How to Become an IT Security Specialist in Four Steps

Every business organization has valuable assets that it must keep safe and secure, ranging from trade secrets to confidential financial information. Protecting these assets requires a high level of knowledge, strategy, and care. To meet that need, many organizations hire information technology (IT) security specialists to safeguard their assets against breach or theft, including from hacking and other cybercrimes.

For those who are zealous about helping organizations maintain their security, this profession can be highly rewarding. To find work in the security field, it’s first necessary to develop the right set of core competencies and skills, something that requires an academic background in IT , cybersecurity, or a related field.

What’s an IT Security Specialist?

The IT security specialist position is all about keeping important data safe. These professionals develop and implement security measures for safeguarding information systems at organizations.

IT security specialists protect all types of information, including personal details, internal data, plans and strategies, and financial records. Because of the increasingly digital professional landscape, these professionals are needed in a wide array of industries, including governmental organizations, corporations, small businesses, technology firms, and financial institutions, among others.

What Does an IT Security Specialist Do?

A network or an IT security specialist focuses on protecting digital assets, including cloud-based information, from theft and breach. While the job description can vary, a typical list of duties and responsibilities includes the following:

• Running tests to identify vulnerabilities in the IT network or infrastructure
• Developing plans to safeguard data and to recover any data that is breached
• Enhancing IT security protocols with better firewalls, password protections, and more
• Installing and maintaining IT security software
• Training other employees on how to keep data secure
• Reporting to senior leaders regarding data loss and subsequent recovery efforts

What’s the IT Security Specialist Salary Range?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), information security professionals earned a median annual salary of $120,360 as of May 2023. Salaries can vary depending on a number of factors, including years of experience and level of education. Geographic location may also be a determining factor. The BLS also projects 33% employment growth for the profession between 2022 and 2032, a rate that’s much faster than the average for all professions.

What Are the Steps to Becoming an IT Security Specialist?

To find work as an IT security specialist, honing relevant skills is important. This typically involves a combination of classroom education and on-the-job experience.

1. Fulfill Educational Requirements

An academic background is invaluable for developing core skills and ultimately for attaining competitive positions. While educational requirements can vary by position, most will expect an undergraduate degree in IT , computer science, cybersecurity, or a related field.

This education needs to cover key programming languages, such as C++ or PHP, along with the most commonly employed IT security frameworks.

2. Gain Experience

To succeed as an IT security specialist, accruing some hands-on experience in cybersecurity and computer programming is important. A majority of people in this role work for two to five years in computer programming before shifting into security-focused roles.

3. Essential Skills

Through a combination of classroom learning and professional experience, aspiring professionals can master the right set of technology and cybersecurity skills . Essential skills include the following:

• Technical, including knowledge of programming languages and IT security standards
• Strong written and oral communication
• Research
• Multitasking, delegation, and time management
• Organization

4. Obtain Certifications

Pursuing certification in the cybersecurity and IT fields may not be necessary for employment, but it can demonstrate a high level of training and skill, potentially yielding positions of greater authority or even higher salaries.

Common security certifications include the following:

• CompTIA Security+
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
• Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)

Help Keep Mission-Critical Assets Secure

Every business organization needs professionals who can keep critical assets safe and secure, and IT security specialists play an important role. To prepare for success in the field, seeking a strong education in IT and cybersecurity is crucial.

The online Bachelor of Science (BS) in Information & Cybersecurity Technology (ICT) program with a Cybersecurity concentration at East Carolina University®️ prepares students for a range of positions, including network security engineer , cybersecurity analyst, IT director, and IT security specialist. The curriculum includes a cybersecurity concentration and a well-rounded curriculum that covers advanced cybersecurity practices and security software development to prepare you with skills for industry certification. Additionally, the program is transfer-friendly and offers individualized attention so graduates can leave with the tools they need for success and advancement.

Find out more about ECU’s online BS in ICT program and learn how it can help you become a leader in technology and cybersecurity.

Recommended Readings

Cloud Computing vs. Cybersecurity: Comparing the Fields

Network Administrator Job Description and Overview

What Does a Cybersecurity Consultant Do?

Sources:

IBM, What Is IT Security?

Indeed, Security Specialist Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications

Indeed, What Does a Security Specialist Do? (With Salary)

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Information Security Analysts

ZipRecruiter, What Is a Security Specialist and How to Become One