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Security system engineer vs information systems security officer

The differences between security system engineers and information systems 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 security system engineer and an information systems security officer. Additionally, a security system engineer has an average salary of $103,018, which is higher than the $90,730 average annual salary of an information systems security officer.

The top three skills for a security system engineer include architecture, NIST and DOD. The most important skills for an information systems security officer are RMF, DOD, and ISSO.

Security system engineer vs information systems security officer overview

Security System EngineerInformation Systems Security Officer
Yearly salary$103,018$90,730
Hourly rate$49.53$43.62
Growth rate32%32%
Number of jobs97,083202,299
Job satisfaction-5
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 63%Bachelor's Degree, 61%
Average age4242
Years of experience66

What does a security system engineer do?

The primary job of a security system engineer is to design computer systems that can prevent disruptions, such as cyberattacks and natural disasters. You will engineer, implement, and monitor security measures to protect computer networks, systems, and information. In addition, you will identify and define the requirements for system security and design computer security architecture. Other duties that you will perform include preparing and documenting standard operating protocols and procedures, configuring and troubleshooting security infrastructure, and developing security tools to help minimize computer security vulnerabilities.

What does an information systems security officer do?

An information systems security officer's role is to perform preventive measures to protect a company's data and systems from hackers or cyber-attacks. Their responsibilities revolve around assessing the existing security measures to identify any vulnerabilities or inconsistencies, recommending and implementing changes to improve security systems, and developing new strategies and programs for data protection. There are also instances when an information systems security officer must manage and maintain information in databases, train new employees, and create new security policies, all while adhering to the company's vision and mission.

Security system engineer vs information systems security officer salary

Security system engineers and information systems security officers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Security System EngineerInformation Systems Security Officer
Average salary$103,018$90,730
Salary rangeBetween $75,000 And $141,000Between $68,000 And $120,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CAPalmdale, CA
Highest paying stateCaliforniaCalifornia
Best paying companyCredit KarmaParsons
Best paying industryProfessionalProfessional

Differences between security system engineer and information systems security officer education

There are a few differences between a security system engineer and an information systems security officer in terms of educational background:

Security System EngineerInformation Systems Security Officer
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 63%Bachelor's Degree, 61%
Most common majorElectrical EngineeringComputer Information Systems
Most common collegeCalifornia State University - Long BeachStanford University

Security system engineer vs information systems security officer demographics

Here are the differences between security system engineers' and information systems security officers' demographics:

Security System EngineerInformation Systems Security Officer
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 87.6% Female, 12.4%Male, 78.3% Female, 21.7%
Race ratioBlack 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 Percentage9%9%

Differences between security system engineer and information systems security officer duties and responsibilities

Security system engineer example responsibilities.

  • Manage 3rd party approval requests for new account creation, remote access, and site-to-site VPN connections.
  • Implement a manage endpoint encryption solution utilizing TrendMicro MobileArmor to secure university workstations against sensitive data loss.
  • Perform security hardening and security testing, including applying NIST 800-53 controls.
  • Assist customer in development and completion of security documentation as specified by DIAPCAP and NIST.
  • Implement and enforce security configuration, policies and operations standards on Microsoft and UNIX systems.
  • Support troubleshooting application issues relate to network security (SIEM, firewalls, network data collection and storage).
  • Show more

Information systems security officer example responsibilities.

  • Manage a $1 million civilian contract; ISSO for 4 separate networks , 9K users, and 8K systems.
  • Lead implementation for new DAR solution for global disk encryption, developing management policy to prevent document and data leakage.
  • Manage logistics of moving necessary equipment for test across country to newly designed/built NSA certify test facility.
  • Track and report risk identify in the vulnerability scans to the IAM.
  • Perform user account administration, media control, implementation and enforcement of DoD computer security plans/policies/procedures/directives, and system security training.
  • Install DISA security patches on UNIX servers.
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Security system engineer vs information systems security officer skills

Common security system engineer skills
  • Architecture, 8%
  • NIST, 7%
  • DOD, 6%
  • RMF, 6%
  • Linux, 5%
  • Security Engineering, 5%
Common information systems security officer skills
  • RMF, 9%
  • DOD, 8%
  • ISSO, 7%
  • Windows, 5%
  • Security Posture, 5%
  • SCI, 4%

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