Working as a Cyber Security Specialist

Cyber security is a growing area of concern for companies and governments around the world. A report jointly created by McAfee and the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, D.C. found that malicious and harmful cybercrimes cost up to $1 trillion globally. The cost of these crimes in the U.S. was estimated to be between $24 billion and $120 billion, or 0.2% to 0.8% of the country’s gross domestic product. It is clear that cyber crimes have a significant impact on the fortunes of companies and the economies of countries throughout the world.

Given the shocking damage from these crimes and their impact on the global and domestic economy, the need for cyber security specialists is great and immediate. In fact, industry demand for positions in the field is expected to grow by 22%, with 65,000 jobs expected to be added by the year 2020. Understanding what it takes to become a cyber security specialist and knowing the demands of the job are important when considering a position in this field.

What it Takes to Become a Cyber Security Specialist

Becoming a cyber security specialist requires a combination of education, experience and training. Because we rely heavily on the computer systems that run our domestic and global economies, a basic knowledge of computers and computing systems is required. A person with a high school diploma may be able to compete for some of the entry-level positions available in the field, such as testers but may also benefit from additional education and training. Those with degrees in cyber security or related fields are viewed more favorably though.

Nearly everyone with a passion for computers and computing systems can be successful in a cyber security position. Training can take place in a formal setting (i.e. classroom or online) or on the job, and with the right training and experience, you can do a lot of different things in this career field.

The Demands of a Career as a Cyber Security Specialist

The demands of the job for a person in cyber security include an understanding of cyber threats, an ability to analyze and reverse the effects of an attack, finding and closing system vulnerabilities that are targeted by attackers and testing systems to ensure their ability to withstand a concentrated or mass cyber attack. This is all but part of the checklists for cyber security for anyone but in the right situation and alongside the right team of people, you can meet these demands and head off many of the attacks.

The Rewards of Being a Cyber Security Specialist

Being a cyber security specialist comes with certain rewards. Stopping a mass systems attack launched by a foreign government or a hacker with nefarious intent is just one of the rewards that comes with the job. The pay is also not a bad incentive for a person who may be considering this type of work. With minimal education and some basic knowledge of computer systems (and some additional training and education along the way), there are plenty of opportunities that await an enterprising person looking for a job as a cyber security specialist.