A Security Architect is a crucial career path in Information Security. In this blog, I will explain who Security Architect is, Security Architect job role & responsibilities, career path, certifications, and more. Continue reading this article to find out:
Who is a Security Architect?
Security architects are executives that are in charge of a company’s network security. These experts are required when the system is first developed, designed, put in place, and throughout the longevity.
He is the one who handles the security of computer systems and networks. A Security Architect builds and designs the security of computers and networks for an organization. Also, stop all moves and breaching sensitive information by keeping a keen eye on hackers. He must think like hackers so that he can always stay one step ahead of them. This job is for a person who can handle stress and consistently lay an eye on the latest security developments.
Security Architect Job Role & Responsibilities
As a security architect, you must try to learn and understand the whole computer system of the organization. Because they have to design a Security Architecture system that prevents hacks, breaches of information, malware, and cyber-attacks. After getting all vital information on the computer system, they must learn hard two things; who has access to the system? And what are the weak points of the system? It also requires below responsibilities,
- They are the ones who assist costing, give technical guidance, make secure infrastructure, and avoid risks.
- They also design and strictly implement corporate securities and policies.
- Security Architect initially learns IT system of your company then plan to design robust architecture for security system and authentication protocols.
- After installing the security system, they also perform vulnerability testing and risk analysis.
- Once the system is set up, and things start to run smoothly, security engineers must perform an audit of all systems running.
- They keep a keen eye on the security system and update and upgrade accordingly.
- Security engineer also arrange awareness seminars in an organization where he tries to educate people about everyday security manipulation
- Does essential everyday duties of installing a firewall, VPN, IDS scanning technologies routers, and servers
- Resolve and identify integration issues.
- Security Architect maintains network devices like local area networks (LANs), virtual private networks (VPNs), extensive area networks (WANs), routers, firewalls, etc.
- Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) is a technology that authenticates users and digital devices of a company; it is designed by the system architect.
Security Architect Career Pathway
Initial level Security Architect job
- System administrator
- Network administrator
- Security administrator
Mid-level Security Architect job
- Security consultant
- Security analyst
- Security specialist
Higher-level Security Architect
- Senior Security Architect
- IT Project Manager
- Chief Security Architect.
- CISCO
There are other similar jobs as Security Architect Information Security Architect, Information Technology Architect, Information Systems Security Architect, and Enterprise Information Security Architect.
Security Architect Degree Requirement
IF someone wants to have a career in Security Architect, he/she must initiate by studying computer engineering, information technology, cybersecurity, or computer science bachelor’s degrees in the university.
If he/she doesn’t have a bachelor’s degree in the computer science field, then study IT security or cybersecurity in the master’s field.
Security Architect Hard Skills
If you want to become a Security Architect, then you must have below hard skills,
- Operating system knowledge; LINUX, Windows, and UNIX.
- Wireless security; security of Router, switch, and VLAN.
- Clear security-related concept: DDOS mitigation technologies, routing, DNS, VPN, proxy, and authentication.
- Implementation of IT strategy, Security Architecture, and enterprise architecture.
- Security of network architecture.
- Cloud assessment implementation and external party auditing.
- ISO 27001/27002 framework.
- ITIL (Information Technology Infrastructure Library) framework.
- COBIT (Control Objective over Information and related Technology) framework.
- Laws of cyber and ethics laws.
- Both wired and wireless are being secured.
Security Architect Soft Skills
Along with hard skills, this field also requires some soft handy skillset. Such as,
- Excellent writing skills.
- Excellent verbal skills.
- Manage staff/team morale, inspire them.
- Mentoring employees who are facing difficulties.
- Guiding non-technical employees.
- You must be a creative and strategic problem solver.
Top Certifications to Become Security Architect
CEH: Certified Ethical Hacker
- It is the most popular certification among security career-oriented people.
- It promotes international security practice.
- CEH is an essential certification that is held by every Security Architect
- It is offered by the International Council of E-Commerce Consultants (EC-Council).
CSSA: Certified SCADA Security Architect
- This certification focuses on if a student possesses guidance to secure SCADA system.
- It is designed for mega industries like oil gas and water.
- The CSSA certification is very beneficial for network managers at industries, as well as IT-oriented employees and their managers
- It asses vulnerability assessment.
- It trains the candidate to detect attacks on SCADA systems.
- The CSSA certification encompasses authorization and authentication of the user
CISSP: Certified Information Systems Security Professional
- IT company recruiters prefer Security Architects to have a must CISSP certification name in their CV.
- Courses in Certified Information Systems Security Professional include; Networking, Access Control, Telecommunications, and Cryptography.
CISSP-ISSAP: Information Systems Security Architecture Professional
- CISSP-ISSAP is certification if you are an analyst of security or chief of a Security Architect.
- This certification teaches to improve your abilities in designing, analyzing, and developing security essentials for the company.
- It also makes you expert in giving an opinion regarding risk-based guidance, so you can meet the security goals of your organization.
- It covers the subject of security assessment, security engineering and architecture, communication, network security, and software development security.
CISM: Certified Information Security Manager
- It guides you about the design and management of information
- It trains you about incident management and compliance information.
- It develops and manages information security of an organization
- It advocates professional involved in governance and security assessment of the organization
- Certification of CISM cost between $400 to $600.
Conclusion
We hope this blog helped you in understanding the security architect job requirements and ways to get the job and be on the top.
