Computer Security Specialist

What does a Computer Security Specialist do?

• Computer Security Specialists plan, coordinate, implement and test security measures for computer networks. They try to circumvent new security measures to test the system.
• They regulate access to computer data files and prevent unauthorized modification, destruction or disclosure of information.
• They monitor data file use.
• They update and modify computer security.
• They install and configure security software in computer networks.
• They work with the computer user department staff and computer or systems programmer to request programming changes. They plan data security for new or modified software, discuss issues such as employee data access needs and risk of data loss or disclosure.
• They may assign computer access passwords to employees.
• They may assist forgetful employees to get them into the system.
• They add new employees and delete passwords of former employees.
• They prepare data use records for administration.
• They answer questions about computer security.
• Tasks include: They review the plan to ensure compatibility of planned security measures with company computer security system software, they review employee violations of computer security and report violations to company manager or department head. They may discuss violations with the employee or other violator.

Salary and Employment Outlook:

Career Info Net

Occupational Outlook Handbook

WetFeet

Typical Employers:

Large or small corporations, educational and research institutions, government agencies, the military, Internet Access Providers, Internet Service Providers, and Web service providers, and any employer concerned about computer security.

Preparation:

A bachelor's degree is not always required at entry level, but experience is. However, some employers prefer applicants with a bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Information Science, Information Systems, Computer Science, Physics, Mathematics or a related science or technical field. Course work should include computer programming and computer science systems analysis. Employers look for entry applicants with two to four years of work-related skill, knowledge or experience.

Educational Program(s):

Computer Science

DVC Certificate Program in Computer & Information Science:

What does DVC have to offer?

Web Resources:

Career Info Net

EDD Labor Market Information

Occupational Outlook Handbook

ONet Online

CollegeBoard.com