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What is a security systems specialist and how to become one
A security systems specialist is an individual that evaluates the security systems and protocols that a company has in place. In doing so, they determine if the existing systems are sufficient or if they need to be improved to ensure the security of the organization.
The specific duties of a security systems specialist generally involve conducting network security scans, gathering information from different departments, coordinating with other security experts, analyzing previous incidents, and developing strategies that will help improve the security of the organization as a whole.
A security systems specialist may either work as an in-house or employee or a consultant from a business consultancy firm. Either way, they are typically required to have a four-year degree in a relevant course, as well as adequate experience with security systems, protocols, and best practices.
The salary of a security systems specialist ranges from $52,000 to $99,000, which comes as no surprise seeing the importance of their job to the security and longevity of a company.
What general advice would you give to a security systems specialist?
Professor David Sanford
Associate Professor an Department Chair (MIS, CS, CYB MGT, IS CYB), Northwood University
They appreciate the diversity of projects
They enjoy the need for continuous improvement and education
Many see the global impact of their work.
They also desire and appreciate the need for versatile skills
A competitive salary is also an item that employees like
Workers dislike that the work can be stressful
Dealing with tight deadlines and/ or cybersecurity concerns.
This is a positive and a negative: The need to constantly stay up to date with technology can be a bit overwhelming for some.
There may be times of isolation, and
The unexpected system failures can be frustrating as they often require extra hours or the need to be on-call.
The multiple responsibilities and managing repetitive tasks are also issues workers point out in this field.
In short, the workplace offers exciting opportunities but comes with its fair share of pressures and challenges. Different people have different experiences based on their roles and personal preferences.
Avg. Salary $81,852
Avg. Salary $59,228
Growth rate 32%
Growth rate 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 0.43%
Asian 9.64%
Black or African American 9.15%
Hispanic or Latino 8.99%
Unknown 6.09%
White 65.70%
Genderfemale 19.20%
male 80.80%
Age - 42American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%
Asian 7.00%
Black or African American 14.00%
Hispanic or Latino 19.00%
White 57.00%
Genderfemale 47.00%
male 53.00%
Age - 42Stress level is high
7.1 - high
Complexity level is challenging
7 - challenging
Work life balance is good
6.4 - fair
Security systems specialist career paths
Key steps to become a security systems specialist
Explore security systems specialist education requirements
Start to develop specific security systems specialist skills
Skills Percentages DOD 8.74% Technical Support 7.95% Project Management 6.82% Incident Response 5.77% Security Clearance 5.33% Complete relevant security systems specialist training and internships
Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New security systems specialists learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a security systems specialist based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real security systems specialist resumes.Research security systems specialist duties and responsibilities
- Develop and maintain SIEM technology/services to automate security monitoring.
- Implement a manage endpoint encryption solution utilizing TrendMicro MobileArmor to secure university workstations against sensitive data loss.
- Conduct monthly analysis of vulnerability and threat data from SIEM tool to maintain and enhance the defenses for AFS information systems.
- Analyze and document findings in accordance with NIST 800-53A vulnerability management guidance.
Apply for security systems specialist jobs
Now it's time to start searching for a security systems specialist job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:
- Browse job boards for relevant postings
- Consult your professional network
- Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
- Watch out for job scams
How did you land your first security systems specialist job
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Average security systems specialist salary
The average security systems specialist salary in the United States is $81,852 per year or $39 per hour. Security systems specialist salaries range between $55,000 and $120,000 per year.
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How do security systems specialists rate their job?
Security systems specialist reviews
This job will take most of my time.
Updated January 8, 2025
