Item saved to your backpack!

Computer security is a top priority for all organizations, from businesses to government agencies. The FBI estimates the cost of computer crime to U.S. businesses at $67.2 billion, according to a 2006 survey. Computer security specialists protect computer systems and networks against threats such as viruses, spyware and intrusion by hackers. These professionals design, install and manage network control tools and other security mechanisms that protect computer systems from unauthorized access or data loss.

Information security is part prevention and part critical response. Security specialists may establish and educate users in security procedures, install security software and monitor networks for vulnerabilities and unauthorized access and fight cyber attacks. Security forensics experts collect evidence to help prosecute cyber crime.

Computer security specialist salaries

Computer security specialists are among the best-compensated IT workers, a mark of their expertise and high value to organizations. The U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports an average annual wage of $79,370 for these professionals as of May 2010. Salary.com breaks this average down by employment level and reports that security administrators earn a median salary of $68,457, security analysts command $83,088 and information security directors earn $135,744.

Factors in computer security specialist salary include education level, years of experience and region.

Certifications usually bring a salary premium. According to the 2011 IT Skills and Certifications Pay Index by Foote Partners, security certifications are among the IT credentials earning the highest pay premiums. ISACA CISM certification, for example, is one of the highest-paying certifications at $120,230. CISSP certifications yield salaries from $106,630 to $136,060 (for security architects), according to Certification Magazine.

Region also influences earning power. The BLS identifies the following states offering the top computer security specialist salary 2010:

• New Jersey, $89,830
• Maryland, $89,450
• California, $88,860

Metropolitan areas with high salaries and a relatively low cost of living offer the best value for security specialists willing to relocate. The economically advantageous cities for a computer security specialist include:

• Springfield, Ohio, $95,480 and 94 on ACCRA Cost of Living Index
• Austin, Texas, $88,380 and 96 ACCRA
• St. Louis, Mo., $81,570 and 89.7 ACCRA

How to become a computer security specialist

A bachelor's degree in computer science, management information systems or computer security is the standard qualification for a computer security specialist career. In addition, computer security specialists may develop their knowledge with a certification or a graduate master's degree in IT security. According to a 2008 Frost & Sullivan survey, the majority of security specialists in the Americas have a college degree; a little over half (54 percent) have a bachelor's degree, about a third (31 percent) have a master's degree, and 5 percent have a Ph.D. Certification confers an advantage on the job market. Frost & Sullivan reports that "78 percent of managers who hire computer security specialists say certifications are important."

Computer security specialist schools offer college degrees and certification prep courses. Depending on your schedule and learning style, you may choose to pursue computer security specialist training online or on campus.

Career outlook for computer security specialists

With cyber attacks on the rise, skilled computer security specialists are in high demand. The BLS reports overall job growth for computer network and systems administrators of 30 percent in the 2008 to 2018 period. Network and systems administrators should see 23 percent growth, while analysts, who design and develop computer systems, can expect 53 percent growth. Computer security specialists may fall into either category, depending on whether they manage or develop the network and system security strategy. "Increasing need for information security" is driving growth in both administrative and analyst roles.

More computer and tech career outlooks:

• Computer security manager salary & career outlook
• Computer systems security administrator salary & career outlook
• Web designer salary & career outlook
• Web developer salary & career outlook