Computer Security Specialists
Computer security specialists set up plans to protect companies' information and technology from outsiders.
Computer security specialists work with companies to build secure computer systems. They question managers and staff about their current security methods and find out what information the company wants to protect.
Computer Security Specialists are in the Information Technology career cluster and the Network Systems pathway.
Quick Facts
Wages: |
Well above the statewide median
$43.21 / hour Read more about wages |
Outlook: |
Percent Growth
11.3% Average Read more about outlook |
Education & Training: |
Bachelor's degree is common. |
On the Job: |
Work Activities
Assess your skills |
Job Title Examples: |
See more job title examples |
Source: Minnesota Department of Education, Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, and CareerOneStop.
Wages & Outlook
Wages
Wage information is not available specifically for computer security specialists. However, they are part of the larger group of "information security analysts, web developers, and computer network architects."
Wages vary by employer and project difficulty. For example, large companies usually pay more than small companies. In addition, specialists are usually paid more for working on high-security projects. Manufacturing companies tend to pay more than government agencies.
Most computer security specialists who work full time receive benefits. Benefits may include health insurance and a retirement plan. They may also include vacation and sick leave. Some employers offer stock in their company or pay for continuing education courses. Self-employed computer security specialists must provide their own insurance.
View the Regional Wage Comparison Chart for:
Employment
Computer security specialists are included in the larger group of "network and computer systems administrators." In Minnesota, about 6,075 people work in this medium-sized occupation.
About 17 percent of computer security specialists are self-employed.
Computer security specialist positions are found throughout the nation. Larger cities have more companies that hire these workers. Larger companies also hire more security specialists. Small companies may be more likely to hire someone on a temporary or part-time basis, or as a consultant.
Major employers:
- Computer systems design companies
- Telecommunications services
- Finance and insurance agencies
- Business management companies
Outlook
An increase in computer security jobs is expected as technology continues to advance and become more affordable. In addition, cyberattacks have increased and many companies are behind in their ability to detect these attacks. Specialists will be needed to come up with ways to prevent hackers from stealing information.
| Employment | Employment Change | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 2020 | Number | Percent | |
| Minnesota | 6,441 | 7,168 | 727 | 11.3% |
| 2010 | 2020 | Number | Percent | |
| Central Minnesota | 132 | 156 | 24 | 18.2% |
| Northeast Minnesota | 151 | 172 | 21 | 13.9% |
| Northwest Minnesota | 127 | 144 | 17 | 13.4% |
| Southeast Minnesota | 455 | 540 | 85 | 18.7% |
| Southwest Minnesota | 82 | 82 | 0 | 0% |
| Seven County Mpls-St Paul, MN | 5,593 | 6,163 | 570 | 10.2% |
Source: Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development and Minnesota Department of Education.
On the Job
Overview
Computer security specialists set up plans to protect companies' information and technology from outsiders.
In 1994, a teenage boy named Richard Pryce (aka "Datastream Cowboy") broke into the U.S. Air Force computer system. The Air Force saw that sensitive files were stolen and feared the worst. It turns out that Pryce had only downloaded one or two files, and was using a very old computer. The reason for his hacking? He was convinced that he might find evidence that alien landings on Earth were true. Regardless of Pryce's reason, "hacking" is a serious danger to computer security. In fact, keeping systems safe from hackers is one of the many aspects of doing business.Computer security specialists work with companies to build secure computer systems. They question managers and staff about their current security methods. They find out what information the company wants to protect. Specialists also learn what information employees should be able to access. Computer security specialists use their findings to plan the security system. They regularly train staff on how to use security software and properly use computers to prevent any problems.
Specialists install software that protects the information. They may also make changes to existing software. Once the changes are made, specialists test the system to make sure it works. If the data are available to people over the Internet, specialists may build firewalls. These electronic "walls" keep people outside of an organization from accessing information. They may also encrypt information so that it remains confidential. Specialists also monitor virus software and update it regularly.
