How to Become a Cybersecurity Specialist in 2026
As the internet becomes more integrated in people's lives, cybersecurity becomes all the more important. Learn how to break into this hot career.
Since many businesses use the internet and the vast majority of communication, especially private, occurs on the internet as well, cybersecurity has never been more important.
This is a big reason that cybersecurity specialists are in such high demand, evidenced by the fact that there's consistently many new open jobs.
Ready to take a leap into this hot career? Keep reading to get all the details about how to become a cybersecurity specialist.
What Is a Cyber Security Specialist?
On a basic level, a cybersecurity specialist secures computer networks and responds to threats to that security.
On a daily basis, though, a cybersecurity specialist's job can be highly varied, exciting, and challenging.
There's never a dull moment in this fast-paced career that includes elements of technology, criminal justice, and law.
Cybersecurity Specialist Career Overview:
<table border="1"><tr><td> <b>Degree Required</b></td><td> Bachelor's degree</td></tr>
<tr><td> <b>Education Field of Study</b> </td><td> Computer programming, computer science, information science, computer engineering</td></tr>
<tr><td> <b>Key Responsibilities</b> </td><td> secures computer networks and responds to threats to that security</td></tr>
<tr><td> <b>Certification</b> </td><td> Certification credential recommended</td></tr>
<tr><td> <b>Job Growth (2021-2031)</b> </td><td> 35%</td></tr>
<tr><td> <b>Median Salary (2022)</b></td><td> $119,860</td></tr>
</table><h3 id="section---JobDuties">Job Duties</h3><p>What a cybersecurity specialist does on any given day technically depends on their specialty and who they work for.
</p><p>The field is extremely broad. Someone's job duties in law enforcement would be very different from someone's in the private sector.
</p><p>Generally, <b>cybersecurity specialists could be responsible for any of the following</b>:
</p><ul><li>monitoring networks for security breaches
</li><li>investigating and responding to security breaches
</li><li>using and maintaining security software, such as data encryption programs or firewalls
</li><li>helping users in their organization set up and understand the importance of cybersecurity
</li><li>developing cybersecurity plans and policies for their organization
</li></ul><h3 id="section---WorkEnvironment">Work Environment</h3><p>Since any business or organization that uses the internet needs a cybersecurity specialist, a specialist's work environment is quite varied.
</p><p>Being a cybersecurity specialist gives you a lot of flexibility regarding where and how you work.
</p><p>Cybersecurity specialists that focus on criminal justice tend to work in government or law enforcement agencies.
</p><p>If the tech side of cybersecurity is what appeals to you, you can work in the private sector securing networks for corporations.
</p><p>Some cybersecurity specialists are self-employed consultants who offer solutions for many different companies on a more temporary basis.
</p><h3 id="section---EducationAndTraining">Education and Training</h3><p>While there's technically no degree required to be a cybersecurity specialist, most have at least a <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Cyber_Security_Bachelors_Degree_Program.html">bachelor's degree</a>.
</p><p>It's even possible to enter the field with an associate degree or a certificate if you already have a lot of tech experience.
</p><p>Generally, your skills are going to matter more than your specific education, although most employers do like to see some college work.
</p><p>You can even get a <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Cyber_Security_Masters_Degrees_Online_and_Campus-Based_Program_FAQs.html">master's degree in cybersecurity</a>, which is helpful if you're aiming for management or supervisory positions.
</p><p>A lot of tech experience really isn't necessary to be a cybersecurity specialist, but knowing code languages improves your marketability.
</p><h3 id="section---AverageSalary">Average Salary</h3><p>Cybersecurity specialists earn $119,860 on average, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
</p><p>Tech companies and information services are some of the highest paying industries for cybersecurity specialists.
</p><p>The highest paying states for cybersecurity specialists include New York, California, Maryland, New Hampshire, and Washington.
</p><p>Several of these states also have the highest concentration of job openings, demonstrating a high demand.
</p><p>States with high pay and high demand are often home to some of the country's largest tech companies.
