How to Become an IT Security Specialist

IT security specialists must be technologically savvy.

IT, or information technology, security specialists are professionals who design and implement mechanisms to help businesses, institutions and organizations control access to their computer networks, according to StateUniversity.com. Employment of computer professionals such as security specialists is projected to grow by 30 percent from 2008 to 2018, and the median annual wages of these types of individuals in May 2008 were $66,310, reports the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Instructions

1. Take high school classes in the areas of computer science, calculus and website design, according to CollegeBoard.com. In addition, complete courses in business and psychology, which will prepare you to help various companies deal with unauthorized users who try to gain access to their computer networks or programs.

2. Search for an associate or bachelor's degree program in computer science, information science or management information systems at the school of your choice. While an associate degree program lasts two years and allows you to enter the workforce more quickly, a bachelor's degree program typically takes four years to complete and can make you more attractive to employers. Some employers actually require their IT security specialists to have completed a bachelor's degree program, which includes required general education or liberal arts courses such as English and communications in addition to industry-related classes.

3. Apply to your chosen degree program in computer security. Colleges will require you to have earned a high school diploma or GED. In addition, you might have to submit scores from standardized tests as part of the admissions process.

4. Complete coursework in computer security-related subjects as well as statistics and mathematics, which offer a solid foundation for computer information technology work, according to Education-Portal.com. Major-specific classes should cover risk management, computer programming and a variety of networking technologies such as Unix.

5. Look for internship opportunities in the IT security specialist field. An internship will give you first-hand exposure to the responsibilities of a security professional on the job and might open up employment opportunities for you as well.

   Also, contact hardware and software vendors or computer associations, which sometimes offer written or practical exams as part of voluntary certification programs that can make you more attractive to employers.

References

• BLS: Computer Network Administrators
• CollegeBoard: Information Technology
• Education-Portal: Information Technology Specialist
• StateUniversity: Computer Security Specialist Job Description