A cyber security specialist with a federal certificate is the specialist for all cyber security issues in a company or public institution. In order to protect ICT systems against attacks from cyberspace, they analyze current threat situations and manage security incidents, i.e. act quickly in the event of suspected data leaks or when employees have fallen into phishing traps, for example. In this way, it uncovers vulnerabilities and can initiate protective measures.

The tasks of cyber security specialists usually also include team leadership and sub-project management.

The job description of the Cyber Security Specialist is based on the management's security strategy and the organization's security guidelines (Information Security Policy) derived from it.

The following content is taught in a cyber security course or cyber security specialist training course:

• Preventive system protection
• Recognizing security incidents
• Management of security incidents
• Planning and implementation of security solutions

After successfully completing the professional examination for the federal certificate, the following Cyber Security Specialist jobs are possible:

• ICT Security Operations Manager
• ICT Security Incident Manager
• ICT Security Manager
• Cyber Security Manager
• Cyber Security Specialist respectively Cyber Security Specialist
• Cyber Security Engineer

Cyber Security Specialists usually work together with other specialists in the ICT security area of an organization from medium-sized to large companies. They also exchange knowledge and experience in cyber security Switzerland (Cybersecurity Switzerland) and IT security Switzerland.

Social media channels have the following significance when choosing cyber security training:

• 32 % Google reviews
• 25 % LinkedIn
• 21 % Instagram
• 20 % Facebook
• 11% YouTube
• 7 % Xing
• 4 % Pinterest
• 3 % TikTok
• 2 % Snapchat

For 29 percent, social media channels are not relevant for choosing the right training in cyber security.

Our survey of training graduates provided answers to the question "What was the benefit of the last training course?" for cyber security training (multiple answers possible):

• 66 percent expansion of expertise
• 25 percent increase in self-confidence
• 24 percent performance reliability
• 23 percent Self-management
• 16 percent wage increase
• 12 percent Ability to work in a team
• 11 percent Time management
• 9 percent promotion

With cyber security training, you are sure to gain more skills, self-confidence, self-management skills and be able to sell yourself better as a specialist.

A cyber security specialist with a federal certificate has very good career prospects, as the demands on cyber security in companies and public institutions are constantly increasing. With the increasing use of information and communication technologies in all areas of life, the potential risk of misuse of these ICT technologies is also increasing.

Further cyber security training is recommended:

• Courses at technical and vocational colleges and courses offered by ICT VET Switzerland
• Admission to the Advanced Federal Diploma Examination (ICT Manager, ICT Security Expert)
• Higher technical college for the diploma in computer science HF or diploma in computer science HF, diploma in business informatics HF
• Studies at a university of applied sciences and a Bachelor of Science degree in computer science or business informatics

In the field of cyber security training, numerous opportunities open up to you after obtaining the federal certificate.

If you want to work as a Cyber Security Specialist, you should have the following skills and qualities:

• Discretion
• Integrity
• High frustration tolerance
• strong communication skills
• Ability to work in a team
• analytical skills
• networked thinking & acting
• High sense of responsibility

Anyone who meets these requirements is qualified to become a cyber specialist and can attend cyber security training or cyber security further training with confidence.

According to the federal government's statistical salary calculator (Salarium), the average gross salary for cyber security specialists is around CHF 100,000-110,000 per year. The highest cyber security specialist salaries are paid in the construction/real estate, media/printing/publishing and banking/financial institutions sectors. Frequent French benefits in addition to the salary are a cell phone, meal discounts, employee discount and a parking space.