What Is an Information Security Engineer and How to Become One
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What Does an Information Security Engineer Do?
An information security engineer works closely with information security specialists to analyze an organization’s computer and network system and identify and fix any potential issues related to fraud, cyber attacks, leaked data, or other security breaches. Your security engineering duties include performing routine maintenance and upgrades on security systems and programs, fixing issues brought to you by information security specialists, and researching solutions to improve current systems. You carry out your responsibilities in the information technology department of an organization, but you may also report to other departments to update management on the organization’s security status.
How to Become an Information Security Engineer
The qualifications for a job as an information security engineer include a bachelor’s degree in computer science, software engineering, or systems engineering, and experience handling computer system issues related to secure access and network security. Some employers require you to gain your credential as a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), which helps you develop your skills and increases the likelihood of advancement in this career. To qualify for this credential, you need at least five years of work experience and must pass a lengthy background check. You can also join the Information Systems Security Association (ISSA) to gain access to industry information, support from other cyber-security professionals, and job openings.
Information Security Engineer Job Description Sample
With this Information Security Engineer job description sample, you can get a good idea of what employers are looking for when hiring for this position. Remember, every employer is different and each will have unique qualifications when they hire for a Information Security Engineer role.
Job Summary
We are looking for an Information Security Engineer to help us improve the security systems on our computer networks. In this position, you will work with our security analysts to locate and improve weak points in our security. You may suggest new hardware or develop software to fix any issues. You will also perform routine maintenance to keep our security systems running efficiently. Our ideal applicant has a bachelor's degree in computer science or software engineering. We also prefer that you have Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) credentials and several years of experience.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Perform routine maintenance on our information security systems
- Work with our security analysts to spot weak points
- Develop software solutions to close holes in our security
- Make hardware upgrades
- Respond to security breaches
Requirements and Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in computer science or software engineering
- Several years of cybersecurity experience
- CISSP credentials
- Strong analytical problem-solving and troubleshooting skills
