Cyber Security Specialist Job Description

The proliferation of cyber crime means businesses and government agencies around the globe face constant threats to their financial information, customer data, and military and trade secrets. It’s the role of cyber security specialists to protect organizations and the public from hackers, scammers and other online criminals.

The growing demand for cyber security specialists can be seen in national employment projections. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), jobs in this category will increase by 28% from 2016 to 2026. That’s much faster than the average growth rate for all occupations in the United States.

What is a Cyber security Specialist?

Cyber security specialists work with organizations to keep their computer information systems secure. They determine who requires access to which information, and then plan, coordinate and implement information security programs. Using a multi-layered approach, they use their specialized expertise and up-to-date knowledge to help protect against Web threats that facilitate cyber crime, including malware, phishing, viruses, denial-of-service attacks, information warfare and hacking.

Why Cyber security Specialists Matter

Cyber criminals target financial institutions, businesses of all sizes, government agencies and military organizations across the globe. They have the power to inflict significant damage through interruption of service, intellectual property theft, network viruses, data mining, financial theft and theft of sensitive customer data. Cyber security specialists identify and resolve these highly complex issues to keep information secure, allowing business to continue as normal.

Cyber security specialists are responsible for keeping cyber crime at bay by using their proficiency in analysis, forensics and reverse engineering to monitor and diagnose malware events and vulnerability issues. They then make recommendations for solutions, including hardware and software programs that can help mitigate risk. These professionals typically design firewalls, monitor use of data files, and regulate access to safeguard information and protect the network.

Staying up-to-date on current virus reports and protecting networks from these viruses is a major aspect of a cyber security specialist’s job duties. They often train users, promote security awareness, develop policies and procedures, and provide updates and reports to management and executive staff.