What does a senior security specialist do?
A senior security specialist is in charge of developing and overseeing security protocols in an area or establishment to prevent criminal activities effectively. Their responsibilities include setting objectives, arranging schedules, patrolling the premises, managing security alarms and surveillance cameras, monitoring suspicious behavior, performing entrance inspections, and developing strategies to optimize security procedures. Furthermore, as a senior security specialist, it is essential to lead and encourage teams to reach goals, all while implementing the company's policies and regulations.
Senior security specialist responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real senior security specialist resumes:
- Lead the implementation of HSPD-12 for the AOUSC.
- Develop, maintain, and deploy custom applications and scripts to manage PC's.
- Manage the stage and promotional operations for all security personnel, including staffing, payroll processing, and general entertainment organization.
- Develop a remediation strategy for the vulnerabilities to be bring up to ICD 705 SCIF standards.
- Ensure the most vital pieces of anti-terrorism / force protection equipment are used to its full potential.
- Install, configure, and monitor network accessories and devices such as servers, network core switches, and Avaya telecommunications.
- Design security for major modernization, rehabilitation and or renovation projects.
- Exhibit efficiency in utilizing SQL database with Nextiva and multiple offsite severs with remote applications.
- Conduct audits and vulnerability assessments of DoD vendors of weapon systems, ammunition and explosives programs.
- Provide unclassified vulnerability assessments to DoD contractors for securing government equipment for loss and theft management.
- Assist local law enforcement by providing surveillance footage from perimeter and internal CCTV cameras to assist investigations.
- Support several information security initiatives including testing software vulnerabilities, PKI applications, DITSCAP and user account management.
- Validate derogatory information with appropriate authorities, when necessary, and report derogatory information to OPM as needed.
- Test CCTV, access control, intrusion detection, and area illumination systems for operational effectiveness, vulnerabilities, and reliability.
- Ensure review of security applications submit for completion and accuracy to determine type and scope of investigation before submitting to OPM.
Senior security specialist skills and personality traits
We calculated that 7% of Senior Security Specialists are proficient in Security Program, Security Policies, and SCI. They’re also known for soft skills such as Detail oriented, Problem-solving skills, and Analytical skills.
We break down the percentage of Senior Security Specialists that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Security Program, 7%
Conduct Security Program Management Reviews and develop recommendations for training and operations modifications to address security and safety operations concerns.
- Security Policies, 6%
Developed enterprise security policies that were adopted and implemented at all colleges and universities within the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system
- SCI, 4%
Recorded all final clearance and SCI access eligibility determinations in the Adjudication Management System.
- DOD, 4%
Conducted audits and vulnerability assessments of DoD vendors of weapon systems, ammunition and explosives programs.
- Security Procedures, 4%
Performed risk assessments, researched and updated security procedures and User's Guidelines, and reviewed contingency/disaster recovery planning.
- Physical Security, 4%
Act as corporate security liaison for governmental regulatory affairs related to domestic and international cargo and physical security requirements.
Most senior security specialists use their skills in "security program," "security policies," and "sci" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential senior security specialist responsibilities here:
Detail oriented. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for a senior security 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." Senior security specialists often use detail oriented in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "create detailed reports and present results in a fashion that support termination by company or prosecution by law enforcement agencies. "
Problem-solving skills. Many senior security specialist duties rely on problem-solving skills. "information security analysts must respond to security alerts and uncover and fix flaws in computer systems and networks.," so a senior security specialist will need this skill often in their role. This resume example is just one of many ways senior security specialist responsibilities rely on problem-solving skills: "mail gateway security solutions like symantec mail security devices and ciphertrust for antispam, antivirus and pgp mail encryption systems. "
Analytical skills. This is an important skill for senior security specialists to perform their duties. For an example of how senior security specialist responsibilities depend on this skill, consider that "information security analysts must carefully study computer systems and networks and assess risks to determine how security policies and protocols can be improved." This excerpt from a resume also shows how vital it is to everyday roles and responsibilities of a senior security specialist: "conferred with users to discuss issues such as computer data access needs, security violations and programming changes. ".
The three companies that hire the most senior security specialists are:
- Gavin de Becker & Associates28 senior security specialists jobs
- Amazon24 senior security specialists jobs
- Visa18 senior security specialists jobs
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Compare different senior security specialists
Senior security 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.
These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a senior security specialist are more likely to require skills like "security program," "security policies," "sci," and "security procedures." On the other hand, a job as an information assurance engineer requires skills like "rmf," "iam," "acas," and "poa." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.
Information assurance engineers tend to make the most money working in the professional industry, where they earn an average salary of $97,153. In contrast, senior security specialists make the biggest average salary, $111,344, in the finance industry.The education levels that information assurance engineers earn slightly differ from senior security specialists. In particular, information assurance engineers are 4.8% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a senior security specialist. Additionally, they're 0.7% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Senior security specialist vs. Securities consultant
A securities consultant is responsible for maintaining the safety and security of the company's premises, including enforcing protection for all the employees and company assets. Securities consultants also handle the confidentiality and stability of data network systems to prevent potential breaches and unauthorized access to information. They coordinate with the system analysts to design programs and databases as part of technical solutions to maximize productivity and increase efficiency. A securities consultant writes incident reports, recommend strategic techniques, and research threat risks that may put the company in jeopardy.
Each career also uses different skills, according to real senior security specialist resumes. While senior security specialist responsibilities can utilize skills like "sci," "icd," "corrective action," and "database," securities consultants use skills like "cloud security," "java," "application security," and "iso."
Securities consultants may earn a lower salary than senior security specialists, but securities consultants earn the most pay in the technology industry with an average salary of $99,249. On the other hand, senior security specialists receive higher pay in the finance industry, where they earn an average salary of $111,344.In general, securities consultants achieve similar levels of education than senior security specialists. They're 0.3% more likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 0.7% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Senior security specialist vs. Information technology security manager
An information technology security manager is responsible for maintaining the safety and security of the organization's network systems to prevent unauthorized access and illegal dissemination of information from the database. Information technology security managers resolve technical issues, configure network updates, and upgrade system infrastructures to enhance optimal performance and navigation. They also install applications, inspect security breaches, and fix faulty servers to avoid system downtimes and operational delays. An information technology security manager must have excellent technical and communication skills, especially in writing reports for system findings and design networks according to business requirements.
Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from senior security specialist resumes include skills like "security policies," "sci," "security procedures," and "icd," whereas an information technology security manager is more likely to list skills in "nist," "risk management," "project management," and "iso. "
Information technology security managers make a very good living in the hospitality industry with an average annual salary of $127,504. On the other hand, senior security specialists are paid the highest salary in the finance industry, with average annual pay of $111,344.Most information technology security managers achieve a higher degree level compared to senior security specialists. For example, they're 6.8% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.4% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Senior security specialist vs. Information systems security officer
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.
Types of senior security specialist
Updated January 8, 2025
