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What does a Security Specialist do?

Photo of Brenna Goyette
Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Published 4 min read

A security specialist is responsible for the safety and security of a company's employees, customers, and property. They develop and implement security plans, conduct security audits, and investigate incidents. They also train and supervise security staff.

Security Specialist job duties include:

  • Develop and implement security policies, procedures and protocols
  • Plan and coordinate security operations and activities
  • Monitor security systems and alarms
  • Investigate security breaches and provide recommendations for improvement
  • Prepare reports on security incidents and investigations
  • Supervise security personnel and contractors
  • Train new employees on security policies and procedures
  • Coordinate with law enforcement agencies as needed
  • Assist with developing emergency response plans
  • Perform regular risk assessments

Security Specialist Job Requirements

A Security Specialist is responsible for the safety and security of a company's employees, customers, and physical assets. They develop and implement security plans, conduct security audits, and investigate incidents. They also train and supervise security staff. A Security Specialist should have a bachelor's degree in security management or a related field. They should also have experience in law enforcement or security. Some employers may require certification in security management or a related field.

Security Specialist Skills

  • Security
  • Risk management
  • IT security
  • Information security
  • Network security
  • Computer security
  • Data security
  • Application security
  • Cloud security
  • Endpoint security
  • Identity and access management

Related: Top Security Specialist Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become a Security Specialist

A security specialist is a professional who helps protect businesses and individuals from crime. There are many different types of security specialists, but all share the common goal of keeping people and property safe. Some specialize in physical security, while others focus on information security. There are also those who work in both fields.

To become a security specialist, one must first obtain a high school diploma or equivalent. Many specialists also have college degrees in criminal justice or a related field. After completing their education, most specialists complete on-the-job training before becoming certified by a professional organization such as the American Society for Industrial Security or the International Association of Certified Security Professionals.

The best way to learn about the different types of security specialist jobs is to research them online or speak with someone who works in the field. There are many different career paths one can take as a security specialist. Some work for private companies, while others work for government agencies. There are also opportunities to work as an independent consultant.

No matter what type of security specialist job you are interested in, there are certain skills that all specialists need to possess. These include strong communication and interpersonal skills, analytical and problem-solving abilities, and attention to detail. In addition, specialists must be able to think quickly and make decisions under pressure.

If you have the necessary skills and qualifications, then you may want to consider a career as a security specialist. With the right training and experience, you can become an expert in keeping people and property safe from harm.

Related: Security Specialist Resume Example

Related: Security Specialist Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

Editorial staff

Photo of Brenna Goyette, Editor

Editor

Brenna Goyette

Expert Verified

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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