What does a security systems specialist do?
Security systems specialists lead consultant and in-house teams in large-scale Linux server upgrades for multinational consulting firms to enhance system performance. These specialists develop excellent customer service through self-motivation and a team effort to improve customer retention and company reputation. They also update inventory asset databases with accurate records to enable better production decision making, analyze and resolve security faults, and perform periodic disaster recovery tests. Security systems specialists should have traits like communication skills, analytical skills, and ingenuity.
Security systems specialist responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real security systems specialist resumes:
- Develop and maintain SIEM technology/services to automate security monitoring.
- Implement a manage endpoint encryption solution utilizing TrendMicro MobileArmor to secure university workstations against sensitive data loss.
- Conduct monthly analysis of vulnerability and threat data from SIEM tool to maintain and enhance the defenses for AFS information systems.
- Analyze and document findings in accordance with NIST 800-53A vulnerability management guidance.
- Provide system administration in specialize areas such as software, critical network servers, data access/analysis, and academic research.
- Provide network LAN/WAN design, implementation, consulting and leadership for data and converge communications infrastructure base largely on Cisco equipment.
- Create environments for production, testing and development using VMware.3
- Provide SME security analysis and consulting services.
Security systems specialist skills and personality traits
We calculated that 9% of Security Systems Specialists are proficient in DOD, Technical Support, and Project Management. They’re also known for soft skills such as Detail oriented, Analytical skills, and Problem-solving skills.
We break down the percentage of Security Systems Specialists that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- DOD, 9%
Monitor, detect, and counter against known cyber-threats to Department of Defense (DoD) Enterprise.
- Technical Support, 8%
Created tailored data solutions and technical support for a user base of 10k analysts using advanced methodology and data visualization software.
- Project Management, 7%
Prepared and reviewed drawings, acquisition, and project management documentation for systems and components.
- Incident Response, 6%
Performed Forensic Investigations & Incident response using Self Created Forensic CDs.
- Security Clearance, 5%
Maintained Top Secret (SCI) security clearance.
- IDS, 5%
Monitored all IDS and access-controlled facilities monthly to determine if any deficiencies exist in the system.
Most security systems specialists use their skills in "dod," "technical support," and "project management" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential security systems specialist responsibilities here:
Detail oriented. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for a security systems specialist to have is detail oriented. Their role and 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." Security systems specialists often use detail oriented in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "provided detailed customer instruction, programming, and configuration of access control, and cctv systems. "
Analytical skills. Another essential skill to perform security systems specialist duties is analytical skills. Security systems specialists responsibilities require that "information security analysts must carefully study computer systems and networks and assess risks to determine how security policies and protocols can be improved." Security systems specialists also use analytical skills in their role according to a real resume snippet: "analyzed and integrated the linux reporting process into the srr toolkit. "
Problem-solving skills. This is an important skill for security systems specialists to perform their duties. For an example of how security systems specialist responsibilities depend on this skill, consider that "information security analysts must respond to security alerts and uncover and fix flaws in computer systems and networks." This excerpt from a resume also shows how vital it is to everyday roles and responsibilities of a security systems specialist: "assist project management in finding viable solutions for out of the ordinary installations and system upgrades. ".
The three companies that hire the most security systems specialists are:
- n-Link
9 security systems specialists jobs
- Johns Hopkins University6 security systems specialists jobs
- Allied Universal
5 security systems specialists jobs
Compare different security systems specialists
Security systems specialist vs. Information assurance engineer
Information assurance engineers are responsible for protecting an organization's data. They act as a team of security specialists that use their skill in securely operating and keeping data to protect the organization's most essential asset. Their main role is to guarantee the quality, security, and retrievability of the organization's information. Also, they outline security systems that make certain the integrity, confidentiality, and accessibility of data. Additionally, they secure IT infrastructure, maintain hardware and software updated, establish security standards, and monitor threats like breaches.
While similarities exist, there are also some differences between security systems specialists and information assurance engineer. For instance, security systems specialist responsibilities require skills such as "project management," "security clearance," "provides technical support," and "vpn." Whereas a information assurance engineer is skilled in "rmf," "iam," "windows," and "acas." This is part of what separates the two careers.
Information assurance engineers really shine in the professional industry with an average salary of $97,153. Comparatively, security systems specialists tend to make the most money in the retail industry with an average salary of $106,947.The education levels that information assurance engineers earn slightly differ from security systems specialists. In particular, information assurance engineers are 8.5% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a security systems specialist. Additionally, they're 0.6% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Security systems specialist vs. Information security officer
Information security officers are responsible for planning and implementing policies to safeguard an organization's computer network and data from different types of security breaches. Their duties typically include identifying computer network vulnerabilities, developing and executing a plan to secure and protect the network, and tracking computer network usage to ensure adherence to security policies. In addition, information security officers are also expected to conduct penetration tests to look for flaws and work closely with the IT and management departments to improve security.
While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that security systems specialist responsibilities requires skills like "technical support," "project management," "security clearance," and "ids." But an information security officer might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "risk management," "infrastructure," "governance," and "iso."
On average, information security officers earn a higher salary than security systems specialists. Some industries support higher salaries in each profession. Interestingly enough, information security officers earn the most pay in the professional industry with an average salary of $130,505. Whereas security systems specialists have higher pay in the retail industry, with an average salary of $106,947.Average education levels between the two professions vary. Information security officers tend to reach higher levels of education than security systems specialists. In fact, they're 9.6% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.6% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Security systems specialist vs. Information security engineer
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.
Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from security systems specialist resumes include skills like "project management," "security clearance," "ids," and "troubleshoot," whereas an information security engineer is more likely to list skills in "infrastructure," "security tools," "siem," and "data loss prevention. "
Information security engineers earn the best pay in the technology industry, where they command an average salary of $103,319. Security systems specialists earn the highest pay from the retail industry, with an average salary of $106,947.information security engineers typically earn higher educational levels compared to security systems specialists. Specifically, they're 7.2% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.2% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Security systems specialist vs. Network security engineer
A network security engineer is responsible for maintaining the safety and security of all the organization's network systems, conducting regular configuration and maintenance to avoid unauthorized access and suspicious activities that may pose risks for the company's integrity. Network security engineers manage security threats and strategize resolutions to mitigate the reoccurrence of security issues. They also develop security enhancement recommendations, update network infrastructure, and monitor system activities. A network security engineer should have excellent communication and technical skills, as well as a strong command of programming languages and system codes.
Types of security systems specialist
Updated January 8, 2025
