A security architect maintains the security of a company’s computer system. A security architect must think like a hacker would because he/she must forestall all of the moves and tactics that hackers will use to try and obtain illegal access to the computer system. A security architect plays a vital role in the Information Technology Department. Security architects design systems to manage employees and help evolve the security requirements of the organization. Security architect rises to this senior-level position once you have inculcated rich experience and credentials in the computer security realm.

Responsibilities of a Security Architect

The main responsibility of a security architect is to design security systems to prevent malware, hacker intrusions, and Denial of Service attacks. Once the system is in the proper place, you are required to test for any weaknesses and audit the whole system. To completely test your system, you may require to hire an external consultant who can carry out penetration testing to ensure that the system is secure from external attacks.

On the other hand, a security architect may carry out his functions with other managers to implement employee protocols to maintain the integrity system. Especially, these protocols are relevant in high-level security circumstances such as work as a defense contractor. You might implement a policy that states that no workstation must be unattended and that the whole employees undergo a physical screening upon exiting and entering the department. While thrilling, such measures may be essential in the data handling process that is vital to national security. As a manager, you are required to implement training for your employees, carry out interviews for new hires, and even let people go when it is essential.

When new-fangled procedures and standards are rolled out, it is your responsibility to instruct your entire staff on these matters. As a management-level executive, you will likely require to be aware of the present environment in the security field. You are required to travel to conferences and stay abreast of publications about the specific industry. Some come across it satisfying to publish articles and relevant write-ups about new security software or unsurpassed practices for designing and framing a security architecture.

A Security Architect is required to be up-to-date about industry trends and you will be armed to assess when and how to upgrade your enterprise system. Then you are required to supervise the rollout of original software packages and ensure the complete network integrity while you do uninstall and installations. After carrying out upgrades, you can then undertake a new audit to catch any software malfunctions or conflicts.

Security architect vs. Security auditor

Usually, Security architects and auditors work in the same departments but the chief difference between the two is that the architect is frequently the auditor’s manager. The architect is the one who designs and supervises the rollout of a system, and frequently the auditor is on the team of staffers who implement that roll out.

Once the architect’s system is in a proper place, it comes to the auditor to test it and ensure that it is sound. He or she will carry out the tests and examine the results to see if there are any battles between several software packages and regulate how to resolve any conflicts effectively. The architect will be required to review the auditor’s findings and then the two will discuss and decide how to continue.

Unlike the auditor, an architect is required to perform other managerial duties such as reviewing costs as well as budgetary estimates. You are also required to ensure that new software costs are within the budget and that any external consultants can be paid promptly. You will regularly require to be prepared to protect any new-fangled expenses to the CISO or CEO of the company. Being a consultant, it will be important to discuss budgetary excesses with the customer so that the business entities will be unquestionable to receive payment.

Possible Career Paths

If you are interested in pursuing a career in the management level, especially in the security domain, you are required to consider at least a graduate-level certificate in computer security, as well as any certificates from renowned organizations in the field of security.

Entry Level Positions:

• Security Administrator
• Network Administrator
• System Administrator

IT Security Positions:

• Security Engineers
• Security Analyst
• Security Consultant

Management Positions:

• Security Architect
• Security Director
• IT Project Manager
• C-Level
• CISCO

Salaries 

In the field of computer security, qualified managers play an important role. Security and network architects, the salary is no bounds. The range of salary depends on the range of experiences. The high demand for security professionals demands high salaries. Your years of hard work, dedication, and service will determine your salary as per the current industry.

Job Requirements

Most security professionals will start their careers with a bachelor’s degree. While it is ideal that the degree must be done in computer science, cybersecurity, or information technology, you can also begin with a degree in another field. Nevertheless, to rise to the position of a security architect, you are required to have a master’s degree in cybersecurity or computer science with a specific focus on security. You are required to inculcate various knowledge and expertise in the following topics:

• Windows, Linux, and Unix OS
• Assessment procedures and risk management
• Security attack pathologies
• Cyberlaw and ethics
• Network security and architecture
• Wired and wireless security
• Enterprise and security architecture

As this is a management position you are required to have outstanding written and verbal communication skills. It will be vivacious to know how to manage and maintain staff morale and to stimulate creative solutions and innovation to bring about a sense of positivity across the organization. You are required to perform like a mentor and to work with employees who are facing problems and need help in the security field.

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