</p><h3 id="section---JobOutlook">Job Outlook</h3><p>Overall employment of cybersecurity specialists is expected to increase by 35% from 2021 to 2031 according to the BLS.
</p><p>This growth rate is much faster than the national average for all occupations. The BLS projects 19,500 openings per year.
</p><p>Greater business focus on cybersecurity is the main cause of the increased demand and growth of the cybersecurity field.
</p><p>There is also a lot of growth in the healthcare industry since healthcare providers increasingly shift to digital records and telehealth services.
</p><p>Read below to learn about a <b>step-by-step plan for becoming a cybersecurity specialist</b>.
</p><h2 id="section---Step1EarnADegreeInCybersecurity">Step 1: Earn a Degree in Cybersecurity</h2><p>There's no specific degree requirement to be a cybersecurity specialist, but most employers want to see some level of college education.
</p><p>Since many of these programs are offered <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Cyber_Security_Degrees_Online_Program_FAQs.html">online</a>, you could earn an associate degree then work while you continue your bachelor's.
</p><p>A bachelor's degree typically entitles you to more pay than if you just have an associate degree or a certificate.
</p><p>If you already have a <a href="https://learn.org/directory/category/Computer_Science.html">computer science</a> or information technology degree, a master's in cybersecurity is a great option.
</p><h2 id="section---Step2ObtainIndustryCertificationsAndClearances">Step 2: Obtain Industry Certifications and Clearances</h2><p>Certifications are voluntary, but many of them can really give you a competitive advantage in the cybersecurity world.
</p><p>Here are some <b>certifications that are in particularly high demand</b>:
</p><ul><li>CompTIASecurity+: entry-level certification that validates your basic core cybersecurity skills. There are no requirements to sit for the exam, which costs $370.
</li><li>CISSP: issued by (ISC)2, the most sought-after credential in the cybersecurity field. It does require you to have a four-year degree and costs $749.
</li><li>CISA: issued by ISACA, particularly important for careers in cybersecurity auditing. It requires at least five years of experience and costs $575 for members ($760 for non-members).
</li><li>CISM: issued by ISACA, important for the managerial side of cybersecurity. It requires at least five years of experience in information security management and costs $575 for members ($760 for non-members).
</li></ul><p>If you're working for the federal government, you might need to obtain a security clearance of some level before you can start working.
</p><p>Even in the private sector, a security clearance might be necessary if you're working for a government contractor.
</p><h2 id="section---Step3GainRelevantExperience">Step 3: Gain Relevant Experience</h2><p>If you're getting a bachelor's degree, take advantage of any and all internship opportunities offered by your program.
</p><p>Most cybersecurity positions require at least one to three years of experience, which makes the field hard to break into at first.
</p><p>If you already have computer and tech skills, you might also consider doing freelance work for small businesses.
</p><p>Freelance projects can help you build your cybersecurity profile while you continue to earn a degree.
</p><h2 id="section---Step4BuildYourProfessionalNetwork">Step 4: Build Your Professional Network</h2><p>Creating strong working relationships with other cybersecurity professionals helps you improve your skills and knowledge.
</p><p>Because this is an ever-changing profession, you need quick access to the latest trends to stay on top of the cybersecurity world.
</p><p>Consider joining any of the following professional associations for cybersecurity specialists:
</p><ul><li>(ISC)2: an international nonprofit association with many resources for members, including continuing education and networking opportunities
</li><li>ISACA: additional training opportunities, cybersecurity newsletters, and a peer-reviewed cybersecurity journal
</li><li>ISSA: international nonprofit organization with virtual and in-person networking events for cybersecurity professionals
</li><li>SANS Institute: a vast network of professionals and resources that also offers cybersecurity conventions and events
</li></ul><p>Attend training and education events regularly, not just to network but to keep your cybersecurity knowledge up to date and relevant.
</p><h2 id="section---LearnAboutBecomingACyberSecuritySpecialistToday">Learn About Becoming a Cyber Security Specialist Today</h2><p>Reach out to <i>Best Accredited Colleges</i> today if you want more information about how to become a cyber security specialist.</p>