information security specialist jobs

If you are pursuing a degree in computer science or information technology with career interests related to the in-demand field of cyber security, then you may be wondering what an IT security specialist does. Since maintaining secure information systems is essential for business leaders today, IT security specialists are vital professionals who help companies protect their information assets in secure systems. As cyber attacks continue to grow in frequency and sophistication, more IT security specialists are in need to assist companies in finding innovative solutions for preventing hackers from stealing information. In fact, employment of information security specialists is expected to skyrocket at the rapid rate of 37%, thus creating 27,400 new jobs before 2022, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Read on to learn about what an IT security specialist does in order to determine whether this hot IT job is right for you.

IT Security Specialist Job Description

Information security specialists are employed in various industries to help organizations create disaster recovery plans and carry out security measures that will protect the company’s computer networks and systems from being comprised. Due to the increasing importance of information security, these specialists often report directly to upper-level managers, including information systems managers and chief technology officers, to design effective security precautions to protect their organization. Some IT security specialists may also work on teams within the information technology department to collaborate with network administrators, computer systems analysts, and software developers. Most information security specialists work for computer systems design companies, consulting firms, private corporations, and financial institutions.

Daily Responsibilities for IT Security Specialists

As the number and severity of cyber attacks continues to rise, the responsibilities placed on information security specialists are also continually expanding and becoming increasingly complex in nature. In an effort to stay a step ahead of dangerous hackers, IT security specialists must stay up-to-date on the latest methods attackers are using to infiltrate computer systems and decide on the measures that will most effectively protect the organization’s information. On a typical day in the life of an IT security specialist, they can be found monitoring computer networks for security violations, installing new security software, preparing reports on security breaches, conducting penetration testing to find vulnerabilities, developing IT security standards, recommending security changes to executives, and teaching staff about security procedures.