IT security specialist
IT security specialists protect companies, hospitals and public authorities against attacks from the internet. They think like attackers in order to find and close security gaps before anyone can exploit them.
Typical tasks
- checking networks and systems for weaknesses
- setting up protection such as firewalls and access rights
- monitoring suspicious activity and reacting quickly to attacks
- explaining to staff how to protect themselves against email scams
- documenting security rules and keeping them up to date
Where people work
IT security specialists work in company IT departments, at specialised security firms, in banks, in healthcare and in public authorities.
A good fit if
- you are interested in computers and networks
- you like solving puzzles and thinking outside the box
- you stay calm under pressure
- you handle confidential information responsibly
Education pathways in Austria
In Austria you can get in through an IT Lehre (apprenticeship), for example in information technology, through an HTL (higher technical college) specialising in IT or network technology, or after the Matura (school-leaving exam) through a degree at an FH (university of applied sciences) focusing on IT security. In Germany the equivalent is the Duale Ausbildung, the Fachoberschule Technik or a Hochschule für angewandte Wissenschaften, in Switzerland the Berufslehre (EFZ), the Berufsmaturität Technik or a Fachhochschule.
- Lehre
- Training in a company and at vocational school. With 'Lehre mit Matura' it can also lead to university entrance. 2 to 4 years
- HTL (Höhere Technische Lehranstalt)
- Matura and technical vocational training in one. 5 years
- Fachhochschule (FH)
- Practice-oriented degree, often with an internship. 3-year bachelor
Matching schools in Austria
A selection from our school list. Not every school of this type offers every specialisation, so ask the school directly.
- HTL PinkafeldHTL, 7423 Pinkafeld, BurgenlandCollected automaticallySource: initial collection from public information, as of Oktober 2026
- HTL MössingerstraßeHTL, 9020 Klagenfurt, KärntenCollected automaticallySource: initial collection from public information, as of Oktober 2026
- HTL MödlingHTL, 2340 Mödling, NiederösterreichCollected automaticallySource: initial collection from public information, as of Oktober 2026
- HTL LeondingHTL, 4060 Leonding, OberösterreichCollected automaticallySource: initial collection from public information, as of Oktober 2026
- HTL SalzburgHTL, 5020 Salzburg, SalzburgCollected automaticallySource: initial collection from public information, as of Oktober 2026
- HTL BULME Graz-GöstingHTL, 8051 Graz, SteiermarkCollected automaticallySource: initial collection from public information, as of Oktober 2026
- HTL AnichstraßeHTL, 6020 Innsbruck, TirolCollected automaticallySource: initial collection from public information, as of Oktober 2026
- HTL DornbirnHTL, 6850 Dornbirn, VorarlbergCollected automaticallySource: initial collection from public information, as of Oktober 2026
Frequently asked questions
Is it the same as hacking?
IT security specialists use similar methods, but only with permission and to protect systems. Breaking into other people's systems without permission is illegal.
How can I try it out now?
There are school competitions and legal practice platforms where you can solve security challenges.
Do I need English?
Yes, many technical texts and tools are in English. You will pick it up over time.
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