Once the security system is in place, computer security specialists write rules and procedures for employees to follow. Each part of the security plan must be followed for it to succeed. In some companies, specialists coordinate security for vendors and customers in addition to employees.
Specialists may also be responsible for physically locking down the hardware. They may buy equipment to secure servers, monitors, and hard drives so they cannot be removed from buildings. Larger companies may purchase metal detectors or video cameras as part of their plan.
Computer security specialists monitor data logs that report all the activity on a system. They look for any strange activity in the records. Some programs alert employees when there is a problem. Specialists evaluate security breaks and determine if there are problems or errors. If there is a problem, specialists track where the break came from and shut off the access point.
Some specialists work for temporary agencies that contract their services to different companies.
Work Activities
The following list of occupational tasks is specific to this career.
- Talk with staff to learn security needs.
- Train computer users about how to use computer systems securely and to promote efficiency.
- Develop plans to protect computer files.
- Modify files or write new software to limit access.
- Test system to ensure the programs are working and the security measures are in place.
- Write reports to document security procedures.
- Coordinate computer system plan with internal and external users.
- Monitor use of data files and regulate access to protected files.
- Assess and identify breaks in security.
- Investigate security breaks to locate the problem.
- Monitor and update virus software.
- Encrypt data and install firewalls to protect confidential information.
People in this career perform the following list of tasks, but the tasks are common to many occupations.
- Use computers.
- Get information needed to do the job.
- Analyze data or information.
- Evaluate information against standards.
- Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates.
- Identify objects, actions, and events.
- Process information.
- Monitor events, materials, and surroundings.
- Update and use job-related knowledge.
- Document and record information.
- Make decisions and solve problems.
- Organize, plan, and prioritize work.
- Think creatively.
- Explain the meaning of information to others.
- Establish and maintain relationships.
- Communicate with people from outside the organization.
- Perform administrative tasks.
- Develop goals and strategies.
- Monitor and control resources.
- Teach others.
Working Conditions
In a typical work setting, people in this career:
- Have a high level of contact with users, managers, and vendors.
- Communicate daily by telephone, e-mail, and in person. They occasionally write letters and memos.
- Are somewhat responsible for the work done by other workers.
- Often work as a part of team of computer professionals.
- Always work indoors.
- Work near others, such as when sharing office space.
- Must be sure that all details are done and their work is exact. Errors could seriously endanger companies' data files.
- Regularly make decisions that strongly impact a client, company, and coworkers. They make most decisions without consulting a supervisor first.
- Set nearly all their daily tasks and goals without talking to a superior first.
- Must meet strict weekly deadlines.
- Work in a moderately competitive atmosphere.
- May repeat the same mental tasks.
- Generally work a set schedule.
- Most work 40 hours per week.
- May work evenings or weekends to meet deadlines or solve problems.
- May travel to different companies within the city or nation if working as a consultant.
Interpersonal Relationships
Physical Work Conditions
Work Performance
Hours/Travel
Physical Demands
In a typical work setting, people in this career:
- Sit for long periods of time.
- Use hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
- See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
- Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
- Understand the speech of another person.
- Use fingers or hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
- See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
- See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
- Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
- Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
- Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
- Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
People in this career frequently:
It is important for people in this career to be able to:
It is not as important, but still necessary, for people in this career to be able to:
Source: Minnesota Department of Education.
Education & Training
Preparation
To work as a computer security specialist, you typically need to:
- have a high school diploma;
- complete formal training; and
- have one to five years of related work experience.
Education after high school
Due to the wide range of skills required, there are many ways to become a computer security specialist. While not required for this occupation, many employers prefer to hire people with some formal college education. A bachelor's degree in computer science or information systems is excellent preparation for this occupation. Technical schools, community colleges, and universities all offer training programs. Another route is to major in your area of interest and minor in computer science.
Work experience
An important part of preparing for this field is learning the latest technology. Some people learn through classes and others teach themselves. An ideal way to prepare for this field is to get a part-time job or internship. In these hands-on learning environments, you learn new tools as they are used in the field.
