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

Updated January 8, 2025
5 min read
Quoted expert
Matthew Liotine Ph.D.
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An information technology security manager protects computer systems and networks from cyber threats. They develop security policies, procedures, and strategies to safeguard against attacks, breaches, and unauthorized access. They oversee the installation and maintenance of security software and hardware, conduct risk assessments, and train employees. Information technology security managers also monitor activity, investigate incidents, and respond to breaches. They work with IT professionals, management, and stakeholders to protect the organization's assets from potential threats.

What general advice would you give to an information technology security manager?

Matthew Liotine Ph.D.Matthew Liotine Ph.D. LinkedIn profile

Clinical Professor and Director of Master of Science in Supply Chain and Operations Management, University of Illinois at Chicago

Most employers tell me that soft skills are equally, if not more important, than technical skills or domain knowledge. This translates into external/internal customer-facing skills, such as communication, team collaboration, writing, presentation, problem-solving, and being resourceful. (Many graduates overlook writing as a vital skill, but they fail to realize that in the course of their jobs, they will likely be required to write lots of memos and tons of emails.) The need to perfect these skills within the confines of a virtual world has become even more challenging and amplified with COVID. I teach in the information systems discipline, and when you view student resumes, many people look the same on paper. The soft skills will make a candidate stand out head and shoulders above the rest. That's why the candidate should pay attention to the screening interviews that they will undergo during the hiring process since employers will use these interviews to vet these skills.
ScoreInformation Technology Security ManagerUS Average
Salary
8.2

Avg. Salary $124,792

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 16.61%

male 83.39%

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

What are the pros and cons of being an information technology security manager?

Pros

  • High demand for IT security professionals

  • Good salary and benefits

  • High level of responsibility and autonomy

  • Opportunity to work remotely or have flexible work hours

  • Potential for career advancement

Cons

  • Constantly being on call for emergencies or security incidents

  • Need to balance competing priorities and interests within the organization

  • Working with tight budgets or limited resources

  • Risk of being blamed or held responsible for security breaches or incidents

  • Difficulty communicating technical information to non-technical stakeholders

Information technology security manager career paths

Key steps to become an information technology security manager

  1. Explore information technology security manager education requirements

    Most common information technology security manager degrees

    Bachelor's

    62.6 %

    Master's

    18.1 %

    Associate

    14.3 %
  2. Start to develop specific information technology security manager skills

    SkillsPercentages
    NIST6.67%
    Risk Management5.52%
    Project Management5.51%
    Risk Assessments4.27%
    Incident Response4.17%
  3. Complete relevant information technology security manager training and internships

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

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

    The most common certifications for information technology security managers include Certified Information Systems Security Professional - Architecture (CISSP) and Certified Information Security Manager (CISM).

    More About Certifications
  5. Research information technology security manager duties and responsibilities

    • Manage and represent RMFMC when dealing with patients and employees regarding matters of breach of privacy and / or HIPAA violations.
    • Manage CoBIT compliance and control self-assessment program to identify control deficiencies.
    • Manage the conversion to a hybrid NAS/disk/tape CommVault base backup environment resulting in decreasing backup windows and improving recovery objectives.
    • Create and implement security controls (encryption, inventory management), policies and procedures to ensure HIPAA compliance.
  6. Prepare your information technology security manager resume

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

    Build a professional information technology 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 technology security manager resume.
    Information Technology Security Manager Resume
    Information Technology Security Manager Resume
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    Information Technology Security Manager Resume
    Information Technology Security Manager Resume
    Information Technology Security Manager Resume
    Information Technology Security Manager Resume
    Information Technology Security Manager Resume
    Information Technology Security Manager Resume
  7. Apply for information technology security manager jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for an information technology security manager job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first information technology security manager job

Zippi

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Average information technology security manager salary

The average information technology security manager salary in the United States is $124,792 per year or $60 per hour. Information technology security manager salaries range between $91,000 and $170,000 per year.

Average information technology security manager salary
$124,792 Yearly
$60.00 hourly

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How do information technology security managers rate their job?

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Information technology security manager reviews

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A zippia user wrote a review on Sep 2023
Pros

Staying abreast of technology and helping an organization define Technology strategy.


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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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