Data Security Engineer Job Description, Certification And Salary
If you are thinking of becoming a data security engineer, or you are just curious about it as a career option, then read on. In this article, we are going to discuss some of the important details related to the job of a data security engineer, so that you can decide whether or not it is the right job for you personally to pursue.
What Is a Data Security Engineer?
Data security engineers are experts in developing and overseeing technology security systems to help protect those systems and associated ones from the effects of various kinds of cybercrime. A big part of data security engineering is being able to find unique and powerful solutions to many of the more common cyber threats, and that means always being aware of the changing face of cyber crime. A data security engineer may work on a freelance or contracted basis.
Data Security Engineer: Job Description
A data security engineer’s main priority at all times is to help safeguard a company’s technology systems, so everything they do centres around this main task. They will generally plan and carry out a wide variety of security measures to ensure that those systems are kept intact. It is of major importance to a data security engineer that they work hard to keep sensitive data and systems from being infiltrated or otherwise attacked. These security engineers will usually work as part of a larger team, and respond to others in that team on a frequent basis.
Roles & Responsibilities Of a Data Security Engineer
In order to achieve the main goal of keeping computer systems intact and protected, a data security engineer needs to adhere to a number of specific roles and responsibilities within the team they are working in. These may include:
- Developing plans for increased security across the systems.
- Putting various protections into place.
- Testing and re-testing systems for known vulnerabilities.
- Monitoring systems for security breaches.
- Investigating those breaches and any other anomalies.
- If the data security engineer achieves all that, the systems are likely going to be better protected.
Data Security Engineer Skills
If you are considering becoming a data security engineer, it will be helpful to know what skills are specifically useful in both landing the job and ensuring that you achieve your goals within the job once you have got it. When looking for a job as a data security engineer, you will always find it easier to use a trusted resource like FieldEngineer, as that makes it much more likely you will find the right job for you. But before applying for the work, make sure that you are aware of whether or not you have the right skills.
These skills include: the ability to think logically; good handling of technical information; awareness of modern computer systems; good communication; planning; implementation; and much more.
Data Security Engineer Certifications
Those seeking to become fully qualified data security engineers will likely need to seek out CISSP certification through the International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium. For this, you will need five years’ work experience in engineering.
Data Security Engineer Salary
As a data security engineer, you can hope to earn an average salary of around $90,000, with a possible average of $6,000 for a bonus each year. At the very lower end, you might earn $25,000, though that is rare - and at the upper end, it’s more like $145,000.
FAQs
Do I Need a Bachelor’s Degree to Become a Data Security Engineer?
In general, you will almost certainly want to gain a bachelor’s degree in information security or a related field.
Where Can I Find Data Security Engineer Jobs?
The best way is to work through a dedicated service like FieldEngineer, who can put you in touch with the best opportunities.
Is There Much Upward Mobility for a Data Security Engineer?
If you work hard, you could become a security architect, information security manager or a chief information security officer.
What is the Difference Between a Security Analyst and a Data Security Engineer?
Engineers are those who build the systems; analysts find the problems or weaknesses within them. The engineer is responsible for building and maintaining the system.
If you are considering becoming a data security engineer, this information should help you. As long as you work hard at it and you are keen and dedicated, there is no reason that data security engineering should be beyond you - and it could be a hugely rewarding career path to take.
