INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SECURITY SPECIALIST SKILLS, EXPERIENCE, AND JOB REQUIREMENTS

Published: Oct 01, 2025 - The Information Technology Security Specialist has experience in secure software development, penetration testing, and application security assessments using tools such as Burp Suite, OWASP ZAP, AppScan, and Veracode. This role requires strong knowledge of encryption, data protection, access control, risk assessments, and vulnerability remediation aligned with OWASP and SANS standards. The Specialist also needs excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills to collaborate effectively across technical and non-technical teams while ensuring applications and systems remain resilient against evolving threats.

Essential Hard and Soft Skills for a Standout Information Technology Security Specialist Resume
  • Security Controls
  • Incident Response
  • Vulnerability Assessment
  • Penetration Testing
  • Code Review
  • Risk Management
  • Compliance Monitoring
  • Security Architecture
  • Firewall Management
  • Log Analysis
  • Security Awareness
  • Team Communication
  • Stakeholder Collaboration
  • Business Insight
  • Process Improvement
  • Threat Awareness
  • Security Training
  • Security Advisory
  • Requirement Translation
  • User Support

Summary of Information Technology Security Specialist Knowledge and Qualifications on Resume

1. BS in Computer Science with 5 years of Experience

  • Solid experience in Information Technology, with a focus on infrastructure and security.
  • Background in the automotive industry.
  • Strong knowledge of ISO 9001 and ISO 27001 standards.
  • Hands-on expertise with Palo Alto and/or Cisco firewalls.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including advanced Excel (formulas, pivot tables, data analysis), PowerPoint, and other Office tools.
  • Familiarity with process improvement methodologies.
  • Clear and effective verbal and written communication with strong presentation skills.
  • Proven ability to meet internal stakeholder expectations and deliver outcomes efficiently.
  • Strong data analysis and reporting skills.
  • Willingness to work across time zones with remote/global teams.
  • Comfortable working under pressure and adapting to changing priorities.

2. BS in Information Technology with 7 years of Experience

  • Progressive experience working in IT security, or progression within the technology department as a network or systems administrator.
  • Information Security Certification (CISSP, CISM, CEH, GSEC, or Comp TIA Security+).
  • Supplementary certifications (Developer, Mobile, Big Data, Cloud, Networking, Database, System Administration, IT Project Management).
  • Proven facilities management experience.
  • Experience managing vendors.
  • Experience managing cellular devices using Microsoft Intune.
  • Health & Safety experience and knowledge.
  • Experience with the engineering and construction business.
  • Ability to communicate effectively and calmly during high-pressure security incidents or system failures.
  • Skilled in building rapport with legal, HR, finance, and executive stakeholders to align on security priorities.
  • Ability to align security goals with broader business objectives and contribute to long-term IT strategy.

3. BS in Management Information Systems with 6 years of Experience

  • Experience in data protection and privacy, with practical application of POPIA, DPA, GDPR, and ADP.
  • Strong background in implementing relevant legislation within the privacy domain.
  • Experience evaluating vendors and partners for privacy and data security compliance, including contractual reviews (DPAs, SCCs).
  • Involved in large-scale data inventory and mapping exercises, identifying data flows, and classifying sensitive information.
  • Knowledge of frameworks like Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs), Binding Corporate Rules (BCRs), and adequacy decisions.
  • Expertise in reducing data footprint and implementing data retention/deletion strategies in line with legal obligations.
  • Awareness of how tools like heatmaps, session replays, and behavioral tracking intersect with consent and transparency requirements.
  • Skilled at resolving privacy-related conflicts between legal, business, and IT teams without escalating tensions.
  • Effective communication inside and outside of the organization.
  • Ability to discuss requirements and solutions confidently with both technical and business stakeholders at operational and management levels.

4. BS in Cybersecurity with 3 years of Experience

  • Experience in information security or a related field.
  • Extensive working knowledge of computer systems.
  • Extensive knowledge of data communications security procedures.
  • Understanding of documenting processes and security procedures.
  • Experience providing security-related training to teams
  • Experience with computer network penetration testing and techniques.
  • Understanding of firewalls, proxies, SIEM, antivirus, and IDPS concepts.
  • Ability to identify and mitigate network vulnerabilities and explain how to avoid them.
  • Understanding of patch management with the ability to deploy patches on time while understanding business impact.
  • Ability to prepare clear risk and security reports for boards, auditors, and senior leadership.
  • Skilled at breaking down complex problems quickly during incidents.

