What does a Cyber Security Specialist do?
Information security specialists design and implement systems and processes intended to keep electronic information private and secure. They analyze existing processes and safeguards and recommend changes, playing a primary role in defining standard organizational guidelines. They monitor systems for any signs of intrusion or potentials areas of vulnerability, and create policies and procedures for reporting issues or notifications. They also advise and train others on how to identify, avoid, and mitigate cybersecurity threats.
Information security specialists typically have a bachelor’s degree in a computer science field, along with experience in an IT role with a focus on cybersecurity. They should have hands-on experience using vulnerability scanners such as Nexpose or Netsparker, and a background in developing and implementing information security policies and programs.
- Assist with the loading and unloading of buses, as assigned.
- Provide clerical skills necessary to capture day to day activities.
- Ensure information is complete and consistent with procedures, policies, and precedents.
- Plan and coordinate the IT security programs and policies.
- Maintain action plans, project plans, incident, issue and risk registers.
- Provide a monthly status report on information security status.
- Monitor camera, phone, intercom/control system and movement of staff and youth.
- Develop scripts for system administration and security auditing functions.
- Manage the billet structure to account for program access.
- Plan, develop and controls moderate to large project/product budgets.
- Review operational procedures for the handling and disposition for classified and sensitive information.
- Thorough knowledge of the indices systems, various record check systems, and file review processes to develop and extract the most complete and accurate information relative to the subject as possible.
- Monitor security vulnerabilities and hacking threats in network and host systems.
- Creation and updating of personnel security action database records.
- Bachelor's or Graduate's Degree in business, computer science, engineering or information technology, or equivalent experience.
- A confident, natural leader and problem solver with demonstrated critical thinking and collaboration skills.
- Familiar with writing protocols.
- Strong computing and scripting skills.
- Military experience is a plus.
- Displays strong work ethic.
How much does a Cyber Security Specialist make?
Base Pay
Additional Pay
$91,745
/ yrCyber Security Specialist Career Path
Learn how to become a Cyber Security Specialist, what skills and education you need to succeed, and what level of pay to expect at each step on your career path.
Years of Experience Distribution
Cyber Security Specialist Insights
Teleperformance“This is Good place to work and easily visible to our management to get recognize for our good work.”
Dionach“This is a great working environment and I have improved a lot since I started at Dionach.”
Raytheon Missiles & Defense“Very flexible work schedule with some minor work from home opportunities if really needed but not permanent.”
AmeriHealth Caritas“workers are really good to work with but many areas bullied into the ground with excessive work.”
United Bank for Africa“No overtime pay which kinda sucks because sometimes you might be required to work overtime.”
“life is balance for those who don't work but push others to work :).”
Altru Health“enjoyable and good work life balance”
US Marine Corps“Career and personal development opportunities”
Frequently asked questions about the role and responsibilities of an information security specialist
An information security specialist spends a typical day analyzing network structures and testing security measures like software permissions and firewalls. They ensure the company's data remains secure by protecting it from cyber attacks. They also design and implement data recovery plans in case the structures are attacked.
Yes, information security is an in-demand career. As cloud computing continues to grow, employers need security specialists to keep their information secure. One benefit of being an information security specialist is it's a fast-paced field perfect for those who love a challenge.
Information security specialists get paid well. The average annual base salary for information security specialists is $91,745 per year in the United States, depending on their location and years of experience. With additional training and experience, they can make up to $149,912 annually.
Working as an information security specialist can be challenging at times. They need to stay up to date regarding computer programing languages as well as software updates and might be asked to work long hours or weekends if an issue arises.