Internet Security Specialists
Overview
Introduction
Internet security specialists protect a company's computer and data network, which can be accessed through the Internet, from intrusion by hackers. Large-profile companies, such as Sony have reported alarming Internet security breaches in which personal and financial information of customers were stolen. Hackers accessing a person's social security number and credit card information can steal a person's identify or use the credit card for his or her own purchases. For this reason, most companies that have a significant online retail...
Quick Facts
Median Salary
Employment Prospects
Minimum Education Level
Experience
Skills
Personality Traits
Earnings
The field of Internet security is a lucrative business and the salary potential is growing. The U.S. Department of Labor reports the median salary for information security analysts was $99,730 per year in May 2019. The lowest paid professionals in the field earned less than $57,810 per year and the highest paid earned $158,860 or more per year.
North American–b...
Work Environment
Because Internet security specialists work with computers and computers require a controlled atmosphere, the work environment is typically indoors in a well-lit, climate-controlled office. Security specialists can expect many hours of sitting in front of a computer screen using a keyboard or touchscreen. Work is generally done alone, although a consultant might train an in-house person on how t...
Outlook
Employment for Internet security specialists will increase by 32 percent (much faster than the average for all occupations) from 2018 to 2028, according to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). The number of companies with a presence on the Internet is growing rapidly on a worldwide basis. As these companies connect their private networks to the public Internet, they will need to protect their co...
