The security architect skills can be defined as a person who is entrusted to manage and keep a watchful eye on the various security aspects of a company. He has to be very vigilant and carefully observe that no hacker, phisher or farmer can damage the computer system and steal sensitive information from its database. Therefore, you need to be shrewd as an attacker to anticipate the techniques employed by hackers to perform their illegal task. The job is very challenging yet quite interesting. At times, you have to work during odd hours and remain completely updated with the latest developments in cybersecurity to stay ahead of your opponent. You will be surprised to know that several individuals were previously working as hackers are now employed as security architects.
What do Security Architect skills primarily do?
A Security Architect is a post of much responsibility because you need to perform a set of jobs which can be discussed as follows-
Develop a robust and concrete security level for all computers systems which cannot be simply hacked. You need thorough research before planning and designing the security web.
You also need to fortify the internet system such as LAN and WAN apart from VPN, routers, firewall, and other network systems.
You also need to create an analysis of cost and determine integration concerns
Test the develops and also consider the risk analysis and security assessments
Perform the role of team leader and guide the entire team for building a robust security network
To observe that the VPN, routers, firewall, and IDS scanning techniques are installed properly
You have to obtain complete knowledge of the entire security system of the business to carry out your task efficiently and successfully.
Explore the different possibilities of security models and system as well as verify protocols.
Keep on refreshing the computer systems with the latest security software
Aptly respond to any security threats after analyzing the problem methodically
In addition to these major activities, you also have to carry out other tasks from time to time as per the requirement. A CISO is a senior of security architect, and all the updates and reports have to be shared with him.
The Journey to Become a Security Architect
It is to be noted that the road to becoming a successful and proficient security architect skills starts with the entry-level and then is followed by the intermediate level. In the entry level, there are three positions namely; security administrator, system administrator, and network administrator. Similarly, when you reach the intermediate level, you will be assigned as a security engineer, security consultant, and security analyst. The designation of security architect is a promotion which you get in large IT companies. You can also serve as Chief Security Analyst (CSA) or a CISO.
Essential Qualifications for becoming a Security Architect
The post of security architect is a prestigious designation which needs an individual to fulfill some essential criteria that include academic qualifications, work experience in the field as well as hard and soft skills. First, let us analyze the necessary degree requirements-
You already are aware of the job responsibilities of a security architect. There the applicant should compulsorily be either a BSc or Cyber Security. However, if you don't have a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, you should be a Post Graduate in IT Security.
Experience in the field
If you are applying for this high post, then it is clear that the company would prefer to hire highly experienced experts who have associated with the IT sector. Most of the IT giants like to employ individuals having relevant experience of around five to ten years in the IT industry and have been working as business planners or systems analyst. Additionally, you need to 3-5 years of experience in system security. If you have adequate knowledge in ethical hacking, you will top the company’s priority list in a selection of eligible candidates.
The Other Prerequisites: Hard and Soft Skills
Another vital prerequisite which any security architect skills have to satisfy is knowledge of the hard and soft skills. The hard skills cover acquaintance of technical aspects. They are-
Familiarity with popular desktop-based Operating Systems such as Windows, Linux, and UNIX.
Knowledge of outer security controls and network management that involve firewall, IPS or IDS.
Should know how to monitor risk and frame policies based on authentication and have control over security threats.
The acquaintance of COBIT, ISO 27001/02 and ITIL becomes necessary.
Planning out security for wireless internet, VLAN and router
Become an auditor to an intermediary and assessing cloud risk techniques
Validating security related conceptions that involve routing of DNS and VPN proxy services as well as developing DDOS technologies
The Salary Prospects of a Security Architect
When you become a security architect, you can't expect to get the highest wage. However, do not get disappointed. The IT firms are paying handsomely to eligible and security architect skills instead of their services. According to an estimate, an experienced security architect skills can expect a salary that ranges 50,000 USD to 90,000 USD per annum. However, the salary factor depends on the reputation of the company. For instance, if you are working for IT giants like Barclays, TCS, or IBM you can expect an excellent salary against some smaller firms. But on the whole, the average salary of a security architect is around $65,000 per annum.
