Computer security specialist vs information security officer

The differences between computer security specialists and information security officers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 4-6 years to become both a computer security specialist and an information security officer. Additionally, an information security officer has an average salary of $135,040, which is higher than the $100,909 average annual salary of a computer security specialist.

The top three skills for a computer security specialist include ACAS, FISMA and DOD. The most important skills for an information security officer are risk management, risk assessments, and incident response.

Computer security specialist vs information security officer overview

	Computer Security Specialist	Information Security Officer
Yearly salary	$100,909	$135,040
Hourly rate	$48.51	$64.92
Growth rate	32%	32%
Number of jobs	70,181	145,907
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 59%	Bachelor's Degree, 64%
Average age	42	42
Years of experience	6	6

Computer security specialist vs information security officer salary

Computer security specialists and information security officers have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Computer Security Specialist	Information Security Officer
Average salary	$100,909	$135,040
Salary range	Between $72,000 And $141,000	Between $95,000 And $190,000
Highest paying City	San Francisco, CA	San Francisco, CA
Highest paying state	Washington	California
Best paying company	Microsoft	Twilio
Best paying industry	Professional	Professional

Differences between computer security specialist and information security officer education

There are a few differences between a computer security specialist and an information security officer in terms of educational background:

	Computer Security Specialist	Information Security Officer
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 59%	Bachelor's Degree, 64%
Most common major	Computer Science	Business
Most common college	University of Pennsylvania	Stanford University

Computer security specialist vs information security officer demographics

Here are the differences between computer security specialists' and information security officers' demographics:

	Computer Security Specialist	Information Security Officer
Average age	42	42
Gender ratio	Male, 75.7% Female, 24.3%	Male, 85.9% Female, 14.1%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 9.2% Unknown, 6.1% Hispanic or Latino, 9.0% Asian, 9.6% White, 65.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%	Black or African American, 9.2% Unknown, 6.1% Hispanic or Latino, 9.0% Asian, 9.6% White, 65.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%
LGBT Percentage	9%	9%

Differences between computer security specialist and information security officer duties and responsibilities

Computer security specialist example responsibilities.

Review and manage the security and information assurance capabilities of database applications, database structure and architecture.
Perform monthly IA evaluation of systems per DISA STIG guidance using approve DoD & DISA tools.
Conduct audits, analyze system security incidents, and recommend remediation efforts to meet DoD standards.
Evaluate, implement, and maintain encryption standards.
Perform data encryption testing for a proprietary encryption key that encrypt data at rest on platforms.
Perform Nessus vulnerability scans of critical enterprise servers and devices; report results to management.

Information security officer example responsibilities.

Lead vulnerability scanning and penetration testing for PCI-DSS compliance.
Manage client relationships in conjunction with moving production environment to AWS.
Manage all printers, switches, routers, and data archiving.
Manage and ensure all AIS systems are operated in accordance with applicable DoD directives.
Avoid fines and penalties by achieving and maintaining PCI, HIPAA, and SOX compliance.
Engage to design and implement an enterprise-wide information security program to achieve SOX and HIPPA compliance.

Computer security specialist vs information security officer skills

Common computer security specialist skills

ACAS, 13%
FISMA, 11%
DOD, 10%
Security Policies, 10%
Linux, 7%
Incident Response, 7%

Common information security officer skills

Risk Management, 12%
Risk Assessments, 7%
Incident Response, 7%
Infrastructure, 6%
Governance, 5%
ISO, 5%

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Computer Security Specialist vs Information Security Officer

Updated January 8, 2025

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