CompTIA Security+ Certification -The key to moving out of IT

Moving from IT to cybersecurity can be a game-changer for your career.

As cybersecurity threats escalate, the demand for cybersecurity professionals is at an all-time high. If you’re an IT professional looking to make this move, CompTIA Security+ is the perfect place to start. It gives you the foundational skills and knowledge to tackle cybersecurity and opens doors to a whole new world of opportunities.

But why is Security+ such a valuable asset for IT professionals? What benefits will you get from the Security+ Certification?

And how will it impact your career and salary moving forward?

Let’s explore how the Security+ certification can propel your IT career into the dynamic field of cybersecurity.

Why We Need Cybersecurity Professionals with the Security+ Certification

Cybersecurity is one of the fastest growing and most in demand industries in the world. As businesses and governments go digital, the number of cyber-attacks has gone through the roof. In fact, research predicts the global cost of cybercrime will be $10.5 trillion by 2025. As a result, companies and governmental bodies need skilled professionals to defend against these threats.

But this growth has created a big talent gap. (ISC)² says we need over 3.4 million more cybersecurity workers to meet the current demand. For IT professionals, this is a huge opportunity to transition into a more specialized and better paying career.

You already have a foundation in IT, you already have transferable skills such as network management, troubleshooting and problem solving – all of which are critical in cybersecurity.

Cybersecurity offers not only stability but also bigger pay. Cybersecurity specialists earn 50% more than IT professionals. Roles like Security Analyst, Penetration Tester, and Systems Administrator are in high demand and job postings often require certifications like CompTIA Security+ as a minimum requirement.

With the right certification, IT professionals can bridge the gap between their current skills and the technical skills needed for a successful cybersecurity career. Now what? Choose a certification that gets you ready for that.

CompTIA Security+ Certification Training qualifies you for government jobs

Jobs You Can Pursue with a Security+ Certification

The CompTIA Security+ certification is widely recognized as the gateway to a successful cybersecurity career. Whether you’re transitioning from IT or starting fresh in the field, this credential qualifies you for a variety of roles, each offering opportunities for growth and advancement. The Security+ Certification also boosts your earning potential.

The skills validated by the Security+ certification are in demand across multiple sectors, including:

Government and Defense
Finance and Banking
Healthcare
Technology Companies

Here are just a few examples of the jobs available with the Security+ certification:

1. Security Analyst

– Role Overview: As a Security Analyst, you’ll be responsible for monitoring networks, identifying vulnerabilities, and responding to threats. You’ll play a key role in maintaining the integrity of an organization’s systems.

– Salary Range: $65,000–$90,000 annually, depending on location and experience.

– Growth Potential: This role is often a stepping stone to more advanced positions like Security Engineer or SOC Manager.

2. Systems Administrator

– Role Overview: A Systems Administrator oversees the installation, maintenance, and security of IT infrastructure. Security+ helps you manage systems with a strong focus on cybersecurity protocols.

– Salary Range: $60,000–$85,000 annually.

– Growth Potential: From this position, you can advance to specialized roles such as Systems Security Engineer.

3. Network Administrator

– Role Overview: In this role, you’ll manage and secure an organization’s networks. Your expertise in access control and secure network design—key topics in the Security+ certification—will be invaluable.

– Salary Range: $65,000–$85,000 annually.

– Growth Potential: You can progress to roles like Network Security Engineer or Cloud Network Specialist.

4. IT Auditor

– Role Overview: IT Auditors assess and enhance the security of an organization’s systems by evaluating existing policies, compliance standards, and technical infrastructure.

– Salary Range: $70,000–$95,000 annually.

– Growth Potential: Many IT Auditors transition into governance-focused roles, such as Compliance Manager or Risk Analyst.

5. Junior Penetration Tester (Ethical Hacker)

– Role Overview: As a Junior Penetration Tester, you’ll simulate cyberattacks to identify vulnerabilities in an organization’s systems. Security+ prepares you with foundational knowledge of vulnerabilities and exploits.

– Salary Range: $75,000–$95,000 annually.

– Growth Potential: This role is a springboard to becoming a Senior Penetration Tester or Offensive Security Engineer.

Security+ is also a requirement for many Department of Defense (DoD) roles due to DoD 8570/8140 compliance. Jobs within the government sector often come with competitive salaries and additional benefits:

Why Employers Value Security+ Certification

Compliance Requirements: Many employers, particularly in government sectors, require Security+ certification to meet DoD 8570/8140 regulations.

Global Recognition: Security+ is vendor-neutral, making it applicable across industries and organizations worldwide.

Broad Skill Set: The certification covers key domains like threat analysis, incident response, and risk management, ensuring certified professionals can handle a variety of security tasks.

Training qualifies you for government jobs

Future Growth and Advancement

A Security+ certification not only qualifies you for high-demand jobs but also positions you for long-term career growth. Many professionals use it as a stepping stone to pursue advanced roles, such as:

– Security Engineer (Salary: $90,000–$120,000 annually)

– SOC Manager (Salary: $100,000–$130,000 annually)

– Information Security Manager (Salary: $120,000–$150,000 annually)

With the ongoing demand for skilled cybersecurity talent, a career launched with Security+ can lead to stability, excellent compensation, and opportunities to work on the cutting edge of technology. Investing in the Security+ certification is an excellent first step to unlocking lucrative opportunities in cybersecurity, with a clear path to financial growth and career advancement.

What Are the Next Certifications After Security+ and How Can Cyberkraft Help?

Once you’ve earned your CompTIA Security+ certification, the next step is to build on that foundation with more specialized and advanced certifications. The path you choose will depend on your career goals and whether you want to focus on threat analysis, management, ethical hacking, or cloud security.

Cyberkraft is dedicated to empowering IT and cybersecurity professionals with the training and resources they need to excel in their careers. Beyond CompTIA Security+, Cyberkraft offers a range of certifications that cater to both entry-level learners and advanced professionals aiming to specialize in high-demand areas.

Here’s a look at just a few of the certifications you can pursue through Cyberkraft:

The right certification depends on your career goals. No matter which path you choose, continuing your certification journey, allows you to expand your skillset, qualify for advanced roles, and position yourself as a leader in the rapidly evolving field of cybersecurity.

By choosing Cyberkraft, you gain access to industry-leading training and resources, ensuring success not just in passing exams, but also in advancing your career in cybersecurity.

Get Started Today

Getting your CompTIA Security+ is a game changer for IT professionals looking to get into the world of cybersecurity. By getting this globally recognized certification you’ll have foundational skills in threat detection, risk management and system security and be an asset to any organization.

But it doesn’t have to stop here. Once you have your Security+ certification, consider going for CySA+, CEH or CISSP to further your skills and open up even more career paths.

Contact us today and get started by looking at Cyberkraft’s training programs and preparing for the Security+ exam. Your cybersecurity career is just one certification away!