There are currently around 500,000 computer security jobs in North America and approximately three million globally, making it an opportune time for individuals seeking a career shift into IT security. Fast-track technical training and industry certifications are essential for candidates to develop the necessary skills, including data analysis, risk management, and technical problem-solving. The increasing importance of data protection, alongside the growing technological landscape and demand for cybersecurity professionals, suggests a persistent shortage of qualified applicants in the field.

1. https://blog.ccitraining.edu/secure-your-career-
shift-with-computer-security-training

2.  Five hundred thousand. That is the number of computer security
jobs open in North America today. Globally, the number is
around three million. Those with the right skill set, as well as
those willing to invest a little time updating their knowledge-
base, can virtually choose a career path and location practically
anywhere in the world with little or no competition.
 For people who want to make a career shift, and those who want
access to higher paying IT jobs with ample advancement
opportunities, fast track technical training is an excellent first
step.
 Entering the IT talent pool demands both basic and advanced
certifications to capture attention and secure the most desirable
positions in today's hottest job market.

3.  Highly-qualified computer security job applicants bring
exceptional analytical, organizational, investigational and
problem-solving skills to an organization that protect and
defend data assets.
 Technical training for people transitioning to an IT security
career typically starts with taking basic classes to build skills and
gain knowledge about hardware and software components, and
generally accepted business practices.
 Then, students more on to more advanced coursework,
including industry certification classes, where they learn how to
effectively design, install, administer and manage security
architecture that protects an organization's data assets.


4.  All IT security positions share some overlapping
basic skill requirements. For example, an entry
level tech support agent and a systems analyst
both need a comprehensive understanding of
how computing systems work, how to install,
configure, repair and troubleshoot network
problems and how to deploy best-practices for
managing data sharing and access.
 IT security job candidates best positioned to get
a well-paying job in the IT security field need the
following skills, whether acquired through
technical training or verifiable work experience.

5.  Analyzing incoming data is an ongoing process with
multiple objectives including, protecting against cyber-
threats, enforcing internal security protocol, responding to
a data breach and exploiting internal data for positive
gains.
 Cybersecurity professionals identify and assess the
origination, capabilities and movement of data through an
organization's digital systems and networks.
 IT security departments work closely with internal and
external stakeholders, supporting law enforcement and
other investigative agencies evaluate potential threats and
respond to suspicious activity. Therefore, exceptional
communication skills along with technology skills are
critical for success.

6.  Internally, computer security experts monitor
collected information, identifying system
vulnerabilities, as well as assessing the data for
ways to enhance security through workflow
changes and employee education.
 System security analysts must be able to
contextualize data based on diverse languages,
global regions, state and non-government
entities, technologies and other factors to draw
insights and share conclusions and discoveries
with company leaders.

7.  Operating and maintaining networks and computing
systems is an essential role for every cybersecurity
professional. Industry certifications, such as the TIA A+
certification and Microsoft 98-366-MTA certification
demonstrate an applicant has a broad knowledge-base
that includes familiarity with diverse computing hardware
and software capabilities, and the training to efficiently
maintain those components.
 IT security personnel support an organization by:
 · installing hardware and software;
 · troubleshooting problems;
 · providing training to customers and staff;
 · configuring system components;
 · and, informing internal and external staff of security
incidents.

8.  Cybersecurity team members assume responsibility
for data management activities from developing and
administering databases to managing on-site and
cloud-based storage lockers, generating queries and
reports, and supporting efficient, secure data access.
 A network services specialist tests, maintains and
manages firewalls, including essential hardware such
as:
 · bridges;
 · cables;
 · proxy servers;
 · routers;
 · switches;
 · and the software that allows data transmission.

9.  System administrators are responsible for installation and
troubleshooting tasks, as well as:
 · installing security fixes and patches;
 · managing data access;
 · overseeing password creation and credentialing
processes;
 · and, ensuring all system components meet
confidentiality, security and access standards.
 Systems analysts study and organization computer
systems and processes. The analyst creates a seamless
bridge between the business side of an organization and
the information technology department, ensuring a well-
informed solution that meets the needs of internal and
external stakeholders.

10.  The primary role of an IT security professional,
regardless of the title worn, is to protect and
defend an organization's IT systems and
networks. Every day these security experts
analyze data, identify potential threats and
deploy risk management strategies that protect
systems and networks against cyber-criminals
and unintentional internal threats.
 Threats come from many sources, and defensive
measures include collecting, parsing and
disseminating data from within and without an
organization.

11.  Proactively protecting data and systems includes:
 · regularly testing the security infrastructure hardware and
software;
 · deploying data screening tools, such as identifying,
isolating and analyzing suspect data;
 · reviewing internal security protocol;
 · monitoring access and file modification;
 · responding to urgent situations;
 · developing preparedness strategies to improve crisis
response and recovery;
 · and, investigating (and modifying when necessarily) risk
management plans for preservation of physical property
and data before, during and after a threat is identified, a
disaster affects operations or an unauthorized breach
occurs.

12.  Provisioning a secure IT environment includes all
of the basic business and technology skills,
plus advanced training necessary to meet an
organizations security and operational goals.
Secure provisioning protects existing IT systems
and ensures new IT systems meet or exceed risk
management benchmarks.
 Secure provisioning activities include evaluating
and overseeing risk management processes to
ensure internal and external compliance.

13.  Key skills include:
 · writing (coding) or modifying software, application and
proprietary programs to meet best-practices standards of risk
management;
 · assessing and validating existing cyber-security protocol;
 · examines system life-cycle capabilities and develops plans for
replacement, expansion or retirement;
 · consults with customer and internal staff to evaluate
stakeholder needs and expectations;
 · recommends system modification, when appropriate;
 · provides training or guidance to system users about how to
access data securely;
 · tests and evaluates potential system modifications for
functionality, compliance and performance;
 · and, measures existing (or planned) system performance,
technical function and other characteristics against financial
constraints.

14.  The cybersecurity job market continues to expand as
technology becomes an ever more important part of
every day life and business management.
Transitioning to an IT career may mean finding an
entry-level job as a computer support technician
while taking classes designed to help people develop
the skills they need to advance.
 Data protection adoption over simply defending
against would-be-invaders is more commonplace
today because company leaders realize that border
protection (mitigating damage) isn't enough in a
constantly evolving threat landscape.

15.  With approximately 70,000 businesses in the Dallas-
Fort Worth area (some with multiple physical
locations) and the ever-increasing adoption of
technology to manage business processes, the
shortage of trained IT professionals is sure to get
worse before it gets better.
 Start your new career path with a call to CCI
Training to learn more about fast track IT training
classes, or enrolling in a cybersecurity certification
training course today. And, when you call, ask about
internship programs that allow students to gain
practical, real-world experience certain to attract
more attention from employers looking for well-
qualified applicants.