5 Cybersecurity Career Paths and How to Get Started

Bootcamps are rarely accredited, but may be members of the Council on Integrity in Results Reporting (CIRR). Bootcamps and certifications can help forge a path to career success or complement degrees in related fields. Generally, a bachelor’s degree requires 120 credits and takes four years to complete. The following list explores some of the most common cybersecurity job requirements.

Job titles include network defender, incident responder, and security administrator. To become a cybersecurity specialist, you should complete a formal education—like a degree or a cybersecurity bootcamp—in information security how to become a security specialist or a related subject. The following section explores the requirements for becoming a cybersecurity analyst. In organizations of all kinds, a high volume of professional activity and personal information is processed digitally.

Cybersecurity Career Paths (and How to Get Started)

In healthcare, it ensures the confidentiality and integrity of patient records, guarding against unauthorized access and data breaches. Moreover, industries such as manufacturing, energy, and transportation rely on cybersecurity to safeguard critical infrastructure from cyber threats that could disrupt operations and endanger public safety. The relevance of cybersecurity extends across virtually every industry in today’s digital landscape.

If you enjoy problem-solving, working with various networks, and mastering the latest technology, becoming a security specialist may not be hard. However, to become an expert in the field, you may need certification and years of experience. Review professional expectations, median salaries, typical responsibilities, and required skills for security specialists. Students can attend university job fairs, ask professors about internship opportunities, and join IT security organizations. Groups like the Information Systems Security Association International host conferences and seminars that provide ample networking opportunities. The security specialist role best suits people who enjoy new challenges and want to protect data.

Systems Expertise

Security analysts must be able to manage and track multiple pieces of evidence for businesses or corporations. According to this resource, the average annual salary for Information Security Analysts is $138,730 which is a fair bit higher than the average annual cybersecurity wages in other states across the country. Cybersecurity bootcamps in New York offer intensive training for aspiring security professionals.

  • Critical thinking and clear reasoning in high-stress situations are a must-have for someone holding this job position.
  • Security specialists take responsibility for their organizations’ computer-related security, protecting company data against cyberattacks.
  • Moreover, industries such as manufacturing, energy, and transportation rely on cybersecurity to safeguard critical infrastructure from cyber threats that could disrupt operations and endanger public safety.
  • The incident on 9/11 was another incident that boosted cybersecurity’s importance across the board.
  • According to a 2021 CompTIA job report, information security analyst positions were in the top ten for the most remote job listings — with about 4,400 postings.

Growing your network can also mean joining a professional network on Meetup or Facebook to connect with cybersecurity professionals in your area. Networking can help set you apart from other candidates by putting a face to the name or getting introduced through a mutual connection. You may already know someone working in cybersecurity who could give you valuable advice or provide a referral for a job at their company. Reach out to cybersecurity professionals on LinkedIn for informational interviews—or send a message to hiring managers to reiterate your interest after applying for a job. Programs such as Google’s Cybersecurity or IT Support professional certificate provide a quick and comprehensive introduction to these career fields so you can master the skills necessary.

Software Management

In finance, for example, cybersecurity is essential for protecting sensitive financial data and preventing fraudulent activities. An information security analyst creates and implements procedures that the entire https://remotemode.net/ IT department follows to protect your employer’s systems from malware, breaches and other security problems. Certifications like Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) can help you advance.

what degree do i need to be a cyber security specialist

All in all, New York is a great state in which to be a young cybersecurity professional and an awesome place to pursue your cybersecurity education. There are lots of options to pursue a master’s degree in cybersecurity online. Master’s degrees are often the final stop for higher education when it comes to cybersecurity. These degrees allow students to specialize even further or may have you pivot into a research-oriented position. Bachelor’s degrees are often the minimum degree required to obtain a position in the cybersecurity industry or a company.