Your Next Move: Network Security Specialist

Most companies hiring a network security specialist are seeking someone with a bachelor’s degree in computer-related fields like computer science, information technology, or management information systems. A network security specialist is a mid-level role that typically requires 2 to 3 years of experience working in networking systems. Cybersecurity professionals tend to get paid well for their skills, even at the entry level. As you gain experience and move into more advanced roles, salaries also often increase. To give you an idea of what’s possible, here’s a look at the average total pay of several cybersecurity jobs in the US in May 2025, according to Glassdoor. Starting with internships or entry-level positions in cybersecurity or AI-focused companies can provide practical insights and a foundational understanding of the security landscape.

It’s wise to tailor your resume and cover letter to each job that you apply for to demonstrate that you have the specific qualifications they’re looking for in the job description. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the number of cybersecurity jobs is expected to increase by 33 percent from 2023 through 2033. Cybersecurity is the process of protecting an organization’s computer systems, networks, and data from unauthorized access or damage. Cyberattacks and threats can access, change, or destroy sensitive information such as passwords, financial information, medical records, and other confidential data. A cloud security specialist will likely partner with cloud engineers and cloud architects to deliver complete cloud security solutions.

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You may learn these skills while obtaining your education or with certificate or certification programs. According to Glassdoor, the estimated median total pay for a cloud security engineer in the US is $164,000 per year . This role typically yields a base salary between $104,000 and $161,000, with additional pay ranging from $26,000 to $48,000 .

• A standout resume for an AI Security Specialist should highlight technical skills, relevant certifications, and practical experience in the field.
• If you’re interested in starting a career in cybersecurity, consider the Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate.
• It’s a great time to enter this field, so discover what skills and certifications you’ll need to succeed.
• They work on implementing security policies, frameworks, and tools to protect cloud systems.
• Additionally, personnel security specialists train employees on security awareness and best practices for protecting company assets.

The direction of industry trends and emerging technologies suggests that AI Security Specialists will be key in shaping the future landscape of cybersecurity. Their expertise will ensure that AI systems remain secure as they grow smarter. Specializing allows professionals to dive deeper into areas of AI security that are in high demand. For instance, as AI applications become more prevalent in sectors like healthcare, finance, and autonomous vehicles, the need for specialists in securing these AI systems grows.

• The responsibilities of the cloud security specialist will vary depending on the size of the company.
• AI security is a rapidly evolving field, constantly facing new threats and adopting emerging technologies.
• Cloud security engineers and other security professionals are the front line of defense against cybercrime.
• AI Security will become a more distinct and crucial domain within the cybersecurity industry.
• Building a professional network is a continuous endeavor, not just a single effort.

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In this role, you’ll help design, test, and plan the processes and procedures that keep business information, network, and other assets safe and secure. Cloud security engineers work to prevent cybercrime on company assets in the cloud. Discover the education, skills, and experience you’ll need to start a career in this growing field.

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If you have transferable skills and technical IT knowledge, you can make a lateral move. Maybe you want to be a cybersecurity engineer because you already have an engineering degree. Look up people on LinkedIn who are in roles you aspire to—what qualifications do they have? Most companies hiring a cloud security specialist are looking for someone with a bachelor’s degree in computer science, programming, information security, or a related field. A Cloud Security Specialist is an expert focused on securing cloud environments such as public, private, and hybrid clouds.

Your Next Move: Network Security Specialist

You can also check out these in-demand cybersecurity jobs and entry-level jobs, and this career guide that points you toward detailed articles on specific entry-, mid-, and senior-level roles. While there isn’t a specific salary listing for cloud security specialists, according to CompTIA analysis of BLS and Lightcast data, the wage for cloud engineers could range from $73,000 to $190,000. In these roles, you’ll gain similar experience and skills to help you decide if cloud security is the right specialization for you. Depending on the area of study you choose, you’ll need to learn important cloud security skills to work in the field.

The demand for AI Security Specialists is rising, particularly in tech hubs across the U.S., such as Silicon Valley, New York City, and Boston. However, opportunities are also expanding globally in Europe and Asia due to the increasing reliance on AI technologies in various sectors. Specialists should identify the industries that most align with their skills and interests, such as finance, healthcare, or government, where AI security is crucial.