5. BS in Information Assurance with 9 years of Experience

  • Experience managing Security projects with external and internal technology teams.
  • Experience in enhancing and developing Security policies, procedures, etc.
  • Knowledge of Privileged Access Management (PAM) and Identity and Access Control (IAM) tools and procedures.
  • Security specialist certifications, such as CISSP, CISA, CRISC, or CCSK.
  • Involved in designing secure system architectures that align with enterprise frameworks and regulatory requirements.
  • Exposure to Security Operations Centers, including incident triage, escalation procedures, and threat intelligence integration.
  • Experience assessing security posture in AWS, Azure, or GCP environments, including reviewing IAM roles, storage, and encryption.
  • Knowledge of forensic techniques for evidence collection and chain of custody during breach investigations.
  • Strong communication skills and keen to work with wider technology functions, incorporating Cloud, DevOps, etc.
  • Structured approach to diagnosing root causes of security issues and proposing practical solutions.
  • Ability to balance business needs against security risks and present trade-offs clearly to executives.

6. BS in Software Engineering with 4 years of Experience

  • Hands-on experience with server operating systems (Windows, Linux, macOS), including installation, backup, and restoration.
  • Proficient in vulnerability assessment, remediation, and penetration testing using industry-standard tools.
  • Solid understanding of operating systems and network security, including protocols such as TCP/IP, DNS, and DHCP.
  • Strong grasp of cybersecurity tools, threat mitigation, and endpoint protection (e.g., firewalls, antivirus, anti-malware).
  • Experience with incident investigation and response.
  • Knowledge of security governance, compliance frameworks, and IT policy enforcement.
  • Practical skills in IT infrastructure, systems administration, and troubleshooting.
  • Familiarity with security protocols, encryption, and authentication mechanisms.
  • Programming knowledge in C, C++, C#, Java, or PHP.
  • Ability to support security audits and regulatory compliance efforts.
  • Strong technical documentation and communication skills.

7. BS in Network Engineering with 10 years of Experience

  • Previous experience in the field of information security.
  • Strong technical knowledge in applicable areas (TCP/IP Networks, Backups, Programming, Cloud).
  • Ability to write technical instructions for the use of programs and technology.
  • Ability to formulate security requirements and know how to engage individual departments in the process of implementation.
  • Demonstrated experience in assessing IT solutions, services, or systems from a security perspective, including threat modelling.
  • Experience with regulatory guidelines (SSAE16, NIST, NERC, ISO).
  • Knowledge of GDPR and other applicable privacy legislation.
  • Related certifications (CISSP, CISM, CDPSE, CIPP, GSEC/GCIH/ GCIA, or CEH v10).
  • Proficiency in languages such as C++, Java, Node, Python, Ruby, Go, or PowerShell.
  • Advanced understanding of systems administration, storage technologies, and virtualization.
  • Skilled at negotiating security clauses in contracts and holding vendors accountable for SLAs and compliance.
  • Calm, decisive leadership style when handling crises such as breaches, outages, or audit escalations.
  • Capable of aligning security risks with business objectives, presenting them in terms of financial and operational impact.

8. BS in Computer Information Systems with 8 years of Experience

  • Strong knowledge and clear understanding of network traffic flows in enterprise environments.
  • Solid understanding of HTTP/HTTPS protocols and TCP/IP fundamentals.
  • Experience with packet capture and analysis tools such as pcap, tcpdump, and Wireshark, and the ability to execute packet captures and perform in-depth troubleshooting.
  • Proficiency in using browser developer tools (F12) to analyze HTTP flows, redirections, and website traffic behavior.
  • Strong foundation in network security fundamentals, with experience in Web Proxy technologies, and Firewall management and operations.
  • Strong analytical skills with proven ability to investigate and resolve complex security issues.
  • Experience in defining, implementing, and enforcing enterprise-level security policies and business processes.
  • In-depth understanding of endpoint and data security solutions.
  • Prior experience in financial organizations.
  • Demonstrated knowledge and working experience in IT Security operations and governance.
  • Must hold Symantec Certified Specialist - Administration of Symantec Endpoint Protection, and/or CISSP or equivalent.
  • Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and interpersonal skills.
  • Strong project and task management abilities with the capability to lead cross-functional initiatives.

9. BS in Data Analytics with 5 years of Experience

  • Hands-on involvement in proactively detecting anomalies and potential threats using SIEM and log analysis.
  • Broad view of IT security and like to go deep on occasion.
  • Deep understanding of the IPv4- and ideally IPv6-Stack.
  • Good knowledge in at least one area of Enterprise IT Security.
  • Experience in scripting with PowerShell, Bash, or similar.
  • Experience with public cloud environments like AWS, GCP, or Azure.
  • Advanced understanding of certificate management, encryption protocols, and trust models.
  • Knowledge of securing container runtimes, orchestrators, and related supply chain risks.
  • Working knowledge of designing fault-tolerant systems with both security and uptime in mind.
  • Ability to create clear, technical runbooks and architecture diagrams for security processes.
  • Enthusiasm for deep-diving into unfamiliar technologies or attack methods.
  • Skilled at turning highly technical security concepts into business-friendly explanations.

