System Security Expert Job Description, Skills, and Salary
Are you searching for a system security expert job description? Get to know about the duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and skills requirements of a system security expert. Feel free to use our system security expert job description template to produce your own system security expert job description. We also provide you with information about the salary you can earn as a system security expert.
Who is a System Security Expert?
A System Security Expert is a specialist whose job is to stop and minimize security lapses that might occur in a company’s computer systems. They are authorities in a number of areas, including network security, mobile security, and information security.
System Security Expert Job Description
What is a system security expert job description? A system security expert job description is simply a list of duties and responsibilities of a system security expert in an organization. Below are the system security expert job description examples you can use to develop your resume or write a system security expert job description for your employee. Employers can also use it to sieve out job seekers when choosing candidates for interviews.
- Identify and fix existing and potential security problems to safeguard the assets of the information system of an organization.
- Establish access controls, command structures, and resources to protect the system.
- Spot abnormalities and security breaches to identify issues.
- Conduct regular audits to spot inefficiencies and security violations.
- Follow organizational standards to sustain the quality of his/her services.
- Participate in educational programs and read periodicals, to keep technical knowledge current.
- Participate in the cooperative effort by finishing pertinent findings.
- Make improvement suggestions and put them into action.
- Follow current procedures and provide suggestions for improvement.
- Implement new procedures to improve the security system for the organization.
- Keep up with the most recent security developments and technology.
- Watch the server traffic and tickets for the company.
Qualifications
- X years of expertise in a related position, such as system security.
- Possession of OWSE or CCNA certifications.
- Knowledge of possible attack methods, including XSS, injection, hijacking, social engineering, and others.
- Understanding of networking protocols like TCP/IP.
- An understanding of the underlying implementations of HTTP and HTTPS, as well as expertise with them.
- Familiarity with content delivery networks.
- Basic expertise in programming.
- Understanding of Agile development methods.
Essential Skills
- Possessing the knowledge that is applicable: By reading books and looking up algorithms, you can learn how to tackle IT problems, but real experience is just as valuable because it raises your performance level and gives you more self-assurance as a system security expert.
- Understanding of IT security training: To be referred to as a system security expert, one needs more than just a foundational understanding of IT security. It also entails taking advanced courses and receiving training so that you can put your theoretical knowledge to use in the real world and analyze how it functions.
- Enthusiasm: Having an interest in working as an IT security specialist is crucial. People learn things out of either fear or curiosity. Unlike regular IT workers who work on the assigned programs on a daily basis, the position of a security specialist can raise concerns about system flaws, for which you must then find solutions. You will learn more quickly as a result.
- Knowledge of cybersecurity: As a system security specialist, you must use high-security programmers to shield your software and data from prospective hackers. As a system security specialist, hackers shouldn’t be able to get past your security system and steal crucial information and data.
- Skills in risk assessment: System security specialists must be able to analyze risks for their company. Because it is practically impossible to guard against every scenario, even with a team of the most qualified IT professionals, due to the nearly infinite methods a hacker can employ to cause damage.
The ability to identify and prioritize the system defense vulnerabilities that are most likely to be attacked by hackers makes risk assessment a crucial component of a system security skill set. You may be more efficient and proactive when it comes to protecting a system if you have the ability to identify and address the biggest hazards in that system.
- Know-how for managing Linux servers: You should become familiar with Linux if you want to pursue a career in system security. Linux is an open-source operating system that may be customized to enable users to scan networks and use system services in a way that is typically not possible with other operating systems.
The fact that Linux is open-source software, which allows for free source code modification, is arguably its most significant feature. A large number of system security technologies run on a Linux foundation as a result of this accessibility. Consider Kali Linux, which was created especially for digital forensics and penetration testing (see below). Experts in system security must be able to use Kali or, at the very least, fundamental Linux.