This hands-on knowledge is crucial for those aiming to progress in their careers and significantly contribute toAI security. Additionally, various certifications can further bolster a candidate’s credentials in this specialized field. Moreover, specialized courses and certifications tailored to AI Security are becoming more prevalent. For example, courses on AI risk management, secure machine learning implementation, and ethical AI use are essential for those seeking to specialize. Finally, staying current in this rapidly evolving field requires ongoing education. AI Security Specialists must continually update their knowledge through workshops, seminars, and courses on current AI developments, security threats, and mitigation strategies.

Step 1: Get a Bachelor’s Degree

If you’re already in IT or a junior cybersecurity role but can’t land your dream role right now, be patient. You could take on freelance or volunteer roles in the meantime to build the right experience. Certifications in cybersecurity prove to hiring managers that you have a tangible credential and a certain level of expertise. For example, the CompTIA Security+ is a popular entry-level certification that validates you have the core skills needed for a cybersecurity job. Another certification is the Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) credential which demonstrates your ability to assess security vulnerabilities and report on compliance.

Today it operates in over 140 countries and provides rigorous certification testing to thousands. Any learner can claim a Free DigitalDefynd Certificate to validate anything they learn online. So far, 60,000+ professionals have enhanced their CVs and profiles by adding our certificates. At DigitalDefynd, we help you find the best courses, certifications and tutorials online. Hundreds of experts come together to handpick these recommendations based on decades of collective experience.

You’ll play the part of the intruder, trying to find vulnerabilities before the bad guys do. The field of incident response involves the next steps after a security incident. As an incident responder, you’ll monitor your company’s network and work to fix vulnerabilities and minimize loss when breaches occur. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to take the next step, there are multiple directions for your career, each with its own focus, challenges, and opportunities. In the sections below, we’ll break down five key career paths in cybersecurity.

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The average senior security specialist salary in the United States is $106,764 per year or $51 per hour. Senior security specialist salaries range between $72,000 and $156,000 per year. A senior security specialist is responsible for controlling the security arm of any establishment or firm. The specialist’s duty is to prevent criminal activity by setting the security objectives of the organization.

Additionally, given the interdisciplinary nature of AI Security, degrees in mathematics or engineering can also be beneficial, particularly when paired with specialized courses in AI and security. For those aiming to excel in AI Security, pursuing further education, such as a master’s degree in cybersecurity focusing on artificial intelligence, can be advantageous. These advanced programs often cover specific topics like machine learning, data protection, ethical hacking, and cryptology, which directly apply to an AI Security Specialist role. Educational institutions in the United States, such as MIT, Stanford, and Carnegie Mellon, offer cutting-edge programs that are highly regarded globally. These programs deliver in-depth theoretical knowledge and practical experience via labs, projects, and internships.

Since cybersecurity professionals frequently work with teams to resolve and prevent issues, you’ll also want to develop soft skills such as communication, leadership, critical thinking, and adaptability. Any combination of CompTIA Security+, CompTIA Cloud+, and CompTIA PenTest+ could be exactly what you need to land a job as a cloud security specialist. Cloud security is a rising industry, growing in response to companies embracing cloud computing, networking, and infrastructure. The global cloud security market was worth an estimated $30.0 billion in 2024 and is slated to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 22.5 percent to reach $148.3 billion by 2032, according to Market.US .

Job duties might include reviewing security clearance information and personnel reports, assisting experienced specialists with inspections, evaluating findings and recommending changes. A bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or security-related field can help aspiring physical security specialists prepare for their careers. A criminal justice bachelor’s degree program may provide coursework in law and ethics, corrections and criminology.

Network security specialists have an in-depth knowledge of the effect of malicious threats to systems, can access the risk level, and develop suitable how to become a security specialist ways to counter them. Your responsibility also includes ensuring that both the hardware and software systems can handle security requirements. Expert knowledge of the tactics and methods used for attempted unauthorized system access is necessary to carry out security upgrades accordingly.