10. BS in Digital Forensics with 7 years of Experience

  • In-depth knowledge in one or more of the above technical IT and Cyber Security domains, with a strong understanding of security threats and attack scenarios
  • Solid knowledge of IT and network technologies, operating systems, and common scripting languages, with experience working in hybrid cloud environments
  • Certification related to technical security (e.g., SANS, GIAC, OSCP) and willingness for continuous further qualification in relevant topics
  • Work experience in a global organization.
  • Experience in designing and implementing security controls across on-premises and multi-cloud infrastructures.
  • Ability to provide cybersecurity input into digital transformation, M&A, or enterprise modernization programs.
  • Familiarity with adversary tactics/techniques and mapping defenses against them (MITRE ATT&CK Framework).
  • Knowledge of securing Docker, Kubernetes, and related orchestration platforms.
  • Awareness of emerging risks and preparations around post-quantum encryption.
  • Ability to work in large international projects related to strategic topics and transformation initiatives.
  • Demonstrated ability to work effectively as part of a diverse and cohesive team of technically interested colleagues.
  • Strong analytical and communication skills, and out-of-the-box thinking.

11. BS in Computer Engineering with 6 years of Experience

  • Recent and extensive server administrator experience in UNIX with RHEL 6+, AIX 7+, and/or Solaris 10+, or Windows 2012 and later.
  • Prior experience with security tools such as Cyberark, BoKS, BeyondTrust, RSA SecurID, Hashicorp, SailPoint, and/or Centrify
  • Working knowledge of batch, shell, or PowerShell scripts.
  • Understanding of installation methodologies and toolsets, as well as networking concepts.
  • Experience implementing Ansible, Puppet, or Chef for large-scale configuration and patch deployments.
  • Experience configuring HA clusters and failover solutions to ensure system resilience.
  • Deep understanding of centralized authentication and directory integration.
  • Awareness of how PAM solutions capture, audit, and control elevated sessions.
  • Familiarity with RTO/RPO concepts and backup validation for critical servers.
  • Ability to communicate ideas both verbally and in written form in a clear, concise, and professional manner.
  • Ability to solve problems using learned techniques and tools and work through problems to find a resolution (network communication, application faults, etc).
  • Strong team skills, including the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships, as well as flexibility, versatility, and dependability.

12. BS in Cloud Computing with 9 years of Experience

  • Experience in IT security infrastructure development and/or IT Security operations.
  • Broad knowledge of upcoming and state-of-the-art IT security-related technology and regulations, as well as the ability to work autonomously and in a global virtual team.
  • Familiarity with NIST, OWASP, ISO 27001/2, ITIL, Security Frameworks, etc.
  • Experience leading initiatives to design, mature, and measure organizational security programs aligned with business objectives.
  • Experience in preparing organizations for external audits (e.g., SOC 2, PCI DSS) and ensuring evidence collection meets compliance.
  • Experience using tools to continuously monitor, remediate, and enforce cloud security standards - Cloud Security Posture Management (CSPM).
  • Understanding regional data protection nuances (e.g., GDPR vs. CCPA vs. Swiss FADP).
  • Knowledge of practical implementations of Zero Trust in enterprise and hybrid infrastructures.
  • Awareness of securing APIs, containers, and service-to-service communication.
  • Ability to define, track, and report meaningful security performance indicators to leadership.
  • Good strategic planning and vision, translating technical capabilities into long-term security roadmaps.
  • Excellent spoken and written English skills, as well as fluent spoken and written German skills.
  • Ability to drive global alignment on security initiatives across diverse business units.

13. BS in Information Systems Security with 8 years of Experience

  • Development experience, ideally in Java, .NET, or any other programming language.
  • Knowledge of security technologies (encryption, data protection, design, privilege access, etc.)
  • Strong knowledge of development and application security.
  • Knowledge of penetrating testing methodologies and security functional testing.
  • Hands-on experience performing application penetration and static and dynamic security assessments with tools such as Burp Suite, OWASP ZAP, AppScan, WebInspect, Fortify, Veracode, Checkmarx, etc.
  • Knowledge of OWASP Top 10/SANS Top 25, identify vulnerabilities via manual and automated testing methods, and how to effectively remediate vulnerabilities associated with each.
  • Expert knowledge of information security principles, web applications, and intermediate familiarity with malicious code and common hacking techniques used by malicious actors.
  • Experience conducting risk assessments and performing threat modeling of applications.
  • Proficiency in planning, reporting, establishing goals and objectives, standards, priorities, and schedules.
  • Excellent decision-making, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills to technical and non-technical audiences of various levels in the organization.
  • Experience in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with employees and/or clients.
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