What Is An Information Security Specialist?

More businesses are relying on cloud computing and technology. As a result, there is a growing need for information security specialist positions. 

Cyberthreats are growing in number and complexity every day. It is not uncommon to hear in the news of businesses getting attacked by hackers. Moreover, businesses must strive to protect their data. 

Losing sensitive data will lead to drastic results. An information security specialist prevents those from happening. Let’s get to know more about them in this article.

What Does An Information Security Specialist Do?

These professionals are responsible for designing and implementing cybersecurity measures. Furthermore, they track the organization’s systems for vulnerabilities. Afterward, they act by eliminating those weaknesses. Furthermore, they act on breaches and threats.

Since this job is important, these specialists report to upper-level managers. Those include information systems and chief technology managers. An information security specialist suggests steps to increase the organization’s cybersecurity. 

Furthermore, it is their responsibility to prevent unauthorized access. They do that by modifying permissions to software packages. Also, they develop methods to uphold confidentiality in handling sensitive data. Also, specialists research security measures and concerns to design such methods.

Information security specialists also educate the business staff on cybersecurity measures.

Is This Job In-Demand?

The answer to that question is an absolute YES. As we have mentioned earlier, cyber risks are growing every day. Companies need these specialists to keep their company safe. 

The demand for information security specialists is high in all industries. Those include schools, corporations, government agencies, medical practices, and more. 

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in the cyber industry expects to grow by 11%. That projection is from 2019-2029. Moreover, that is much faster among other jobs. The bureau added that the cyber industry will produce 531,200 new jobs.

Must-Have Skills and Education

This job requires a computer-related bachelor’s degree. Some examples are computer science and information technology. Yet, some employers prefer that their specialists have an MBA. It means Master of Business Administration. That degree must focus on information technology or systems.

Moreover, specialists must have job experience related to IT. Many choose to gain hands-on experience. It can be in an IT department as a network administrator. Furthermore, aiming for an (ISC)2 is a smart move.

Furthermore, an information security specialist must also have strong communication skills. They are responsible for educating technical and non-technical staffers. Moreover, these specialists must educate them in raising security awareness. 

Specialists must also understand programming languages. Some examples are C+ and Java.

How Much Is The Salary?

The annual entry-level salary for this position is $58,745 on average. That includes tips, bonuses, and OT pay. With 4 years of experience, the salary can go up to $67,405. Furthermore, a specialist with 5-9 years of experience can expect an annual salary of $86, 213.

With an experience of 20 years or higher, employees earn an average total compensation of $102,249.

Please watch the video below to know more about information security specialists.

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