Finding the Right Technology Jobs in the Security Field
Candidates interested in the IT security realm of technology jobs have a variety of options, all requiring a certain skill set. It’s an exciting part of the tech field, and one that is definitely appealing. Successful candidates can expect a good starting salary with prospects for advancement. Working in IT security is also rewarding in terms of job satisfaction.
It is dynamic, challenging, and involves helping companies with something that is integral to any business success’ — staying safe in a treacherous online world.
In brief, there are typically four categories of security jobs in IT: architects, compliance, engineers, and analysts. These are all different roles; that’s why each one requires a specific skillset and certifications.
Security Architects
A security architect is in charge of designing, building, and overseeing security structures for a company.
Security architects have to understand infrastructure and applications. They must know the company’s policies and requirements for security, and see the big picture. To do so, a security architect should know how to perform vulnerability testing, as well as analyze and complete information security risk assessments. Research skills are a must to keep on top of security standards and systems.
They may be supervisors and give guidance to more junior members of the security team, so leadership skills are important, too. Security architects often start out in entry-level administrator positions, moving on to mid-level jobs such as analyst, engineer or consultant.
Certifications for security architects can help with getting a job in this area. Consider:
- CISSP – Certified Information Systems Security Professional
- CISSP-ISSAP – Information Systems Security Architecture Professional
- CISM – Certified Information Security Manager
- CEH – Certified Ethical Hacker
- CSSA – Certified SCADA Security Architect
- GSEC/GCIH/GCIA – GIAC Security Certifications
Security Compliance Jobs
Security compliance employees have a specialized role. Staff involved with security and compliance are in charge of managing the IT department’s compliance, and, often, the overall company’s compliance with regulatory demands and internal policies.
A major responsibility of this role is planning and managing audits and tests. Compliance professionals take the information from these tests and audits and use it to prove that the company is in compliance or to identify changes necessary to ensure compliance.
Security compliance professionals may act as a liaison between the company, department, and regulatory agents or others affected by compliance issues. They often communicate with executives and committees to discuss and plan ways to mitigate risk and compliance problems.
In terms of certifications and experience, a security compliance professional needs to have a strong background in IT auditing, and knowledge of governance, risk and compliance frameworks.
Certifications that will help include:
- CISA – Certified Information Systems Auditor
- CISM – Certified Information Security Manager
- CRISC – Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control
- CGEIT – Certified in the Governance of Enterprise IT
- CISSP – Certified Information Systems Security Professional
Security Engineering
A security engineer is responsible for building and maintaining IT security solutions. He or she handles the hands-on implementation of security policies, installation, maintenance of the actual tools used, and ensures protection is configured. It is a more technical job than an administrative one with daily responsibilities that involve active hands-on work.
Simply put, security engineers are all about building and fixing systems, finding the best ways to deliver IT security.
This technical job calls for advanced technical skills. Would-be engineers should have a strong knowledge of detection, prevention, and vulnerability testing of all systems. Coding, hacking, and threat-modeling are important, too.
The following certifications, and those like them, are highly recommended:
- CEH
- CCNP security – Cisco Certified Network Professional Security
- CISSP
- GSEC/GCIH/GCIA
Security Analysts
Security analysts work to find and stop cyber threats. If a security engineer is someone who builds and fixes systems, an analyst is someone who tries to break them. This is so that the IT department can uncover issues and anomalies, using forensics and troubleshooting security risks.
Analysts conduct audits for internal and external security, analyze any breaches that occur, install counter-measures, and train staff on secure practices. They also work with outside vendors to ensure the utmost security for an organization.
For this job, candidates need to know anti-virus and anti-malware software, networking, routing, and switching, firewalls, intrusion detection and prevention, programming, and various operating systems.
Want to upgrade with a certification to snag an IT analyst job? Look for CEH, CISSP, GIAC certifications, and ECSA (EC-Council Certified Security Analyst).
Becoming More Successful in Getting an IT Security Job
Technology jobs in IT security are lucrative. This is the type of work that is appealing to techies who want to explore systems, create policies, and make a company’s cyber security as strong as possible. They are dynamic and engaging roles and highly sought after.
Jason Harris, senior client relationship executive at Concero, noted that in 2019, more than 50 percent of the company’s clients had openings for IT security positions or listed specific security skills sets, experience and/or certifications as key requirements for their other IT positions. Clearly, there is a high demand for IT security talent.
IT recruiting is an excellent way to land a top-notch security job. Working with an IT recruiting firm, like Concero Technology Group, turns the job hunt into something beyond just finding a place to land. We care about candidates and what jobs and companies are the best fit.
We want to create a meaningful partnership between you and the company, so that everyone can enjoy the best shot at future success. Connect with us to find your dream job in IT security — get in touch with us at (314) 748-1060 or contact us here.
