Cybercrime is a big problem these days. The stories of cyber attacks flood us no matter where we are. An information security architect prevents huge damages caused by data breaches.
Breaches, phishing, fraud – these are just some of the many problems businesses face. Indeed, all of us want our information to be secure. However, most of our information is stored online. Hence, hackers aim to steal or misuse those data.
An information security architect is an essential piece of strengthening data security. Ever heard of that title before? In this article, we’ll help you have a better understanding of that role. Moreover, let’s find out the requirements to be one.
What Is An Information Security Architect?
This is a senior-level position. Sometimes they are just called a ‘security architect’. One of their main responsibilities is maintaining the security structures of an organization’s computer system.
These professionals think like a hacker. They anticipate the moves and tactics a hacker might use. Thus, this way of thinking helps these professionals create preventive measures against risks. Security architects give progress reports to the CISO.
Duties Of An Information Security Architect
The first duty when these architects begin on a new job is to gain a deep understanding of the company’s systems. This is essential since one of their tasks is to identify the weak points. Furthermore, these architects design security structures to protect the organization against any cyber threat.
Afterward, the information security architect tests the system for any weakness. Thus, they conduct an audit of the entire system. One way of fully testing the system is bringing in an outside ethical hacker. That hacker runs a penetration test to ensure that the system is secure.
As we have mentioned earlier, they must have a deep understanding of the systems. Then, they recommend actions to the higher-ups for areas of improvement. Also, these architects implement security policies and provide technical supervision to a security team. They also update and upgrade security systems.
This is a full-time position requiring 40 hours of work or more. Also, these professionals must stay updated with the latest security trends. Many IT experts say that the best information security architects are former hackers. That is because they know how hackers will attack the systems. Thus, having one step ahead.
Requirements
It takes a lot of work and dedication to achieve this title. This career is not for the faint-hearted. Yet, this career pays well with lots of potentials.
A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in cybersecurity or any related major is required. Furthermore, many employers look for candidates with five to ten years of work experience in the IT field focusing on security matters.
However, having educational attainment and work experience are not enough. Candidates must have a particular set of soft and hard skills. Two of the soft skills include excellent communication skills and leadership skills. Meanwhile, one of the hard skills a candidate must have is a deep knowledge of ISO and COBIT frameworks.
