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What is an information security manager and how to become one
An information security manager maintains the security and integrity of an organization's data and information systems. They oversee security policies, procedures, and protocols to protect against cyber threats and prevent data breaches. Information security managers also assess risks, conduct audits, and ensure compliance. They work with IT teams to identify vulnerabilities, implement security measures, and provide data security training to employees. The role requires communication skills, attention to detail, and an understanding of security practices.
What general advice would you give to an information security manager?
Dr. Darren Hayes
Associate Professor, Pace University
Avg. Salary $126,447
Avg. Salary $59,228
Growth rate 32%
Growth rate 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 0.43%
Asian 9.64%
Black or African American 9.15%
Hispanic or Latino 8.99%
Unknown 6.09%
White 65.70%
Genderfemale 14.22%
male 85.78%
Age - 42American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%
Asian 7.00%
Black or African American 14.00%
Hispanic or Latino 19.00%
White 57.00%
Genderfemale 47.00%
male 53.00%
Age - 42Stress level is high
7.1 - high
Complexity level is advanced
7 - challenging
Work life balance is good
6.4 - fair
What are the pros and cons of being an information security manager?
Pros
High demand for information security professionals
Ability to work in various industries and sectors
Opportunities for career advancement and growth
Work can be done remotely or in-office, depending on the company
Variety of roles within the field, such as risk management, compliance, and incident response
Cons
Can be stressful dealing with potential security breaches and risks to the organization
May require extensive travel for meetings or conferences
Need to maintain a high level of confidentiality can be difficult at times
Can be difficult to balance security needs with business goals and objectives
Limited resources may hinder efforts to fully secure an organization
Information security manager career paths
Key steps to become an information security manager
Explore information security manager education requirements
Start to develop specific information security manager skills
Skills Percentages Risk Management 7.01% NIST 6.92% Infrastructure 5.40% Governance 5.32% Incident Response 4.97% Complete relevant information security manager training and internships
Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New information security managers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as an information security manager based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real information security manager resumes.Gain additional information security manager certifications
More About CertificationsInformation security manager certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific information security manager certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.
The most common certifications for information security managers include Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) and Certified Information Systems Security Professional - Architecture (CISSP).
Research information security manager duties and responsibilities
- Develop goals and strategies to achieve company goals while improving upon current ITIL processes and procedures.
- Provide direct leadership with managing corporate HIPAA Privacy/Security compliance initiatives.
- Manage the administration of various encryption, authentication and public/private key management technologies and certificate/digital authority.
- Manage the conversion to a hybrid NAS/disk/tape CommVault base backup environment resulting in decreasing backup windows and improving recovery objectives.
Prepare your information security manager resume
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your information security manager resume.
You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on an information security manager resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.
Choose from 10+ customizable information security manager resume templates
Build a professional information security manager resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your information security manager resume.
Apply for information security manager jobs
Now it's time to start searching for an information security manager job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:
- Browse job boards for relevant postings
- Consult your professional network
- Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
- Watch out for job scams
How did you land your first information security manager job
Are you an information security manager?
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Average information security manager salary
The average information security manager salary in the United States is $126,447 per year or $61 per hour. Information security manager salaries range between $91,000 and $175,000 per year.
What am I worth?
How do information security managers rate their job?
Information security manager reviews
Cost Of the Exam ....its too Expensive
Updated January 8, 2025
