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Cybersecurity specialists

OaSIS code 21220.00

Cybersecurity specialists develop, plan, recommend, implement, improve and monitor security measures to protect an organization's computer networks, connected devices and information to prevent unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction of the information or of the systems on which the information resides.

Overview

Also known as

  • Cybersecurity analyst
  • Informatics security analyst
  • Informatics security consultant
  • Information technology (IT) security specialist
  • Systems security analyst

Main duties

This group performs some or all of the following duties:

  • Confer with clients to identify and document requirements, assess physical and technical security risks to data, software and hardware
  • Apply encryption protocols, and manage keys to ensure security of data is maintained while at rest and in transit
  • Monitor access and credentials for information and systems
  • Install, test and operate security software and tools such as anti-virus and automated threat detection/prevent systems to ensure security measures are in place and working as intended
  • Monitor for cyber attacks, intrusions and unusual, unauthorised or illegal activity
  • Plan and carry out security measures in response to cybersecurity events and incidents in accordance with an organization's incident response plan to protect information, data and systems
  • Document computer security and emergency measures policies, procedures, and tests.

Additional information

No data has been provided for this section.

Similar occupations classified elsewhere

Exclusions:

  • Computer and information systems managers (20012)
  • Business systems specialists (21221)
  • Information systems specialists (21222)
  • Database analysts and data administrators (21223)
  • Computer systems developers and programmers (21230)
  • Software engineers and designers (21231)
  • Software developers and programmers (21232)
  • Web developers and programmers (21234)
  • Web designers (21233)
  • Computer engineers (except software engineers and designers) (21311)

NOC hierarchy breakdown

NOC version

NOC 2021 Version 1.0

Broad occupational category

2 – Natural and applied sciences and related occupations

TEER

1 – Occupations usually require a university degree

Major group

21 – Professional occupations in natural and applied sciences

Sub-major group

212 – Professional occupations in applied sciences (except engineering)

Minor group

2122 – Computer and information systems professionals

Unit group

21220 – Cybersecurity specialists

Occupational profile

21220.00 – Cybersecurity specialists

Work characteristics

Work characteristics gathers the various components describing the work environment of each occupation, such as employers, work activities, and the work context. Each category displays up to 10 descriptors in descending order based, firstly, on their attributed ratings by the level of complexity (for Work Activities) or other measurement dimensions (for Work Context), and secondly, in alphabetical order. The whole list of descriptors and their ratings can be expanded at the bottom of each page.

Work Activities

Proficiency or complexity level
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance
5 - Highest Level
Interacting with Computers
5 - Highest Level
Analyzing Data or Information
4 - High Level
Applying New Knowledge
4 - High Level
Clerical Activities
4 - High Level

Work Context

Structural Job Characteristics

Structured versus Unstructured Work
Degree of freedom to determine tasks and priorities
3 - Moderate amount of freedom
Work Week Duration
Worked hours in a typical week
2 - Between 35 to 40 hours

Physical Work Environment

Physical Proximity
Physical distance from others
3 - Somewhat close (e.g. share office)

Physical Demands

Sitting
Duration
4 - More than half the time
Standing
Duration
1 - Very little time
Bending or Twisting the Body
Duration
1 - Very little time

Interpersonal Relations

Contact with Others
Frequency
4 - Every day, a few times per day
Duration
3 - About half the time
Work with Work Group or Team
Importance
4 - Highly important
Frequency
4 - Every day, a few times per day

Workplaces/employers

  • Information technology consulting firms
  • Information technology departments in the private and public sectors
  • Self-employed

Skills and abilities

This section displays the various competencies required for an occupation. Each category displays up to 10 descriptors in descending order based, firstly, on their attributed ratings by the level of proficiency (for Skills and Abilities) or importance (for Personal Attributes) and secondly, in alphabetical order. The whole list of descriptors and their ratings can be expanded at the bottom of each page.

Abilities

Proficiency or complexity level
Deductive Reasoning
4 - High Level
Fluency of Ideas
4 - High Level
Inductive Reasoning
4 - High Level
Information Ordering
4 - High Level
Pattern Identification
4 - High Level

Skills

Proficiency or complexity level
Critical Thinking
4 - High Level
Decision Making
4 - High Level
Digital Literacy
4 - High Level
Equipment and Tool Selection
4 - High Level
Evaluation
4 - High Level

Personal Attributes

Importance
Analytical Thinking
4 - Highly important
Attention to Detail
4 - Highly important
Innovativeness
4 - Highly important
Stress Tolerance
4 - Highly important
Active Learning
3 - Important

Interests

The OaSIS uses the Holland Codes to describe the work-related interests. According to the Holland model, people work best in work environments that match their preferences, which means that people and work environments can be matched for a best fit. Occupational environments in Holland’s theory are described according to a combination of main interests and the activities they represent. There are six interests in the Holland typology: Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising and Conventional. All occupations in OaSIS have up to three interests assigned to them.

Interests

Preferences for work environments and outcomes.

Interests profile: CIR

Conventional (C)

Conventional occupations are characterized by the dominance of activities that entail following sets of procedures and routines. These activities may include systematic manipulation of data, such as keeping records, filing materials, reproducing materials, organizing written and numerical data according to a prescribed plan, and operating business and data processing. They often require following a clear line of authority and usually involve working with data and details more than with ideas.

Investigative (I)

Investigative occupations are characterized by the dominance of activities that entail the observation and systematic or creative investigation of physical, biological, or cultural phenomena. These occupations require an extensive amount of thinking and frequently involve working with ideas, searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.

Realistic (R)

Realistic occupations are characterized by the dominance of activities that entail the explicit, ordered or systematic manipulation of objects, tools, machines and animals. Many of these occupations do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.

Employment requirements

Employment requirements includes the education, training, certifications and the knowledge required to work in each occupation. The Knowledge category displays up to 10 descriptors in descending order based, firstly, on their attributed ratings by the level of proficiency, and secondly, in alphabetical order. The whole list of Knowledge descriptors and their ratings can be expanded at the bottom of each page.

Education, certification and licensing

  • A bachelor's degree in computer science, computer security, computer systems engineering, information systems or completion of a college program in information technology, network administration or other computer science related program is usually required.
  • Certification or training provided by software vendors may be required by some employers.

Knowledge

Knowledge level
Computer, Technology and Information Systems
3 - Advanced Level
Law
3 - Advanced Level
Public Safety and Security
3 - Advanced Level
Clerical
2 - Intermediate Level
Humanities
2 - Intermediate Level

Skills for success

 
Skills for Success Model
 
Skills for Success are skills that help you in a quickly changing world. Everyone benefits from having these skills. They can help you to get a job, progress at your current job or even change jobs. The skills also help you become an active member of your community and succeed in learning.
 
 
Linkages Between ESDC Skills Models and Frameworks
 
ESDC makes available a dictionary of over 300 terms (or descriptors) and definitions, known as the Skills and Competencies Taxonomy (SCT). Descriptor information from the Taxonomy is used in the Occupational and Skills Information System (OaSIS).
 
While there is general commonality of meaning between the descriptors in the SCT and the Skills for Success model, there are some differences in their definitions due to their distinct purposes. The Skills for Success Model [9 broadly defined skills] identifies the skills that are universally applicable. The SCT displays specific skills and competency requirements for 900 occupations. Users of the Skills for Success Model and Essential Skills content may find competency information from the Taxonomy and the OaSIS to be complementary.
 
Stay tuned to this section for more information and updates regarding linkages between the Skills for Success model and the OaSIS.

O*NET in-it

This page includes information from the O*NET 27.2 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Employment and Social Development Canada has modified all or some of this information. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.

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