Good communication, problem-solving, and analytical skills are also important for a cybersecurity specialist. Cybersecurity specialists need to be comfortable in a world that is constantly moving and shifting. A cybersecurity specialist might wear many hats depending on the size and shape of his or her company or organization. As the job title implies, cybersecurity specialists are expected to have a certain level of training and expertise that allows them to give advice and training on the latest digital best practices. Job opportunities for cybersecurity specialists can be found in both the public and private sectors. Potential employers include government agencies, military contractors, IT services companies, the armed forces, professional services firms, financial institutions and cybersecurity consulting firms.

With the increase in cybercrime and its growing threat to organisations, cybersecurity professionals are in demand. Salary survey websites suggest that earnings can start from around £29,000 and rise to around £100,000. Some cybersecurity professionals work by themselves, but more often than not, they are a part of an IT security team in an organization. This requires communication and active listening skills to be able to work within a team. Bachelor’s degrees take between four and five years to complete when you’re able to attend full-time. You’ll likely be expected to complete a minimum of 120 credits, with around half focused on your core curriculum requirements.

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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. That often means that continuing education is required — both in the form of formal, industry-recognized certifications —  and in the form of informal learning and tracking industry developments. Cybersecurity specialists are also responsible for continually monitoring security systems and networks for anomalies and tracking those activities in documents and reports. Are you an analytical thinker who’s great with computers and loves to solve puzzles? With the right education and experience, you could be on your way to a career in this in-demand cybersecurity field.

To minimize the chances of this happening, most companies set up strict education requirements and are looking to hire applicants with bachelor degrees. It doesn’t necessarily have to be a degree in cybersecurity – a related field will work as well, such as computer engineering, computer programming, computer and information sciences, and others. Information also includes a list of common job titles and average salary ranges. It is a great career to enter as there are several roads to travel toward executive-level roles.

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You can also read more general information about how OU study enhances your career. Cyber security graduates will be in demand beyond the traditional workplaces where general computing and IT graduates have sought employment. Cybersecurity is the process of protecting how to become a security specialist an organization’s computer systems, networks, and data from unauthorized access or damage. Cyberattacks and threats can access, change, or destroy sensitive information such as passwords, financial information, medical records, and other confidential data.