How to Become a Cybersecurity Specialist in 2025

<p><table border="0"> <tr><td><img src="/cimages/multimages/2/adobestock_310133756.jpeg" alt="cybersecurity professional looking at three computer monitors" /></td></tr> </table> </p> <p>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. </p> <p>This is a big reason that cybersecurity specialists are in such <b>high demand</b>, evidenced by the fact that there's consistently many new open jobs. </p> <p>Ready to take a leap into this hot career? Keep reading to get all the details about <b>how to become a cybersecurity specialist</b>. </p> <h2 id="section---WhatIsACyberSecuritySpecialist">What Is a Cyber Security Specialist?</h2> <p>On a basic level, <b>a cybersecurity specialist secures computer networks and responds to threats to that security</b>. </p> <p>On a daily basis, though, a cybersecurity specialist's job can be highly varied, exciting, and challenging. </p> <p>There's never a dull moment in this fast-paced career that includes elements of technology, criminal justice, and law. </p> <p>Cybersecurity Specialist Career Overview: </p> <p /> <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><a href="https://learn.org/articles/Cyber_Security_Career_and_Salary_FAQs.html">Cybersecurity specialists earn $119,860 on average</a>, 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 <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Information_Technology_BIT_Bachelors_Degree.html">information technology degree</a>, 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>