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What does an Information Security Engineer do?

Updated January 8, 2025
7 min read
What does an Information Security Engineer do

An information security engineer specializes in designing and developing systems to protect company and customer data from hackers or any cyber attacks. Their responsibilities revolve around coordinating with different departments to identify their needs, assess existing programs to identify any areas needing improvement, monitor network and system for any problems, and implement preventive measures for protection. Should there be any breaches, it is essential to resolve them right away and conduct an investigation to prevent it from happening again. Furthermore, it is necessary to assist employees in utilizing security systems to ensure smooth workflow.

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Information security engineer responsibilities

Here are examples of responsibilities from real information security engineer resumes:

  • Lead the certification and accreditation efforts by implementing NIST 800-53 security controls in order to obtain FISMA compliance.
  • Implement a manage endpoint encryption solution utilizing TrendMicro MobileArmor to secure university workstations against sensitive data loss.
  • Ensure that security policies are properly implement using NIST guidelines and perform auditing of logs.
  • Conduct Java algorithm design reviews and resolve any design issues.
  • Automate manual queries and integration using WhiteHat API's with PERL and Java.
  • Update ACAS plugins weekly or when updates become available on the DISA provide website.
  • Provide governance assistance in areas of compliance such as HIPAA, PCI, and SOX.
  • Support VA-EHT activities to include ISO review of deliverables before submitting to VA QA for review.
  • Task with the creation of virtual machines, monitoring of resources and configuration of VMware networks.
  • Act as domain expert for all Unix, security, and networking technical support issues requiring escalation.
  • Provide security management, guidance, and technical support for Unix, NT, network devices and anti-virus.
  • Perform DLP server scanning-analysis of PCI/PHI data resting on hospital servers and report findings to the risk assessment group.
  • Utilize SIEM, logging, and packet tracer applications to retrieve correlate and archive information to resolve various incident relate tickets.
  • Install, configure and maintain VMware Linux systems, LDAP server, repository servers and applications security plans and server configuration.
  • Install and configure Splunk log management solution.

Information security engineer skills and personality traits

We calculated that 7% of Information Security Engineers are proficient in Infrastructure, Incident Response, and Security Tools. They’re also known for soft skills such as Analytical skills, Detail oriented, and Problem-solving skills.

We break down the percentage of Information Security Engineers that have these skills listed on their resume here:

  • Infrastructure, 7%

    Coordinated engineering initiatives in multiple locations for security application and infrastructure utilization that included the Wilmington, Delaware 12,000 sq.

  • Incident Response, 6%

    Designed and implemented security monitoring and incident response events & activities and provided to management via reports and presentations.

  • Security Tools, 5%

    Evaluate customers' networks for best possible placement and utilization of security tools they purchased, like network based Intrusion Detection.

  • Network Security, 4%

    Provided Information Assurance, network security, integration and implementation of computer systems and applications, analyzes and defines security requirements.

  • SIEM, 4%

    Evaluated several SIEM products and purchased AlienVault USM as the environments primary security monitoring technology.

  • NIST, 4%

    Helped prepare for Certification and Accreditation of hosted information systems following NIST guidelines.

Common skills that an information security engineer uses to do their job include "infrastructure," "incident response," and "security tools." You can find details on the most important information security engineer responsibilities below.

Analytical skills. One of the key soft skills for an information security engineer to have is analytical skills. You can see how this relates to what information security engineers do because "information security analysts must carefully study computer systems and networks and assess risks to determine how security policies and protocols can be improved." Additionally, an information security engineer resume shows how information security engineers use analytical skills: "performed risk analysis and penetration testing on for over 500 linux, windows, network and virtual assets. "

Detail oriented. Another essential skill to perform information security engineer duties is detail oriented. Information security engineers responsibilities require that "because cyberattacks can be difficult to detect, information security analysts must pay careful attention to computer systems and watch for minor changes in performance." Information security engineers also use detail oriented in their role according to a real resume snippet: "write and execute detailed qa test scripts for new check point full disk and media encryption products. "

Problem-solving skills. information security engineers are also known for problem-solving skills, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to information security engineer responsibilities, because "information security analysts must respond to security alerts and uncover and fix flaws in computer systems and networks." An information security engineer resume example shows how problem-solving skills is used in the workplace: "conducted java algorithm design reviews and resolved any design issues. "

See the full list of information security engineer skills

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Compare different information security engineers

Information security engineer vs. Access control specialist

An Access Control Specialist is in charge of implementing security protocols and systems to prevent unauthorized access into different facilities. They usually stand guard at entry points to greet and verify visitors' identity, conduct inspections to detect and collect prohibited items and work together with security teams to enforce security policies and regulations. Moreover, an Access Control Specialist may also handle and monitor security alarms and systems, respond to distress, and keep an eye on any suspicious activities.

