Information Security Manager

Information Security Managers, also known as Systems Security Administrators, usually enter this career via another IT position such as network administrators or analysts. This is a growing field and recent research has found that information security professionals will be the most sought after IT professionals in 2008 and beyond. Cyber security spending by corporate and government organizations will continue to increase in 2008 as these organizations move toward more secure networks to prevent data breaches and limit the damage incurred by theft of information or equipment. Those professionals with a combination of education and experience will be the most sought after.

Information Security Manager/Administrator Job Description and Requirements

Information security managers/systems security administrators usually hold a master degree, but a bachelor degree with equivalent infosec experience is also common. IS Managers generally maintain the information security system in private, public or government organizations. Developing and implementing security polices, reporting on the network or computer system security status, running risk analysis tests and reporting on the results are common duties for this profession. Employers look for well rounded professionals with good communication skills as well as highly developed technical skills.

An information security manager should have strong interpersonal skills and be able to communicate the why and how to follow new security policies. The ability to understand the necessary functional IT needs of a business or agency to maintain efficiency and productivity and balance those needs with the necessary security needs for the network are also critical to being a successful infosec manager. Keeping current on IT security developments and continuing education in the field is expected by employers and will maintain the professional's marketability.

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Information Security Manager Job Outlook and Salary

As mentioned earlier, hiring of professionals specializing in information security will lead the IT industry in 2008 and moving forward. Those information security professionals with a masters level education, significant work experience, and industry certification will have the greatest and most lucrative opportunities. Vendor certifications such as, Check Point, CISCO and Microsoft can make one more competitive for the most desirable positions. Professional security certifications, like the CISSP, ISACA Certified Information Systems Auditor and Certified Information Security Manager, and ISC's Systems Security Certified Practitioner will help candidates for information security manager positions be more competitive.

Salary.com reports that the median expected salary for network security systems managers is $76,187 annually. Our research of salary websites and job postings in April, 2008 found that base salaries ranged from $87,000 to over $125,000, with some positions making a percentage of base salary as bonus.