An information system security engineer plays an important role. What do you think are these roles? Well, consider this article to see if it’s right for you.
Information System Security Engineer – What Is It?
This person handles planning and implementing safety measures. And particularly for computer networks and systems.
As engineers, they’re responsible for creating security systems. Besides, they often work as part of a larger IT team. But, they report to upper management.
So, what would you expect if you pursue this career? Well, creating firewalls is one common task. Other employees may also ask you to model security threats.
They even expect you to hack the system yourself. Moreover, you will be responding to real unplanned incidents and documents them.
Important Duties And Responsibilities
Information systems security engineers perform many tasks. That allows them to fulfill their goal of protecting computer networks and systems.
Develop Information Security Plans And Policies
It’s your job to plan and carry the organization’s infosec strategy. But, how would you do that?
Well, by doing the following:
- Developing a set of security standards. Not only that but also developing best practices as well.
- Recommending security enhancements to management.
- Developing strategies to respond and recover from breaches.
- Educating the workforce by giving training and building awareness.
Implement Protection
You are to install and use software such as firewalls. This will help you protect the organization’s sensitive information.
Test For Vulnerabilities
From time to time, security engineers conduct periodic scans of networks. This allows them to find any vulnerability.
Additionally, they conduct penetration testing. How would they do that?
They will simulate an attack on the system. Thus, allowing them to find any weak spots. These weak spots are potential entry for a malicious party.
Monitor Security Breaches
They also monitor the organization’s network and systems. They install software that notifies them in the event of intrusions.
Investigate Security Breaches
When breaches occur, security engineers lead incident response activities. This helps in minimizing the impact.
Additionally, they will prepare reports of their findings. Then report that to the management.
The Skills Needed
What do you think are the skills needed for this role? Well, consider the following skills if you want to work for the role.
Core Skills
- Has direct experience with anti-virus software. But, this may include firewalls and intrusion detection.
- Knowledge of risk assessment tools. This also includes methods and technologies.
- Has experience in designing secure networks and systems.
- Knowledge of disaster recovery and computer forensic tools.
- Experience in planning, researching, and developing security policies. This also includes standards and procedures.
- Communicates well the network security issues to peers and management.
- Ability to read and use the results of mobile code and, malicious code.
Educational Requirements
You need to acquire a 4-year bachelor’s degree. Especially in the field of management information systems. Or, in the field of computer science will do.
But for some employers, work experience and professional certification are acceptable. This can be a substitute for a bachelor’s degree.
Moreover, is typically not required. But, you can enhance your job opportunities by obtaining a professional certification. Also, there are a few employers that require such.