If we compare the average information security engineer annual salary with that of an access control specialist, we find that access control specialists typically earn a $43,073 lower salary than information security engineers make annually.While their salaries may differ, the common ground between information security engineers and access control specialists are a few of the skills required in each roleacirc;euro;trade;s responsibilities. In both careers, employee duties involve skills like security policies, soc, and dod.

While similarities exist, there are also some differences between information security engineers and access control specialist. For instance, information security engineer responsibilities require skills such as "infrastructure," "incident response," "security tools," and "network security." Whereas a access control specialist is skilled in "control devices," "ts/sci," "customer service functions," and "customer facilities." This is part of what separates the two careers.

Access control specialists tend to reach lower levels of education than information security engineers. In fact, access control specialists are 10.8% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.7% less likely to have a Doctoral Degree.

Information security engineer vs. Securities analyst

Securities analysts, also known as financial analysts, are responsible for collecting and interpreting data on securities, economies, corporate strategies, and financial markets. They provide clients with recommendations on investments based on in-depth research. This role has various duties and responsibilities that include putting out a buy, sell or hold recommendation in the financial markets, assessing the value and financial stability of companies, and meeting with company representatives to better understand their business practices. Securities analysts are also responsible for devising financial models.

Securities analyst positions earn lower pay than information security engineer roles. They earn a $12,954 lower salary than information security engineers per year.A few skills overlap for information security engineers and securities analysts. Resumes from both professions show that the duties of each career rely on skills like "incident response," "network security," and "siem. "

In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, information security engineer responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "infrastructure," "security tools," "security solutions," and "security posture." Meanwhile, a securities analyst has duties that require skills in areas such as "windows," "security systems," "database," and "application security." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.

Securities analysts may earn a lower salary than information security engineers, but securities analysts earn the most pay in the finance industry with an average salary of $95,246. On the other hand, information security engineers receive higher pay in the technology industry, where they earn an average salary of $103,319.securities analysts earn similar levels of education than information security engineers in general. They're 1.0% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.7% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Information security engineer vs. Securities consultant

A securities consultant is responsible for maintaining the safety and security of the company's premises, including enforcing protection for all the employees and company assets. Securities consultants also handle the confidentiality and stability of data network systems to prevent potential breaches and unauthorized access to information. They coordinate with the system analysts to design programs and databases as part of technical solutions to maximize productivity and increase efficiency. A securities consultant writes incident reports, recommend strategic techniques, and research threat risks that may put the company in jeopardy.

On average, securities consultants earn lower salaries than information security engineers, with a $5,196 difference per year.information security engineers and securities consultants both have job responsibilities that require similar skill sets. These similarities include skills such as "infrastructure," "incident response," and "siem," but they differ when it comes to other required skills.

Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from information security engineer resumes include skills like "security tools," "network security," "security posture," and "endpoint," whereas a securities consultant is more likely to list skills in "application security," "security management," "customer service," and "architecture. "

Securities consultants make a very good living in the technology industry with an average annual salary of $99,249. On the other hand, information security engineers are paid the highest salary in the technology industry, with average annual pay of $103,319.When it comes to education, securities consultants tend to earn similar degree levels compared to information security engineers. In fact, they're 3.2% less likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.6% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Information security engineer vs. Engineer

Engineers are highly trained professionals who determine the feasibility of various projects, usually related to the construction industry. They are considered experts in mathematics and science, two disciplines that they need to use in designing and coming up with plans for projects. They should also be well-versed in different construction or industrial materials, and they ensure that appropriate materials are used for the project. They also ensure that the projects meet the requirements of the groups that hired them. They create spaces that would both address the needs of the end-users and the industry standards. They also ensure that the projects they make would stand the test of time.

Engineers typically earn lower pay than information security engineers. On average, engineers earn a $5,211 lower salary per year.While their salaries may vary, information security engineers and engineers both use similar skills to perform their duties. Resumes from both professions include skills like "linux," "data loss prevention," and "cloud security. "

Even though a few skill sets overlap between information security engineers and engineers, there are some differences that are important to note. For one, an information security engineer might have more use for skills like "infrastructure," "incident response," "security tools," and "network security." Meanwhile, some responsibilities of engineers require skills like "python," "cloud," "c++," and "c #. "

Engineers enjoy the best pay in the automotive industry, with an average salary of $97,672. For comparison, information security engineers earn the highest salary in the technology industry.The average resume of engineers showed that they earn similar levels of education compared to information security engineers. So much so that theyacirc;euro;trade;re 2.2% less likely to earn a Master's Degree and more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree by 0.6%.

Types of information security engineer

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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