Cybersecurity specialists need to be comfortable in a world that is constantly moving and shifting. New digital attack vectors and mechanisms are popping up all of the time, and a cybersecurity specialist is tasked with figuring out what kinds of skills and experience are required to protect against those emerging threats. Most cybersecurity analysts work full time, but they don’t always work typical 9-to-5 hours.

• In particular, information assurance engineers are 2.4% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a cyber security specialist.
• Cybersecurity specialists are also responsible for continually monitoring security systems and networks for anomalies and tracking those activities in documents and reports.
• Search “cyber security specialist $100,000” on LinkedIn and you find a cornucopia of high-paying jobs from across the country.
• Project+ gives technical and non-technical professionals the basic concepts to successfully manage small- to medium-sized projects.

The Microsoft Cybersecurity Analyst Professional Certificate is designed to introduce the skills and knowledge you’ll need for an entry-level role as a cybersecurity analyst. Starting a career in cybersecurity—or switching from another field—typically involves developing the right skills for the job. If you’re interested in getting a job as a cybersecurity analyst, here are some steps you can take to get on your way. A cybersecurity analyst is responsible for data security for any data stored on computers, hard drives, or the internet.

Do I need a degree to be a cybersecurity analyst?

These professionals typically design firewalls, monitor use of data files, and regulate access to safeguard information and protect the network. The actual job description of a security specialist can be hard to pin down, because these specialists may have varying duties based on their actual position. But typically these specialists are expected to install, configure, and maintain security software designed to prevent outside attacks on the company’s internal network.

An information security analyst would also consider the security of data stored elsewhere, like documents in a filing cabinet or insider knowledge possessed by some employees. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts cyber security specialist opportunities will grow 33 percent between 2020 and 2030, which is on a much faster pace than average for all US professions. Military and government employers may also require security industry certifications and security clearances. Prospective employers may offer tuition assistance to help their employees obtain an advanced degree.

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As of May 2017, the average annual salary for the category of professionals that includes cybersecurity specialists was $99,690, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported. Breaking into the cybersecurity field typically requires a combination of up-to-date computer expertise and educational qualifications. Specific educational requirements for cybersecurity specialist jobs will vary according to the position and employer. Cybersecurity specialists work with organizations to keep their computer information systems secure. They determine who requires access to which information, and then plan, coordinate and implement information security programs.

• The average salary of a cybersecurity specialist is $99,652, according to Cyberseek.org.
• A McKinsey report from last year noted that organizations would have to spend up to $10.5 trillion annually to deal with breaches by 2025, a 300% increase from 2015.
• Sometimes, this may mean taking additional cyber certifications or classes after you are hired.
• Information systems security officers earn the highest salary when working in the professional industry, where they receive an average salary of $89,615.

Traditionally, network operations and IT professionals and teams handled core technology functions. But now that our world has become so heavily dependent on using advanced technology for practically everything, the stakes are higher than ever. The field of cybersecurity has its own set of jargon, tools, and best practices. It can help to get an overview of it all by taking some introductory courses in cybersecurity. While it’s totally possible to teach yourself through books, blogs, podcasts, and other resources, you may find a course helpful in giving structure and context to what you’re learning.

What Are Some Other Top Cybersecurity Careers?

The proliferation of cyber crime means businesses and government agencies around the globe face constant threats to their financial information, customer data, and military and trade secrets. It’s the role of cybersecurity specialists to protect organizations and the public from hackers, scammers and other online criminals. Information assurance engineers tend to make the most money working in the professional industry, where they earn an average salary of $97,153.

• For example, they're 0.6% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.6% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.
• Cybersecurity specialists are responsible for keeping cyber crime at bay by using their proficiency in analysis, forensics and reverse engineering to monitor and diagnose malware events and vulnerability issues.
• On average scale, information systems security officers bring in lower salaries than cyber security specialists.
• The growing demand for cybersecurity specialists can be seen in national employment projections.

At the present time, one of the few cybersecurity positions it tracks is also one of the most common — information security analyst. Cybersecurity analysts need to understand the latest cyber threat landscape, as well as their company’s IT infrastructure. Depending on where you work, this might mean having familiarity with Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems and experience with firewalls, VPNs, and proxies, as well as security and how to become a security specialist information event management systems (SIEMs). In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what working as a cybersecurity analyst is like, why you might choose to pursue a career in cybersecurity, and how to get started in this in-demand field. Adding certifications like CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+) can validate your skills in the cybersecurity field and prepare you for a more advanced role within your organization.

Why pursue a career in cybersecurity

While cybersecurity analysts and information security analysts might perform similar tasks, their roles are somewhat different. Companies are listing more cybersecurity jobs and paying higher salaries than ever because it is difficult to find strong, qualified talent in this industry. Are you an analytical thinker who’s great with computers and loves to solve puzzles?