Everything you Should Know About IT Security Career
IT security career as the name suggests is a career associated with protecting the valuable assets in intangible forms. IT security protects from various threats. The emergence of software developers was with alternate increase of software hackers. The other threats which include are hackers, malware, natural disasters and even unhappy employees. The people working in this sector are blessed with some of the fine skills. The IT security is very lucrative. The top IT security professionals command heavy pay checks.
Certifications and relevance of degree
The most attractive thing about this career is the low entry barrier. As stated by HR managers at SolidEssay.com, an IT security professional does not require a computer engineering degree. The skills required for a professional are easy enough which can be self taught. But a degree in Computers would make corporate world absorb you. There are several certifications in IT security nowadays. As this career has grown, people with experience are the most sought after. Many of the companies prefer an experience of five years or more.
The area of interest in information technology is a main criterion. You have several options like securing code, forensics and audit of networks. In addition, there are several certifications which would help. The certifications include CCNA, CISSP and MCSE. The people who are interested in general security and in specific security certifications can go for GIAC, GSEC, etc.
Methods to start the career
There are several alternate methods used to get started in a lucrative career like Information technology security. One of the most common techniques used is by initially starting a career in information technology related industry. The person could start as a network administrator. This knowledge can be leveraged upon. It will also equip him in the knowledge of protecting networks. The method of how to penetrate networks using techniques like tunnelling can also be learned. This knowledge can be developed and moved into a career of information technology security. Joining a local association of computer security would help you network into this illustrious career. Information Security Association is one of its kinds. Participating in forums and conferences would help people enhance their prospects. Study groups are also promoted by these chapters in order to earn their members a coveted job in this industry. Though these certifications don’t guarantee a job, the two qualities with the certification that would guarantee a job are being a self-learner and a proactive professional. Another method to start a career is by venturing a firm which deals with security consultancy. This is one of the techniques used by self-nurtured hackers or crackers.
Career Graph
The career growth prospects are also high in this sector. The person interested in information security as a career should start as a system administrator. A few years of experience would push him into a more rewarding position of information security engineer position. By the time he acquires five years of experience, he should be CISSP certified. This position is followed by operational risk and internal audit positions. He then can trigger himself to get into a managerial level. He can also earn a CISM certification. After a couple of years of experience he can get a CIPP certification. After this the person can even look into starting a consulting firm. He can also shift to a new company for better pay checks written in gold.
The person who is seeing himself in a career in information technology security would reap great rewards, if he invests in time and in himself educating in the prescribed areas of information technology security. This sector is in its nascent stages and the job prospects abroad are also high. With electronic money on the rise, information technology security is a top priority for the companies.
A great post for professionals looking for a career in IT Security