How to Become an IT Security Specialist

May 19, 2023 8:17 am by Sumit Gour

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IT security specialists are professionals who protect the information systems of their organizations from cyber threats. They use their knowledge of security threats, technologies and countermeasures to make secure computer systems. They also teach employees on data security, watch and stop network breaches, and respond to cyber attacks.

In this article, we will explain what IT security specialists do, how to become one, and what skills and certifications they need.

What do IT security specialists do?
IT security specialists are responsible for making and implementing the security measures their organization needs to protect their information assets in a secure system. Some of their typical tasks include:

• Making plans to protect computer files from unauthorized modification, destruction or disclosure
• Choosing, implementing, monitoring and upgrading computer anti-virus and malware protection systems
• Encrypting data transmissions and setting up firewalls to hide confidential information during transmit
• Setting up password authentication to keep unauthorized users from accessing sensitive data files
• Changing security files to add new software, fix errors, and change user access status
• Doing risk assessments and tests on running data processing activities and security measures
• Teaching workers about computer security and promoting security awareness and security protocols
• Keeping accurate and current backup files of all important data on the shared corporate network

IT security specialists can work onsite or remotely. They usually have full-time or consulting jobs. They can work for various types of organizations, such as:

• Computer systems design companies

To become an IT security specialist, you need to have a mix of education, experience, skills and certifications. Here are some steps you can follow to pursue this career path:

1. 
   Get a degree in IT security or a related field. You can start with an associate degree or a bachelor’s degree in IT security, cybersecurity, computer science, information systems or a related field. A degree can help you learn the basic skills and knowledge in IT security concepts, tools and techniques. You can also take courses or certificates in modern information security tools and technologies from accredited schools or online platforms.
2. 
   Get some experience in IT security or a related field. You can look for entry-level jobs or internships in IT security or a related field, such as help desk technician, network administrator, software developer or junior information security analyst. Experience can help you improve your practical skills and knowledge in IT security tasks and challenges. You can also work on personal projects or join online competitions or hackathons to show your abilities.
3. 
   Get some relevant certifications in IT security. Certifications can help you show your skills and credibility in IT security domains and technologies. There are many certifications you can choose from depending on your interests and goals. Some of the common ones are:

• CompTIA Security+: A vendor-neutral certification that covers the core skills and knowledge in IT security domains such as threats, vulnerabilities, cryptography, access management, risk management and incident response.
• Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP): A vendor-neutral certification that covers the technical skills and knowledge in IT security domains such as network and communications security, systems and application security, identity and access management, cryptography, risk analysis and incident response.
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP): A vendor-neutral certification that covers the advanced skills and knowledge in IT security domains such as security architecture and engineering, asset security, communication and network security, identity and access management, security assessment and testing, software development security and more.
• Google Professional Cloud Security Engineer: A vendor-specific certification that covers the skills and knowledge in designing, developing and managing secure cloud solutions using Google Cloud Platform technologies.

1. 
   Advance your career as an IT security specialist. You can look for more senior roles or specialized roles in IT security as you gain more experience, skills and certifications. You can also pursue further education or training to keep up with the latest trends and developments in IT security. Some of the career paths you can follow as an IT security specialist are:

• Security engineer: A role that involves designing, building and implementing defense systems against various security threats and vulnerabilities.
• Security architect: A role that involves planning and overseeing the entire security infrastructure of an organization.
• Incident responder: A role that involves detecting, analyzing and responding to cyber attacks with appropriate countermeasures.
• Security manager: A role that involves managing the IT security team and policies of an organization.
• Security consultant: A role that involves providing expert advice and guidance on IT security issues to clients.

Conclusion
IT security specialists are professionals who protect the information systems of their organizations from cyber threats. They use their knowledge of security threats, technologies and countermeasures to make secure computer systems.

To become an IT security specialist, you need to have a mix of education, experience, skills and certifications. You can start with a degree in IT security or a related field, get some experience in IT security or a related field, get some relevant certifications in IT security, and advance your career as an IT security specialist.