Pros and Cons of an Internet Security Specialist Career
Internet security specialists, also known as information security analysts, ensure the safety of a company's information by monitoring an organization's computer and networks systems and guarding them against cyber attacks. Learn more about the pros and cons of becoming an Internet security specialist to decide if this is the right career for you.
| Pros of Being an Internet Security Specialist |
|---|
| Faster-than-average job growth (expected 37% growth between 2012 and 2022 for information security analysts)* |
| Good wages (mean annual wage of $89,000 as of May 2014)* |
| Can work in any geographic location* |
| Can work in a variety of settings (computer systems design firms, finance companies, etc.)* |
| Cons of Being an Internet Security Specialist |
|---|
| May be required to work evenings, weekends and holidays* |
| May be required to put in long days* |
| Master's degree may be preferred by employers (two extra years of study) |
| Certifications required for best employment opportunities* |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Career Information
Job Description and Duties
Internet security specialists are the experts behind keeping computer and network systems free from cyber attacks, such as hacking or fraud. They do this by constantly monitoring the systems and constantly researching the latest in information security trends. Through this research, they should be able to stay one step ahead of cyber attackers who can compromise the security of organizations. Internet security specialists also analyze a company's security needs and implement a system to meet those needs, while also educating that company's IT staff on how to install security products.
Other duties include installing security data encryption programs, firewalls and other security software. Internet security specialists may attend conferences to determine what other professionals are using and have experienced. In addition to implementing an Internet security system, they also develop a disaster recovery plan the company can fall back on in case of an emergency. Internet security specialists often answer to and work with the Chief Technology Officers (CTO) of a company to ensure they're both abreast of the most recent security measures.
Job Growth and Salary
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of information security analysts was predicted to grow 37% between 2012 and 2022. Contributing to this faster-than-average growth is advancing technology and the increasing need for protection against cyber attacks. Other factors keeping these workers in demand are the healthcare industry's increasing need to protect electronic health records and the federal government's need to ensure security in the nation's information technology systems. The BLS reported that information security analysts earned a mean annual wage of around $92,000 as of May 2014.
Education and Training Requirements
What Employers Are Looking for
To become an Internet security specialist, you'll typically need to complete at least a bachelor's degree program in computer science, computer programming or a related field, although some employers may prefer master's degrees. Several years of work experience may also be required. In addition to completing classroom and lab studies, you'll may also participate in cooperative education programs.
Typical courses may include database management, operating systems and hardware, computer networks, statistics, physical security, computer forensics, network administration, cryptology and network security, artificial intelligence and disaster recovery. Many schools offer associate's degree programs in Internet security. These programs may prepare you for an entry-level position or a transfer to a 4-year college.
Job Postings from Real Employers
Most employers seeking to hire Internet security specialists are looking for candidates with both experience and a degree. Many also ask for specific knowledge of particular networking technologies, programming languages and operating systems. Below are some real job postings found at Careerbuilder.com in April 2012:
- An Illinois university is seeking an experienced data security specialist to ensure the safety and security of its information system and network assets and protect them from outside access. The data security specialist will be involved in the design and installation of software products used to comply with the university's security policy. Candidate should have knowledge of SQL, UNIX scripting, HTML, Oracle, Perl and XML. Applicant must also have at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, business data processing or a related field. On-call work is occasionally required.
- A Maryland software company is seeking an Internet security specialist to assess and interpret the security needs of its computer and networking system. Candidate should have a solid understanding of security-related technologies such as networking protocols, encryption, IP networking, DNS, electronic e-mail and network security techniques. Knowledge of various operating systems (Windows, Linux, Solaris, etc.) is also required. Applicant must have at least a bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field, four years experience working in network or data security and security certifications (CCNA, CISSP).
- A Minneapolis bank is seeking a qualified Information security architect to develop and implement security policies and procedures in the bank's computer systems, monitor and install firewalls, analyze threats and vulnerabilities in the bank's operations and instruct security policies to internal customers in regards to compliance and information security standards. Applicant must have at least a bachelor's degree in information security and at least two years of recent forensic technology experience. Experience in information security fields is a plus. Knowledge of Javascript, HTML, Microsoft SQL, ASP and Windows Office Suite is also required.
How to Maximize Your Skills
As important as earning your degree and obtaining work experience is for your career, you'll want to maximize your skills so you can be competitive in the workforce. In addition to keeping up with the latest technology in Internet security, you may wish to obtain certification in as many areas as possible.
Formal training programs for aspiring Internet security specialists offer courses that prepare you to take certification exams. Some possible certifications include Comp TIA Security+, Network+, A+, Microsoft Certified Information Technology Professional (MCITP), Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) or Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA). The International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium (ISC) is an organization that offers various certification programs, such as Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP), Certified Authorization Professional (CAP) and Certified Secure Software Lifecycle Professional (CSSLP).
Alternative Career Paths
Computer Programmer
If you enjoy computers and possess a creative mind, you may find a career as a computer programmer to be the perfect fit. Computer programmers write the codes to create programs that enable computers to perform user requests. They also analyze programs and fix them, if need be. According to the BLS, computer programmers were predicted to see an employment growth of 12% between 2010 and 2020. As of May 2011, these workers earned a mean annual salary of around $76,000. Although computer programmers usually have bachelor's degrees, you can become a computer programmer by completing an associate's degree program.
Software Developer
Software developers come up with the ideas for computer programmers. If you have a creative mind and enjoy working on computers, you may enjoy putting your ideas to work as a software developer. Software developers earned a mean wage of around $92,000 in 2011, reported the BLS. The BLS also stated that, due to the demand for computer software, software developers were predicted to see an employment growth of 30% between 2010 and 2020. To become a software developer, you need a bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field and a strong background in computer programming.
