Description
Plan, implement, upgrade, or monitor security measures for the protection of computer networks and information. Assess system vulnerabilities for security risks and propose and implement risk mitigation strategies. May ensure appropriate security controls are in place that will safeguard digital files and vital electronic infrastructure. May respond to computer security breaches and viruses.
Interests
- Conventional
- Investigative
Work Values
- Working Conditions
- Independence
- Support
Work Styles
- Attention to Detail
- Dependability
- Integrity
- Analytical Thinking
- Cooperation
Tasks
- Develop plans to safeguard computer files against accidental or unauthorized modification, destruction, or disclosure and to meet emergency data processing needs.
- Monitor current reports of computer viruses to determine when to update virus protection systems.
- Encrypt data transmissions and erect firewalls to conceal confidential information as it is being transmitted and to keep out tainted digital transfers.
- Perform risk assessments and execute tests of data processing system to ensure functioning of data processing activities and security measures.
- Modify computer security files to incorporate new software, correct errors, or change individual access status.
Work Activities
- Working with Computers
- Getting Information
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
- Analyzing Data or Information
Detailed Work Activities
- Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
- Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
- Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
- Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
- Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
- Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
- Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
- Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
- Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
- Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Technology Skills
- Web platform development software
- Data base user interface and query software
- Transaction security and virus protection software
- Network monitoring software
- Development environment software
Abilities
- Deductive Reasoning
- Inductive Reasoning
- Oral Comprehension
- Problem Sensitivity
- Written Comprehension
Skills
- Reading Comprehension
- Critical Thinking
- Active Listening
- Complex Problem Solving
- Speaking
Knowledge
- Computers and Electronics
- English Language
- Administration and Management
- Engineering and Technology
- Telecommunications
Most Common Education Level
The “Most Common Education Level” refers to the level of education held by the majority of workers in a given occupation. For example, if the highest percentage of workers in a role have an Associate’s Degree, that suggests this is the typical educational requirement. Knowing this helps you plan how many years of education you may need to pursue that career.
Certificates
Certifying Organization
Microsoft Corporation
Type
Product/Equipment
Certificate name
Certified Cybersecurity Operations AnalystCertifying Organization
Information Systems Audit and Control Association
Type
Core
Certificate name
Certified Counterintelligence Threat AnalystCertifying Organization
McAfee Institute
Type
Advanced
Certificate name
Microsoft Security, Compliance, and Identity FundamentalsCertifying Organization
Microsoft Corporation
Type
Product/Equipment
Certifying Organization
IBM Corporation
Type
Product/Equipment
Income Percentile
The income percentiles show how earnings are distributed within a profession. The 10th percentile means that 10% of workers earned less than that amount. The median (50th percentile) indicates that half of workers earned more, and half earned less. The 90th percentile reflects what the top 10% of earners in the field make.
| Income Percentile | Annual Income |
|---|---|
| Low (10%) | $88,126 |
| Median (50%) | $116,280 |
| High (90%) | $148,617 |
Income by Experience
This table shows how income typically grows with experience—from entry level (0–2 years), to mid-level (3–5 years), to senior level (6–8 years), to expert level (8+ years).
| Experience | Income |
|---|---|
Entry Level  | $98,111 |
| Mid Level | $117,447 |
| Senior Level | $128,432 |
| Expert Level | $149,135 |
Employability
There are currently 180,700 jobs in this career path. Over the next 10 years, that number is expected to increase to 239,800 positions, reflecting a projected growth of 33%.
The Projected Job Growth figure refers to the expected increase or decrease in employment within a specific career field over a certain period of time.
Projected Job Growth of 33%
Related Careers
The career information and data on this site incorporates information from O*NET Web Services, Lightcast, CareerOneStop, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). For more details regarding the data sources and the specific information sourced, click here.
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