As the field of information technology continues to grow and expand, one area seeing tremendous growth is cyber security.

This lucrative career path is one of the hottest on the current job market. With rising job rates and steadily increasing salaries, this is an excellent career to explore.

Security focused IT pros are the ones that work hard to keep our data and our identities safe.

As cyber criminals use increasingly sophisticated tools to commit their online offenses, more and more cyber security IT professionals will be needed in the years to come.

 

What Exactly is Cyber Crime?

According to the US Bureau of Justice Statistics there are three kinds of cyber crimes.

The first are considered cyber attacks where a specific computer system is targeted. These types of attacks include things like computer viruses, denial of service attacks, and electronic vandalism or sabotage.

The second form of cyber crime is cyber theft where technology is used to steal money or other things of value. This includes embezzlement, fraud, theft of intellectual property, and theft of personal or financial data.

The third category includes any other computer security incidents, including spyware, adware, hacking, phishing, spoofing, pinging, port scanning, and theft of other information.

 

What is Cyber Security

Cyber security includes using sophisticated computer programming with the goal of thwarting attacks before they happen.

In the past, cyber security IT pros were often left chasing after the bad guys. With more and more certifications programs available to train the good guys to keep up with cyber criminals, there has been a shift.

Now online security pros can go on the offensive and help better protect individuals and businesses. By setting up a number of safety and security protocols they can help keep cyber attacks from happening.

 

What Does a Cyber Security IT Pro Do?

The main responsibility of IT security analysts is to plan and implement security protocols that protect computer networks and systems.

There are various levels of this type of professional working in the field.

Someone early in their career may work in an entry-level cyber security position where they install security programs and monitor for breaches.

The positions and experience levels range from early career all the way to the IT pros that create the security programs.

What level of success you achieve depends upon your training and certifications.

 

How Do I Become a Cyber Security IT Professional?

If you are brand new to the IT field you can still get started on a career in the area of cyber security right away.

The best way to secure a position in this lucrative field is to earn the proper certifications. Whether you will rise to a mid-level position or you want to secure a position in the very top of the field, there are certifications to get you there.

 

The First Step Towards a Career in Cyber Security

For those new to the field, you will need to start by taking the initial training steps. Certifications like CompTIA A+, IT Fundamentals, and Microsoft Technology Associate: Security Fundamentals are the best way to jump-start your career.

Once you have completed the basic training requirements you can start to branch out into different areas of cyber security.

There are many different certifications you can earn in various areas of online security that will shape your career and make it your own.

Whether you become certified in Cisco Certified Network Professional – Security, Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert: Server Infrastructure, ISACA Certified Information Systems Auditor or the many others out there – you can start shaping the career of your dreams.

 

What Are the Types of Certifications Available?

Generally speaking, there are four levels of IT professional certifications. These include:

• Basic certifications: These are designed to meet the needs of new IT students with limited or no experience in the field.
• Professional certifications: These certifications are appropriate for entry-level or established IT workers looking to expand their skill set.
• Specialty certifications: These are the certification programs that will help you hone in on areas of expertise.
• Mastery certifications: This type of training program is specifically for experienced IT professionals who want to expand their skills and knowledge.

While all cyber security IT professionals will start with the fundamental courses, you will then have the ability to branch out into the areas that you want to pursue. Those who reach the highest level will have the highest level of career flexibility and a higher salary.

 

What Certifications Do I Need at the Intermediate Level?

After completing the introductory certifications you can start to figure out what vendors and areas of security you want to pursue.

When it comes to cyber security there are many different retailers and programs to choose from. Which ones you earn will depend upon a number of factors.

The first factor is where you work. While some employers and businesses use just one vendor, such as Microsoft or Cisco, other might use multiple. Depending upon your employer, you will want to adjust your certifications to meet their demands.

The second factor is what direction you plan to take your career. If you see yourself thwarting the efforts of hackers and cyber criminals you would strongly benefit from certifications like EC-Council’s Certified Network Defender or Ethical Hacker.

