You will need to combine your knowledge of cyber security and software development in order to thrive as a security software developer. Many people go to college straight out of high school because it’s a good way to get started on a successful career. However, not everyone is mentally or financially prepared to attend a four-year institution right after high school.
This is because they are in charge of downloading, installing, and implementing a business’s security solutions and measures. These experts develop security protocols and programs to safeguard computer-based applications. This could be a program that needs to be upgraded, or you may need to completely replace a company’s existing security program.
Degrees can open up more advanced job opportunities.
According to January 2022 Payscale data, security specialists earn an average annual salary of $66,960. The average salary for security specialists can increase substantially over time, making this job a lucrative long-term career how to become a security specialist choice. Potential roles to consider include cybersecurity specialist, cybercrime analyst and incident and intrusion analyst. More intermediate positions include cybersecurity analyst, consultant and penetration tester.
A cybersecurity engineering job is unlikely to be the first role in your career. First, you should seek entry-level cybersecurity jobs to help you gain experience and build your skills. If you’re wondering how to get into cybersecurity, remember that this is a highly technical field requiring a background in computer networks, coding and programming and encryption, among others. A bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity or computer science can provide a solid foundation in these subjects. Related fields like electrical engineering or math can also provide useful skills. Since most businesses store financial, statistical, and customer data online, cybersecurity specialists — also called security specialists — can work in many industries.
Jobs Available Without a Degree
You can apply for a wide array of different cyber security positions with a cyber security degree. Some examples of these positions are cyber security engineer, cyber security specialist, ethical hacker, network administrator, and security auditor. A network security engineer is an IT professional who designs and configures systems to protect an organization’s network from possible security threats. This is widely considered one of the best careers in coding when it comes to compensation.
If you’re wondering — how exactly can I get into cybersecurity without a degree? This has happened gradually over the last 25 years, often for perfectly good reasons. Hackers targeted weaknesses in isolated systems such as email, office applications or Windows PCs and so it made perfect sense to protect them with dedicated layers of security. Unless the enterprise is large enough to afford a full-time security director, it’s likely to turn to an external cybersecurity consultant.