On-the-job training
Continuing education is very important in this field. Technology changes rapidly and specialists must stay up to date. Employers, hardware and software vendors, colleges and universities, and training institutes offer classes.
Military training
Some branches of the military train people to be computer systems specialists. Training lasts from seven to 13 weeks, depending on your specialty. Additional training occurs on the job.
Related Programs (Current training programs available)
- Information Technology
- Computer Science
- Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications
- System Administration/Administrator
- System, Networking, and LAN/WAN Management/Manager
- Computer and Information Systems Security
- Information Technology Project Management.
Fields of Study (What to study to prepare for this career)
Click on any of the Fields of Study listed below to find out more about preparing for this career.
- Computer Programming
- Computer Science
- Computer Systems Analysis
- Computer Systems Networking and Administration
- Database Administration
- Electronic Commerce
- Information Science
- Information Technology
- Management Information Systems
- Webmaster and Web Management
Level of Education
The table below lists the level of education attained by a subset of workers in this occupation. The workers surveyed were between age 25 and 44.
| Education level attained | Percentage of workers in this occupation* |
|---|---|
| Less than high school diploma | 1 |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 8 |
| Some college, no degree | 22 |
| Associate degree | 13 |
| Bachelor's degree | 43 |
| Master's degree | 12 |
| Doctoral (Ph.D.) or professional degree | 1 |
* National data for information security analysts, web developers, and computer network architects (SOC 15-1179).
Helpful High School Courses
In high school, take classes that prepare you for college. A college preparatory curriculum may be different from your state's graduation requirements.
You should also consider taking some advanced courses in high school. This includes Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses if they are available in your school. If you do well in these courses, you may receive college credit for them. Advanced courses can also strengthen your college application.
Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this occupation include:
- Computer Applications
- Computer Programming
- Computer Science
- Keyboarding
- Network Technology
Many computer security specialists are self-employed. To help you monitor your finances and taxes, you should consider taking these courses as well:
- Accounting
- Entrepreneurship
- Introduction to Business
The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.
You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.
Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career.
Source: Minnesota Department of Education.
Skills
People in this career need to:
- Read and understand written information.
- Listen to others, understand, and ask questions.
- Express ideas clearly when speaking or writing.
- Understand new information or materials by studying and working with them.
- Identify ways to measure and improve system performance.
- Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
- Determine how a system should work. Study how changes in conditions affect outcomes.
- Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.
- Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
- Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
- Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
- Identify problems and review information. Develop, review, and apply solutions.
- Develop rules or follow guidelines for arranging items.
- Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.
- Think of new ideas and original or creative ways to solve problems.
- Use math skills to solve problems.
- Manage the time of self and others.
- Obtain needed equipment, facilities, and materials and oversee their use.
- Check how well one is learning or doing something.
- Motivate, develop, and direct people as they work.
- Decide how to spend money to get the work done and keep track of how the money was used.
- Use several methods to learn or teach others how to do something.
- Be aware of others' reactions and change behavior in relation to them.
- Look for ways to help people.
- Solve problems by bringing others together to discuss differences.
- Determine the causes of technical problems and find solutions for them.
- Analyze needs and requirements when designing products.
- Design equipment and technology to meet user needs.
- Install equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.
- Repair machines or systems.
- Maintain equipment on a routine basis. Determine when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
- Determine the tools and equipment needed to do a job.
- Watch gauges, dials, and output to make sure a machine is working properly.
- Operate and control equipment.
- Test and inspect products, services, or processes. Evaluate quality or performance.
- Write computer programs.
- Identify a pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in distracting material.
- Quickly and accurately compare letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns.
Communicate
Reason and Problem Solve
Use Math and Science
Manage Oneself, People, Time and Things
Work with People
Work with Things
Perceive and Visualize
Knowledge
People in this career need knowledge in the following areas:
- Computers and Electronics: Knowledge of computer hardware and software.
- Telecommunications: Knowledge of the equipment that is used to send messages as electronic impulses. Examples include radio, television, telegraph, and cable.
- Administration and Management: Knowledge of managing the operations of a business, company, or group.