- Understanding of Splunk: Splunk is a service that focuses on gathering security data and enabling customers to react to threats to system security. With the aid of this software, security teams may collect information from various access points and create well-thought-out cybersecurity plans that are tailored to the particular security requirements and weaknesses of each firm. However, Splunk’s utility goes beyond just information; this technology can also carry out ongoing monitoring tasks, take preventative security steps, and streamline risk evaluations and security operations.
- Understanding of digital forensics: Many experts seek to improve digital security and stop hacks from happening in the first place when it comes to system security. Hacks nevertheless continue to happen, jeopardizing private data in the process. Digital forensics can be used in this situation. Digital forensic specialists attempt to restore lost data following an attack, pinpoint the source of the assault, and strengthen cybersecurity protections. Any system security expert should have a basic understanding of digital forensics, but you can choose to focus on this area, particularly if you are interested in the relationship between system security and the law.
- Proficiency with penetration testing: You must be familiar with penetration testing if you want to be a system security specialist. This technique involves simulating an actual hack attempt on your servers in order to strengthen your system security defenses. In order to try to hack into their systems and steal information with the knowledge of the firm in order to determine where defenses should be improved, organizations occasionally hire freelance hackers whose entire careers are spent working with businesses. Penetration testing must be conducted on a regular basis by any firm that keeps sensitive data.
- Collaboration: Another essential element in your system security toolbox is collaboration. While some businesses only hire one system security specialist, many others—particularly big corporations like Microsoft or Experian—that have a lot of sensitive data to safeguard hire teams of experts. You can more easily spot systemic flaws and develop a potent defense strategy if you know how to collaborate well. Open debate can produce original viewpoints and discussions that one person could not have produced alone. Everyone on a team may share and use their hard-earned skills and industry knowledge to the advantage of the entire team through successful collaboration.
- Skills in problem-solving: On any employer’s list of essential system security abilities, problem-solving is near the top. System security is fundamentally about locating security problems and devising solutions or defenses against them. You will be well-prepared for a job as a system security specialist if you know how to efficiently approach a problem and work toward solving it.
- System administration and networking abilities: Starting a career in system security requires a thorough understanding of networking. Understanding the technical components of data transfer will help you safeguard your data since you will have a better understanding of networking. It is advised to pursue networking certifications like the Cisco CCNA and CompTIA Security+. Learning system administration is a further ability that will be useful for you. Computer configuration and upkeep are the only topics covered. You must have a keen mind to explore all of your computer’s options and features.
- Understanding of virtual machines and operating systems: An expert in system security must be well-versed in many operating systems, including Windows, Linux, and Mac OS. As a system security specialist, you must feel at ease using any OS. VMs let you train and conduct studies in a private setting while also enhancing your abilities. Knowing Kali Linux, the most well-known Linux distribution for ethical hacking and penetration testing is the next thing to keep in mind. It includes several hundred tools for computer forensics, malware analysis, penetration testing, and other related tasks.
- Understanding of network security management: The term “network security control” refers to the various techniques used to increase a network’s security. You must understand how your network functions as well as how routers, firewalls, and other devices operate. A firewall is a piece of hardware or software that prevents your computer from receiving or sending traffic from the internet. You must use a firewall as a system security expert to filter and stop unauthorized traffic from entering the network.
You also need to be familiar with remote access, virtual private networks (VPNs), intrusion detection systems, and intrusion prevention systems. You should, for instance, use the IDS to monitor the network for malicious activity and security policy violations.
- Understanding of cloud security: Employers are seeking experts with security expertise that can be applied to public and hybrid cloud platforms like AWS and Azure. More businesses are using cloud infrastructure to operate applications and store data. This includes putting policies and technological safeguards in place to safeguard cloud-based devices and systems.
Building safe systems from the ground up is a requirement for cloud security, just like for application development security. Big platform managers with expertise in Microsoft Azure, Amazon Web Services, and the Google Cloud Platform are in high demand.
