More than 22,500 IT workers are classified as security or cybersecurity engineers in the United States. No matter their title, these positions are increasingly in demand. The latest estimates suggest 3.5 million cybersecurity jobs will be open by 2025. If you have experience in the digital security field, the chances are high there might be an opening with your name on it in the near future. Could it be as a security or cybersecurity engineer? Here’s what these IT experts do and why you should consider pursuing this job as a professional career.
What is a Security Engineer?
The primary role of a security engineer is to design, implement, and maintain the IT architecture that keeps our data safe from cybercriminals. The security engineer may handle networks, software, hardware, and data to stay current with protections that prevent a data breach. Some of the specific tasks of a security engineer include:
- Conduct risk assessments to identify potential vulnerabilities to outside threats and develop mitigation plans.
- Design and implement IT security systems. This could include firewalls, intrusion detection and prevention, antivirus software, encryption protocols, or managing security permissions and policies.
- Monitor security systems for suspicious activities, such as attempted breaches or hacks.
- Investigate security incidents to determine their scope and cause and then take appropriate action to remediate the issue.
- Develop security policies and procedures for the company and staff to lessen the risk of a cyber breach.
- Train employees in appropriate security precautions to avoid a mistake that could lead to a data breach.
- Keep up-to-date with the latest cybersecurity threats and take appropriate actions to make sure systems remain secure.
Protecting a company’s digital assets from cybersecurity threats is challenging and intriguing. But is it the right job for you?
Is a Security Engineering Job Right for You?
Security engineers typically have a combination of formal education, certifications, and experience to serve in this role. You may pursue a Master’s degree in cybersecurity if you’re pursuing senior-level positions.
To be a security engineer, in addition to your education, you must have the following:
- Strong technology skills in IT security concepts including cloud and network, encryption, firewalls, intrusion detection, and more.
- Analytical troubleshooting skills that help you identify risks and proactively mitigate them.
- Serious attention to detail. A meticulous nature is a necessity for any security engineer.
- Solid communication skills to work with a variety of people both inside and outside your organization.
- Creativity to tackle anything that comes your way. Cybersecurity is an ever-changing field with a lot of moving parts.
- A desire to be a continuous learner. Learning is important in any IT job, but particularly for a security engineer because the safety of your organizational data may depend on your knowledge of the latest cybersecurity threats. No pressure!
- A desire and moral code to always do the right thing. Security engineers much have a strong sense of integrity and ethics. You must maintain confidentiality around sensitive data and systems in your day-to-day work.
- The ability to be a team player. Security engineers work with cross-functional teams from various organizational departments as well as developers, network engineers, project managers, and more.
Are you new to security engineering and looking for a professional home? Have you been in the field a while but need a change? Blackstone Talent Group can help. We have extensive experience in the IT and cybersecurity space and partner with the brightest talent and the best companies to find you the right fit. Find out how we can help. Contact us today.