a step ahead of dangerous hackers, IT security specialists must stay up-to-date on the latest methods attackers are using to infiltrate computer systems and decide on the measures that will most effectively protect the organization’s information. On a typical day in the life of an IT security specialist, they can be found monitoring computer networks for security violations, installing new security software, preparing reports on security breaches, conducting penetration testing to find vulnerabilities, developing IT security standards, recommending security changes to executives, and teaching staff about security procedures.
How to Become an IT Security Specialist
In order to become successful in the field of information security, individuals typically need to have at least a bachelor’s degree in a computer-related program of study, such as computer science, programming, information technology, or information systems. However, some employers will prefer their IT security specialists have a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a concentration in information technology or systems. IT security specialists generally need to have previous work experience in a related occupation as well. Many choose to work their way up to being an IT security specialist by gaining hands-on experience in an information technology department as a network or systems administrator. You may also want to consider pursuing additional credentials by becoming a Certified Information Systems Security Professional through the (ISC)².
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Overall, IT security specialists are highly trained and experienced members of the information technology department who are responsible for planning security measures, monitoring systems for security breaches, securing the computer infrastructure, and responding to cyber attacks. Now that you better understand what an IT security specialist does, you can determine whether this in-demand computer field is the right match for meeting your career goals in IT.
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