- Internet of Things (IoT): By 2025, there will be more than 30 billion Internet of Things devices connected globally, predicts Statista. There are many more chances for security vulnerabilities when there are so many devices. As a result, IoT security will soon take on greater importance and play a crucial role in preserving the reliability and security of the entire Internet system. The importance of maintaining secure networks and retaining consumer confidence is increased by the fact that many IoT devices are sensors that gather personal data.
IoT security places a strong emphasis on securing networks and connected devices over the Internet, particularly given that the majority of these devices access networks without human supervision or involvement. It is critical to take the necessary security precautions to ensure that IoT devices may be left alone to carry out their tasks automatically without system security specialists having to worry about preventing unauthorized access.
How to Become a System Security Expert
- Learn more about the field: Like with any vocation, you should do an extensive, independent study before deciding.
- Get the credentials: Although it is technically feasible to enter this sector without formal schooling (by moving up from a help-desk position or having black hat hacking skills, for example), the majority of system security professionals have degrees in IT or computer science.
The degree levels that apply include:
- IT
- Computing Science
- Computing Forensics
- Any STEM degree, such as one in mathematics or physics,
- Networking Engineering
- Security and Networks
Some businesses, like the UK’s Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ), have programs where they will hire graduates from any field, even one that has nothing to do with computers. You can also pursue a postgraduate degree in system security or a related discipline if you’re changing careers.
Entry requirements are comparable in the US. In an IT-related sector, a bachelor’s degree is normally required, but professional industry certification considerably improves your employment prospects.
- Acquire Your First Job: As was already noted, system security specialists are in high demand. This is because of the large range of organizations that use their services; any corporation, government agency, or other organization that has a database is susceptible to assault. This will only rise when data becomes more digital.
You might therefore end up working in any industry, but especially in those that are more likely to be targeted, like:
- Financial institutions, including banks
- Government agencies
- Intelligence Agencies
- IT businesses
- Services for security consultation
- Universities
- Network companies
- Airlines
- Make your career better: System security experts are urged to stay current with advances by participating in ongoing training courses due to continually evolving technology and increasingly sophisticated black-hat approaches. A specialist’s professional development might benefit from a variety of industry-recognized credentials, such as the following:
- Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP): a certificate for newcomers, designed for those with little experience
- CompTIA Security+: Ideal for people with more than two years of expertise.
- Certified information systems security professional (CISSP): A typical certification, obtained after around four years, is required for substantial career advancement.
- Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA): It is geared toward people with five or more years of experience.
- Certified Information Systems Manager (CISM): Very much like the CISA certificate.
- Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA): A more broad credential is typically obtained by those working in network management positions.
- Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH): Held by experts in security analytics or penetration testing.
Where to Work as a System Security Expert
- Financial institutions, including banks
- Government agencies
- Intelligence agencies
- IT companies
- Security consultancy services
- Universities
- Network providers
- Airlines
System Security Expert Salary
Based on 17 salaries, an entry-level system security expert with less than 1 year of experience can expect to make an average total compensation of $56,229, which includes tips, bonus, and overtime pay. Based on 36 salaries, an entry-level system security expert with 1–4 years of experience can expect to make an average total pay of $61,224. Using 15 salaries for a mid-career system security expert with 5 to 9 years of experience, the average total income is $85,814 per year. Using 19 salaries for an experienced system security expert with 10–19 years of experience, the average total salary is $87,272. Employees’ average annual total compensation in their late careers (20 years or more) is $107,348.
The average gross pay for a system security expert in London, England, is £93,656, which works out to £45 per hour. This is £30,03 (+47%) more than the typical system security expert salary in the UK. They also receive an average bonus of £3,999. Wage projections are based on anonymous employee and employer responses to a salary survey in London, England. The typical compensation for an entry-level system security expert (1-3 years of experience) is £65,932. The average compensation for a senior-level cyber security specialist (8+ years of experience) is £116,144.