Using the NIST Cybersecurity Framework (Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, Recover), a cybersecurity specialist plans, implements, and monitors hardware and/or software security measures for information systems and operational infrastructures.
Cybersecurity specialists can expect to make an average salary of $104,500 annually (or $108,800 in total compensation package). The highest earners for this role can expect to see around $115,800 annually (or $121,400 in total compensation).
*Current as of December 2022.
Integrity, Initiative, Dependability, Communication, Basic Computer Competencies, Logic, Critical & Analytical Thinking, Science & Technology, Problem Solving & Decision Making, Teamwork, Detail Orientation.
Defensive measures to detect, respond, and protect information, information systems, and networks from threats.
Understand the motivation and processes of a bad actor who is gathering information on a network.
Apply techniques to prevent social engineering and tools of bad actors to detect and access network information.
Troubleshoot and diagnose while effectively utilizing detection tools to defend the network.
Methods and procedures that protect information systems and data by ensuring their availability, authentication, confidentiality, and integrity as well as the measure of common controls on information systems.
Understand the concept of data integrity and encryption as well as maintaining data consistency processes and procedures.
Implement the methodologies and security policies using encryption algorithms to maintain data integrity and data consistency.
Enforce assisting and developing, enforce security policy for data consistency.
Methods, tools, and procedures, including development of information security plans to prevent information systems vulnerabilities and to provide or restore security of information systems and network services.
Understand network and data system function, architecture, and topology.
Implement defense-in-depth using intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDPS), firewall, Access Control List (ACL).
Evaluating and validating host/ network security systems and maintain policy.
Architecture and typology of software, hardware, and networks, including LANS, WANS, and telecommunications systems, their components and associated protocols and standards, and how they operate and integrate with one another and with associated controlling software.
Understand the Transmission Control Protocol [TCP] and Internet Protocol [IP], Open System Interconnection Model [OSI], and different protocols that are used in each layer.
Implement different tools at different layers and how to use the protocols tp analyze traffic flow on virtual and physical layers.
Detecting intrusions to analyze and mitigate vulnerabilities in the network topology including hacking techniques to find weaknesses in protocols and improve bandwidth through routing protocols.
Principles, methods, and tools for assessing vulnerabilities and developing or recommending appropriate mitigation countermeasures.
Understand vulnerability of hardware and software using tools and methodologies to evaluate physical, virtual, and social environments.
Assess vulnerabilities of hardware and software using tools and methodologies to evaluate physical, virtual, and social environments.
Remedy and provide guidance to correct the vulnerabilities of the physical, virtual, and social environments.
To be a Cybersecurity Specialist, you need at least a High School Diploma with an Associate’s Degree or Bachelor of Science typically being preferred depending on company and/or government opportunity. Other preferred and/or required certifications for a Cybersecurity Specialist include: addressing authentication, security testing, intrusion detection/prevention, incident response and recovery, attacks and countermeasures, cryptography, malicious code countermeasures, system security, network infrastructure, access.
Below is a list of TechPoint programs and our partner programs in Indiana that offer experiences to develop digital skills for a Cybersecurity Specialist. These include certificate and degree attainment, internship programs, and mentorship to help you prepare for a career in tech.
Want to try on Cybersecurity? Explore our free virtual work simulation through Forage and gain hands on experience for this role directly from industry: Cybersecurity Work Simulation
Here are the TechPoint programs and partner organizations for K-12 students to get training and experience in this field.
Here are the TechPoint programs and partner organizations for college students to get training experience in this field.
Here are the TechPoint programs and partner organizations for career changers and adult learners to get training and experience in this field.
