Internet Security Specialists

Employers

Approximately 180,700 information security analysts are employed in the United States. Any company with an Internet presence (Web site, FTP site, e-mail service, etc.) has the potential for security breaches and can benefit from the work and advice of an Internet security specialist. Depending on the size of the company and the nature of the company's business, it might use outside consultants or employ one part-time or several full-time employees. An obvious place of employment is an Internet security consulting firm.

Data forensics is another growing business in which Internet security specialists are hired to act as detectives to find culprits who break into computer networks. To fight this type of crime, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and other government agencies have set up various task forces and sub-agencies that employ Internet security specialists.

Starting Out

It is unlikely that someone fresh out of high school or college will get a job as an Internet security specialist. Although education is important, experience is key in the field. Certifications are beneficial, but often you must have a certain number of experience before you can become certified. An internship in systems administration or engineering might introduce you to the security issues of that company.

Many who are in Internet security began in PC technical support and moved to systems administration or engineering. These jobs often include security responsibilities that then lead to positions focusing primarily on security.

If word of mouth doesn't get you a job, check job openings on company Web sites and Internet job sites.