- English Language: Knowledge of the meaning, spelling, and use of the English language.
- Education and Training: Knowledge of teaching and the methods involved in learning and instruction.
- Engineering and Technology: Knowledge of how to build machines, buildings, and other things. Also includes knowledge of how to use computers, machines, and tools to do work more usefully.
- Public Safety and Security: Knowledge of protecting people, data, and property.
- Communications and Media: Knowledge of producing, sharing, and delivering information or entertainment. This may be through written, spoken, or visual media.
- Customer and Personal Service: Knowledge of providing special services to customers based on their needs.
Interests
People in this career are people who tend to:
- Consider good working conditions important. They like jobs offering steady employment and good pay. They want employment that fits their individual work style. They may prefer doing a variety of tasks, working alone, or being busy all the time.
- Consider support from their employer important. They like to be treated fairly and have supervisors who will back them up. They prefer jobs where they are trained well.
- Consider independence important. They like to make decisions and try out ideas on their own. They prefer jobs where they can plan their work with little supervision.
- Consider achievement important. They like to see the results of their work and to use their strongest abilities. They like to get a feeling of accomplishment from their work.
- Consider recognition important. They like to work in jobs which have opportunities for them to advance, be recognized for their work, and direct and instruct others. They usually prefer jobs in which they are looked up to by others.
- Have conventional interests. They like work activities that follow set procedures, routines, and standards. They like to work with data and detail. They prefer working where there is a clear line of authority to follow.
- Have investigative interests. They like work activities that have to do with ideas and thinking. They like to search for facts and figure out solutions to problems mentally.
- Have realistic interests. They like work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They like to work with plants, animals, and physical materials such as wood, tools, and machinery. They often prefer to work outside.
Source: Minnesota Department of Education.
Tools & Technology for Computer Security Specialists
Tools
Cable accessories
| Notebook computers
|
Technology
Access software
| Network operating system enhancement software
|
Licensing / Certification
Computer security specialists can obtain voluntary certification from the hardware and software manufacturers who offer certification programs on their products. More employers are requiring certification for employment.
Certification Details
Certifications are examinations that test or enhance your knowledge, experience or skills in an occupation or profession.
There are 135 certifications related to this career.
Licensing Details
No State of Minnesota license requirements are found for this career.
Source: Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development and CareerOneStop.
Jobs
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Hiring Practices
Most employers prefer security specialists who have formal college training, although knowledge about computer security issues is the most important criteria. Many employers also require a bachelor's degree; however, some may require only an associate degree. Most employers require related work experience. Some employers hire computer security specialists who may have a lot of experience but little formal training. Employers often hire the candidate who knows the technology the company is using. Some employers prefer specialists who are certified.
Employers also look for computer security specialists who can think logically and communicate well with others. Specialists must be able to communicate with managers, in-house users, and off-site users. Specialists must be able to do a number of tasks at once. They also must be able to pay attention to details. Employers look for specialists who can work both independently and on a team.
Advancement Opportunities
With additional training, computer security specialists can advance to other computer-related occupations, such as systems analyst or information manager. They also can advance to owning their own businesses.
Job Title Examples
Similar Careers
Below are careers similar to Computer Security Specialists you may be interested in reading about.
If you are looking to broaden your job search,
these careers require similar skills. Click on the names to link to their career profile.
Computer Support Specialists
Computer Systems Administrators
Computer Systems Analysts
Database Administrators
Detectives and Investigators
Web Developers
Related Industries
Below are industries related to Computer Security Specialists you may be interested in reading about. Employers in these industries typically hire
Computer Security Specialists. Click on the names to link to their industry profile.
Banking And Finance
Business Management And Support Services
Education
Electronics And Appliance Stores
Health Care Services
Hospitals
Information And Internet Services
Insurance
Legal Services
Professional And Consulting Services
Research And Development
Software And Computer Services
Sports, Books, And Music Stores
Telecommunications
Wholesale Trade
Source: Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development and Minnesota Department of Education.
