Computer security specialist vs cyber security specialist

The differences between computer security specialists and cyber security specialists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 4-6 years to become both a computer security specialist and a cyber security specialist. Additionally, a computer security specialist has an average salary of $100,909, which is higher than the $93,395 average annual salary of a cyber security specialist.

The top three skills for a computer security specialist include ACAS, FISMA and DOD. The most important skills for a cyber security specialist are cyber security, incident response, and NIST.

Computer security specialist vs cyber security specialist overview

	Computer Security Specialist	Cyber Security Specialist
Yearly salary	$100,909	$93,395
Hourly rate	$48.51	$44.90
Growth rate	32%	32%
Number of jobs	70,181	65,235
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 59%	Bachelor's Degree, 56%
Average age	42	42
Years of experience	6	6

Computer security specialist vs cyber security specialist salary

Computer security specialists and cyber security specialists have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Computer Security Specialist	Cyber Security Specialist
Average salary	$100,909	$93,395
Salary range	Between $72,000 And $141,000	Between $69,000 And $125,000
Highest paying City	San Francisco, CA	Bellevue, WA
Highest paying state	Washington	Washington
Best paying company	Microsoft	BP America Inc
Best paying industry	Professional	Technology

Differences between computer security specialist and cyber security specialist education

There are a few differences between a computer security specialist and a cyber security specialist in terms of educational background:

	Computer Security Specialist	Cyber Security Specialist
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 59%	Bachelor's Degree, 56%
Most common major	Computer Science	Computer Science
Most common college	University of Pennsylvania	North Carolina State University

Computer security specialist vs cyber security specialist demographics

Here are the differences between computer security specialists' and cyber security specialists' demographics:

	Computer Security Specialist	Cyber Security Specialist
Average age	42	42
Gender ratio	Male, 75.7% Female, 24.3%	Male, 83.2% Female, 16.8%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 9.2% Unknown, 6.1% Hispanic or Latino, 9.0% Asian, 9.6% White, 65.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%	Black or African American, 9.2% Unknown, 6.1% Hispanic or Latino, 9.0% Asian, 9.6% White, 65.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%
LGBT Percentage	9%	9%

Differences between computer security specialist and cyber security specialist duties and responsibilities

Computer security specialist example responsibilities.

Review and manage the security and information assurance capabilities of database applications, database structure and architecture.
Perform monthly IA evaluation of systems per DISA STIG guidance using approve DoD & DISA tools.
Conduct audits, analyze system security incidents, and recommend remediation efforts to meet DoD standards.
Evaluate, implement, and maintain encryption standards.
Perform data encryption testing for a proprietary encryption key that encrypt data at rest on platforms.
Perform Nessus vulnerability scans of critical enterprise servers and devices; report results to management.

Cyber security specialist example responsibilities.

Manage and monitor enterprise antivirus and software firewall programs.
Implement a manage endpoint encryption solution utilizing TrendMicro MobileArmor to secure university workstations against sensitive data loss.
Scan network infrastructure for insecurities and vulnerabilities using programs such as ACAS and HBSS.
Work on implementing DISA STIGS.
Assist in using Nessus to scan local machines.
Upload audit files to ACAS in preparation for STIG scans.

Computer security specialist vs cyber security specialist skills

Common computer security specialist skills

ACAS, 13%
FISMA, 11%
DOD, 10%
Security Policies, 10%
Linux, 7%
Incident Response, 7%

Common cyber security specialist skills

Cyber Security, 17%
Incident Response, 6%
NIST, 5%
Security Operations, 4%
Forensics, 4%
DOD, 3%

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Computer Security Specialist
Computer Security Specialist vs Cyber Security Specialist

Updated January 8, 2025

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