Important Certificates Associated with Security Architect skills
If you want to improve your career prospects then perusing an advanced certification in security architecture skills will determine to be quite beneficial. There are some certificate programs conducted by various training centers around the world. A few popular ones include-
Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
The first of the critical certifications which will help in your career-boosting is CISM. This certificate is offered by the ISACA. However, to avail the certificate, you need to qualify the CISM examination and also have about 5 years of related experience in the field. If you fail to follow the instructions within the said period, your certificate will become invalid. The experience proof must be presented in the form of an application.
Apart from that, it is important for each of the ISACA members and also the exam applicants to follow a specific code of professional ethics. Out of the 5 years experience proof which you will be submitting to get the certificate, three years should be served in the information security management department. This experience certificate needs to be obtained ten years before getting the certificate or within 5 years of qualifying the exam.
If you have some additional certificates related to security information such as CISSP, CISA or you are a postgraduate in information security it will always stimulate your career prospects. These are two-year courses. However, your experience application will be considered true if you have experience with general security management. But if you are a university instructor with a couple of years experience, then you are exempted from producing the security certificate.
Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
There is no doubt regarding the fact that out of the many certificate courses prescribed for security training to get the best security architect skills, the CEH Certification is on the acme and preferred by most IT aspirants. Hacking is an illegal activity, but here ethical hacking is taught to prevent the cyber threat and to counter the web attackers. First and foremost you will be trained on how to think like a hacker which is very necessary if you want to secure your confidential information.
Here you learn the exact way of hacking a website so that you can protect your systems. It covers five different stages so that you can target your opponent and succeed in every attempt. These 5 stages are a proper investigation of the problem, the right to admission, getting the details, managing your access and lastly masking your tracks. Each of the details is given in a clear manner including procedures and tools. It is ethical or legal because it is done for some good reason.
GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC)
The GIAC is designed for the security professionals who want to prove that they are eligible for performing IT security based job. They will have to demonstrate their knowledge about the security system away from conventional methods and understandings. One of the primary advantages of this certification is that the individual does not require any formal training and you can find information from some sources. You need to pass a proctored test which comprises of 180 questions. The time allotted is five hours, and you need to secure at least 74 percent to qualify for the exam.
Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
CISSP is one of the recognized security certificates which have got international recognition worldwide. The certification gives a platform to all those individuals who want to display their thorough knowledge of technical and management skills. You can show that you can design a robust security system which is quite capable of curtailing the cyber threats.
The curriculum of the CISSP exam focuses on eight major issues namely; communications and network security, security operations, managing identity, the safety of the assets and access, risk management, security of software development, and lastly security engineering. The exam duration is six hours, and there are 250 questions which require to be answered. The passing score is 700 out of 1000, and you can give the exam in any language including English. The Pearson Vue Testing Center conducts the exam.
Information Systems Security Architecture Professional (ISSAP)
ISSAP is one of the most critical certificates which is directly related to the security architect skills. Here the candidate has to have a couple of years experience in architecture and should work as independent consultants. You get the first taste of this particular field of job and get familiar with what the role of a security architect training is. The candidate learns to build a strong security system by implementing the plan. After receiving ISSAP certification, you can work in some respective fields all associated with security development. The course curriculum of the includes essential topics such as cryptography, planning security considerations, network security, accessing control and techniques, planning for technical business and analyzing security architecture skills. You will be allotted 3 hours to complete CISSP exam and have to attempt 125 questions. The passing score is 700 out of 1000.
Certified SCADA Security Architect Training (CSSA)
The CSSA certification exam is conducted with the purpose of getting acquainted if the candidate is eligible enough to receive a SCADA system. It is very helpful in the development of vital infrastructures such as transmitting electricity, oil, gas and water treatment companies. It is useful for IT professionals as well because it is related to the security aspect. You learn the tricks to detect cybercrime. While preparing for CSSA exam you need to emphasize on some topics. There are altogether one hundred questions and two hours to answer them.
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