What does a security specialist do?

A security specialist is responsible for maintaining the security of an organization's database, ensuring that it's free from cyber threats and unusual activities. Security specialists' duties include upgrading hardware and software applications, configuring networks to improve optimization, addressing any unauthorized access on the database, troubleshooting system discrepancies, conducting security audits on the system, and improving automated processes. A security specialist must have a strong command of programming languages and system codes, as well as broad experience with technical expertise.
Security specialist responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real security specialist resumes:
- Manage firewalls in multiple locations and enclaves.
- Manage the application for the FCL, maintain e-FCL and track clearance progress; provide CEO reports for require clearance actions.
- Formulate security strategies in compliance with corporate and government regulations including NISPOM, DCID and ICD.
- Provide guidance and direction to unclear personnel base on NSA security regulations.
- Process personnel and vehicles utilizing x-ray machines, magnetometers, and administrative search techniques when necessary.
- Follow regulations set by the NISPOM, JAFAN and ICD's.
- Monitor and report on potential insider threat activities.
- Protect top secret materials and areas of NSA.
- Perform routine PIV responsibilities in support of credential issuance.
- Climb ladders in order to position and setup vehicle-mount derricks.
- Lead instructor and lead curriculum developer for all Joint/DoD OPSEC courses.
- Maintain security and safety of DHS personnel and property in assign areas.
- Escort LES staff into CAA areas and ensure all classifieds are secure.
- Assist badge holders with the registration and enrollment process for the PIV I.D.
- Secure all access, entry, and exit points at the DHS facility.
Security specialist skills and personality traits
We calculated that 15% of Security Specialists are proficient in Ladders, Security Incidents, and Physical Security. They’re also known for soft skills such as Analytical skills, Detail oriented, and Problem-solving skills.
We break down the percentage of Security Specialists that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Ladders, 15%
Communicate by radio or phone; climb ladders to make sure trucks were secure in all types of weather.
- Security Incidents, 12%
Assist in the identification, reporting, investigation and documenting security incidents in accordance with applicable policies and directives.
- Physical Security, 8%
Reviewed physical security requirements and ensured their proper implementation; authored various security related correspondences for own or Group Leaders signature;
- Patrol, 7%
Contracted through this established security agency to provide security patrol and various security-related services at Progressive Insurance Companies in Highland Heights.
- Customer Service, 6%
Served as Customer Service/Receptionist/Dispatcher/Console Operator.
- Security Clearance, 4%
Enforce government security policies; provide direction and guidance with regards to these program security regulations, processed personnel security clearances.
Common skills that a security specialist uses to do their job include "ladders," "security incidents," and "physical security." You can find details on the most important security specialist responsibilities below.
Problem-solving skills. security specialists are also known for problem-solving skills, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to security specialist responsibilities, because "security guards and surveillance officers must be able to quickly determine the best course of action when a dangerous situation arises." A security specialist resume example shows how problem-solving skills is used in the workplace: "subject matter expertise: provided subject matter expertise in area personnel security to assist with resolution of significant security issues. "
Communication skills. For certain security specialist responsibilities to be completed, the job requires competence in "communication skills." The day-to-day duties of a security specialist rely on this skill, as "security guards and surveillance officers must communicate effectively with others, even in stressful situations." For example, this snippet was taken directly from a resume about how this skill applies to what security specialists do: "provide direction for access control to classified facility of 500+ employees promote security awareness and contribute to security-related communications. "
Observation skills. Another skill commonly found on security specialist job descriptions is "observation skills." It can come up quite often in security specialist duties, since "security guards and surveillance officers must be alert and aware of their surroundings, and be able to quickly recognize anything out of the ordinary." Here's an example from a resume of how this skill fits into day-to-day security specialist responsibilities: "provide physical security and maintain observation of my surroundings. "
The three companies that hire the most security specialists are:
- Target942 security specialists jobs
- Allied Universal194 security specialists jobs
- Lincoln Financial Group99 security specialists jobs
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Security specialist vs. Patrol officer
The job of patrol officers is to enforce ordinances, laws, prevent crime, control crowds, arrest violators, and regulate traffic. They also perform other duties that may include monitoring an assigned area for unauthorized or suspicious activity, responding to reports of emergencies and possible crime such as robberies, and building good relationships with community members. To be a successful patrol officer, you should have solid judgment, excellent communication skills, and decision-making skills in stressful situations.
While similarities exist, there are also some differences between security specialists and patrol officer. For instance, security specialist responsibilities require skills such as "ladders," "security incidents," "physical security," and "security clearance." Whereas a patrol officer is skilled in "law enforcement agencies," "traffic control," "crime scenes," and "safety hazards." This is part of what separates the two careers.
Patrol officers tend to reach similar levels of education than security specialists. In fact, patrol officers are 2.1% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.0% less likely to have a Doctoral Degree.Security specialist vs. Enforcement officer
The enforcement officer is someone who promotes and enforces policies, instructions, and obligations of tenants. An enforcement officer aims to resolve two parties' issues that may arise from orders given by the admin or management. Among the enforcement officers' tasks is to assist in evictions, render payments, and inform them of new ordinances and instructions for tenants to abide by. An enforcement officer may also be tasked to ensure that a judgment or resolution is enforced and observed.
In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, security specialist responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "ladders," "security incidents," "physical security," and "security clearance." Meanwhile, an enforcement officer has duties that require skills in areas such as "parking enforcement," "traffic control," "issue citations," and "collating." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.
Average education levels between the two professions vary. Enforcement officers tend to reach similar levels of education than security specialists. In fact, they're 0.8% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.0% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Security specialist vs. Protective officer
A protective officer is in charge of preventing theft and damages in stores and other establishments. Among their responsibilities include monitoring alarm systems and surveillance cameras, patrolling areas, keeping an eye on suspicious activities and behavior, developing strategies to enforce security protocols, and responding to distress. There are also instances where they must conduct inspections and produce reports. Furthermore, as a protective officer, it is essential to coordinate with law enforcement should the situation require.
There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, a security specialist is likely to be skilled in "ladders," "security incidents," "security clearance," and "security program," while a typical protective officer is skilled in "safety hazards," "patients," "loss prevention," and "vehicle inspections."
When it comes to education, protective officers tend to earn similar degree levels compared to security specialists. In fact, they're 1.5% less likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.1% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Security specialist vs. Public safety officer
Public relations assistants are professionals who are responsible for creating and distributing promotional materials to help clients increase their public image and awareness of their products and services. These assistants are required to help develop and distribute public relations materials such as brochures, pamphlets, newsletters, and sell sheets. They must handle all the communications of their clients to the public by supervising social media content, press releases, and emails. Public relations assistants must also gather materials to be used in trade shows or client presentations.
Even though a few skill sets overlap between security specialists and public safety officers, there are some differences that are important to note. For one, a security specialist might have more use for skills like "ladders," "security incidents," "security clearance," and "security program." Meanwhile, some responsibilities of public safety officers require skills like "patients," "motor vehicle," "traffic control," and "safety hazards. "
In general, public safety officers hold similar degree levels compared to security specialists. Public safety officers are 3.1% less likely to earn their Master's Degree and 0.1% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Types of security specialist
Updated January 8, 2025