However, if you want to work directly with people who have been the victim of cyber crimes, the GIAC Certified Incident Handler would be a better fit.

 

How Can I Rise to the Expert Level?

While many cyber security IT pros have a successful career with mid-level certifications, others have higher aspirations. The great thing about IT certifications, especially in the area of cyber security, is that you can make up your mind as you go.

Maybe you think you are finished with training programs, but then you find an area of weakness. Or maybe there is a new area of cyber security that peaks your interest. You can always add to your certification list. Your ability to continue learning and growing professionally is endless.

 

Certification Options at the Higher Levels

When it comes to the higher levels of cyber security certifications you can rise to the advanced and even expert levels.

By earning certifications at this level you have the ability to continue growing your career. IT pros that earn the higher levels certifications are often seen as the experts in their specific area of cyber security.

There are advanced certifications in everything from Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert: Server Infrastructure to Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert in Security to Securing Cisco Networks with Threat Detection and Analysis. Each of these rigorous training programs will prepare you for work at the highest level of the field.

 

How Does the Certification Process Work?

Maybe you are wondering how the certification process actually works. While they vary from company to company, they generally have a similar outline.

 

Step 1: Choose a certification to pursue

Take some time to review the various training programs and vendors before diving in. When it comes to certifications you will invest both time and money, so spend both wisely.

 

Step 2: Begin Your Training

Once you have chosen which certification to pursue – it’s time to get started. It’s as simple as registering with the vendor of your choice and getting started. Be sure to choose a program that is highly regarded in the field so you know your training will be the best available.

 

Step 3: Review the Certification Exam

In order to earn the certification there will be an exam that you must pass. This will prove that you have earned the skills to master the content. Earning the certification shows employers and clients that you are an expert in this area.

 

Step 4: Register for Your Exam

You can either complete your exam online or visit one of many test centers, depending upon your preference.  Make sure to review your materials before you begin your assessment.

 

Step 5: Use Your Certification

Once you have successfully completed the exam you can now apply your certification to your career. Include it on your resume and LinkedIn profile for the most exposure.

 

Why Not A College Degree?

In the midst of all this certification talk, some might ask – why not a college degree?

In previous years the standard training protocol was generally to apply to a community college or university and complete your career training within a degree program.

The problem is – those programs are not designed for rapidly changing fields like information technology and especially cyber security.

College degrees are great for a number of white-collar and professional careers. However, over the past ten years certifications programs have become the industry standard for most employers in the information technology sector.

While a select few employers still prefer a college degree, most are now seeking appropriate certifications.

Outlook for Cyber Security IT Careers

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Handbook (BLS-OH), the outlook for a career in cyber security is booming. This career is not just lucrative, but it is downright hot.

The BLS outlines that jobs in the various computer professions will increase by about 12 percent between 2014 and 2024 (which is five percent higher the average for all professions in the United States).

However, the field of Information Security Analysis is predicted to grow a whipping 18 percent.

This means that over the course of those ten years 14,800 new jobs will be available in this area. In order to fill this need new IT cyber security pros are a must.

Salary Expectations for a Cyber Security IT Career

Along with the growing number of jobs available and the increasing need for skilled IT security professionals comes an above average salary. The median income for all employed Americans (according to the BLS-OH) is just $37,040.

The average for computer professionals is $82,860. The median annual salary of someone in the field of cyber security is $92,600.

Those who have achieved the highest levels of certifications will rise to an even higher salary range.

The BLS highlighted that the top 10 percent of earners in this category brought home almost $150,000 annually.

 

The Bottom Line

The field of cyber security is lucrative, fast-paced and exciting. The need for professionals in this important sector continues to grow almost daily.

As cyber criminals get smarter and more sophisticated, so must the people who protect our identities, our money and our businesses.

With many opportunities to learn at your own pace through online training programs, you can begin on the path to this great career. Earning certifications in the many areas of cyber security information technology will put you on the path to a highly successful career helping keep us safe.