IT Education

Paul has also been involved with NIST’s National Cybersecurity Center of Excellence (NCCoE) on several projects. He is currently a principal investigator (PI) for the Trusted IoT Device Network-Layer Onboarding and Lifecycle Management project and the upcoming Software Supply Chain and DevOps Security Practices project. Paul Watrobski is an IT Security Specialist in the Applied Cybersecurity Division (ACD) of the Information Technology Laboratory (ITL) at NIST. Paul is a member of the Cybersecurity of Internet of Things (IoT) program where he helped develop the Recommended Criteria for Cybersecurity Labeling for IoT Products as part of the Executive Order (EO) on Improving the Nation’s Cybersecurity. Click the link in the email we sent to to verify your email address and activate your job alert. Matt Whittle is a freelance writer and editor who holds a BA in English from Penn State University.

They accomplish this through a mix of managing security software and educating personnel on cyber security best practices to prevent data breaches, and responding with the appropriate countermeasures should a cyber attack breach the defenses. To become https://deveducation.com/ a cybersecurity specialist, you should complete a formal education—like a degree or a cybersecurity bootcamp—in information security or a related subject. The following section explores the requirements for becoming a cybersecurity analyst.

Types of Cybersecurity

Candidates may spend 3-5 years gaining technology experience, often in non-security IT roles. These “cyberenabled” positions focus on technical support, network engineering, or project management, but still require workers to handle minor security issues. Gaining industry experience in such roles can prepare candidates for core security positions. Applicants should cybersecurity specialist explore which certifications match their skills and desired career path. Some cybersecurity certifications cater to entry-level candidates while others prepare workers for advanced positions. Since most businesses store financial, statistical, and customer data online, cybersecurity specialists — also called security specialists — can work in many industries.

Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+) applies behavioral analytics to the IT security field to improve the overall state of IT security. Certifications like ITF+, CompTIA A+ and Network+ give you the background you need if you don’t already have it, and CompTIA Security+ is recommended to begin your career as a Cybersecurity Professional. Find out how different WGU is about personalizing and supporting your education.

How long does it take to become an IT security specialist?

Cisco, CompTIA, CISSP, and CEH are some of the certs that may be required by your employer to be qualified for a role. The actual job description of a security specialist can be hard to pin down, because these specialists may have varying duties based on their actual position. But typically these specialists are expected to install, configure, and maintain security software designed to prevent outside attacks on the company’s internal network.

Regardless of degree type, most bachelor’s in information technology programs include core coursework in data management, network administration, and business leadership. Bachelor’s-level IT students can also choose from a host of concentration options, like application development, database administration, and cybersecurity. A typical BS in IT program introduces students to core IT management, network security, and data administration concepts. Most students complete a bachelor’s in information technology in four years, though accelerated online programs take less time. Online degrees typically combine synchronous (live) and asynchronous (pre-recorded) instruction modalities. A degree in information technology from Florida International University helps professionals learn to acquire programming and computer networking skills.

Yes, several of the courses on this list are free, and only cost money if you want to get a formal certificate upon completion. Ken Girkin ’17, an Army veteran who also earned a master’s in cybersecurity in 2021, was able to advance in his company because of his education. “The instructors I had seemed to be experts in their respective fields and were very knowledgeable in the classes I was taking,” said Ken Girkin ’17 ’21G. “They did a good job of providing helpful feedback to the assignments and discussions.”

BI Foundations with SQL, ETL and Data Warehousing

In addition to jobs in the tech sector, you can also work in business, healthcare, education, and other major industries that rely on tech. If you dream of working in web and mobile programming, consider a degree in information technology from Liberty University. The program offers a BS in information technology that the average student completes in less than four years. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site. The ITF+ is a beginning-level certification designed for those who want to see if IT is the right career path for them.

Some schools offer a bachelor of business administration (BBA) in IT or IT management. Though less common, a bachelor of arts (BA) may suit students pursuing an artistic IT specialization such as virtual reality or gaming program development. Most bachelor’s https://deveducation.com/en/events/about-codeforfuture-project/ in information technology programs take four years to complete. But some in-person and top online schools may offer accelerated options. The degree often requires 120 credits, including both general education and major courses, as well as electives.

Bachelor’s in Information Technology

Harrisburg University of Science and Technology, a private, nonprofit school offers premier educational opportunities across 14 bachelor’s degree programs. Located in Pennsylvania, the institution boasts four online bachelor’s degree programs. The bachelor of science in information systems and information technology is an attractive option for students seeking to advance in the IT field. Online information technology degrees and courses can prime you to pursue an information technology degree.

In contrast, IT handles the maintenance and administration of computer systems, networks, and databases. Explore training developed by CompTIA with options that fit various learning styles and timelines. Whether you prefer self-study or classroom training, CompTIA has you covered. There are a plethora of course options, and the resources you can find online are equally overwhelming. Learning via tutorials and study guides is probably the most universal approach, as we’ve all encountered this learning style in high school.