How To Become An Information Systems Security Manager: What It Is and Career Path

What is an information systems security manager and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

An information systems security manager is a leadership professional who oversees the security protocols for computers, computer networks, and databases for an organization or a company. These individuals are responsible for ensuring that security systems are in working order, and function as required to repel cyber attacks and security breaches of an organization's information systems.

An information system security manager provides guidance for security teams, evaluates networks for security vulnerabilities, manages anti-virus and firewall systems, conducts computer patch management, intrusion detection, and data encryption. These professionals also work to execute strategies to improve the reliability of IT systems, implement and maintain organizational security policies and procedures, and advise upper management on an organization's cybersecurity status.

Most information systems security managers have a bachelor's or a master's degree in computer science, IT, network security, or a related field. Some employers may consider candidates who have IT security certifications, and comparable experience, skills, and expertise. These individuals should possess strong analytical, management, communication, and problem-solving skills, and should have a working knowledge of cybersecurity systems and operations. An information systems security manager can work in a variety of industries and can make up to $111,000 annually in the US, and the career field is expected to grow by a whopping 32% in the next 10 years.

ScoreInformation Systems Security ManagerUS Average

Salary

7.9

Avg. Salary $109,477

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

6.5

Growth rate 32%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

4.8

Race

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%

Gender

female 18.19%

male 81.81%

Age - 42

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 42

Stress level

6.5

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level

8.4

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance

6.9

Work life balance is good

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become an information systems security manager

Explore information systems security manager education requirements

Most common information systems security manager degrees

Bachelor's

59.1 %

Associate

23.2 %

Master's

13.9 %

Start to develop specific information systems security manager skills

Skills	Percentages
RMF	8.03%
IAM	7.18%
DOD	5.98%
ISSM	5.96%
Windows	4.77%

Complete relevant information systems security manager training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New information systems 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 systems security manager based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real information systems security manager resumes.

Gain additional information systems security manager certifications

Information systems 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 systems security manager certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

The most common certifications for information systems security managers include Certified Information Systems Security Professional - Architecture (CISSP) and Security 5 Certification.

More About Certifications

Research information systems security manager duties and responsibilities

Upgrade and manage all manage & unmanage network switches and routers.
Manage the training and education program for the ISSO and user population.
Lead the HBSS enterprise upgrade effort for classify and unclassify networks to ensure DISA compliance.
Manage and maintain incident reporting of HIPAA violations including logging, communication and removal of all sensitive data.

Prepare your information systems security manager resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your information systems 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 systems 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 systems security manager resume templates

Build a professional information systems 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 systems security manager resume.