Information Security Engineer Responsibilities

The information security engineer works as the interface between the technology and the related services. Effective handling of information security engineer responsibilities will assist in achieving the business goals and objectives. The security engineer, thus helps in protecting and securing the company's vital information by implementing and following the given security standards and policies. He/she helps in effective management of risks that are involved in various processes and procedures by ensuring adherence with private and business procedures and safeguarding the interests of the organization.

Key Responsibilities of an Information Security Engineer

The information security engineer is of prime importance to the organization, as he/she is engaged in controlling and protecting the systems from unauthorized or illegal access, and thus securing the organization's crucial information. He/she is involved in handling various security services like data encryption, its authentication, and ensuring that the data is being used and accessed by authentic users. He/she helps in keeping the communication and other relevant details absolutely confidential. The core responsibilities that need to be carried out by this professional are as follows:

1. He/she ensures administration of various security tools that will provide risk analysis of anti virus products, vulnerability scanners, etc.
2. He/she identifies the security requirements and provides technical as well as analytical recommendations to the other members that will ensure prevention of any future risks associated with the system.
3. He/she negotiates these requirements related to security by interacting with the clients as well as the management and reviews the existing procedures for ensuring its applicability so that there is smooth transition to its final production level.
4. He/she develops, tests, debugs and supports the entire certification and accreditation process and maintains all the documents related to its operation, maintenance and issues involved in the security systems.
5. He/she develops technology to automate the monitoring of the security procedures.He/she also ensures that all the data pertaining to the company and its clients is safeguarded against unauthorized or illegal use by implementing various methodologies against those who violate the security rules and regulations.

The information security engineer maintains the integrity, availability, confidentiality, authenticity, etc., and ensures that the data is controlled and utilized by the appropriate users. While carrying out the above duties, he/she ensures compliance with all vulnerability and mitigation procedures and develops ways to fix and resolve the security issues that may have occurred.

He/she constantly keeps a track of all these vulnerabilities and develops, maintains, updates, and implements plans of action. He/she may be involved in delegating the work and reviews their performance to ensure compliance with the security standards and procedures. He/she makes sure that all the security processes are carried out within the given budget by keeping a track and control of expenditures and makes arrangements to procure sufficient security needs. He/she ensures that high level security is maintained and consistently tests the solutions to determine its utilization.

He/she maintains logs related to investigation of security threats or any other future security threats. He/she escalates the investigated security violations or any attempts made to gain access that may eventually affect the system security. He/she is involved in performing engineering analysis, designs and implements ways to support the security by installing firewalls, intrusion detection system, routers, penetration testers, etc.

Essential Skills

The information security engineer should have the ability to assess and identify the security threats. Having exceptional problem solving skills, remaining updated with the latest technological trends, interacting effectively with the diverse range of individuals with a flexible attitude will be preferred, etc., will be preferred. He/she should be a self starter with good analyzing skills and the ability to lead and motivate others would be beneficial.

Educational Background

A bachelor or master's degree in an information systems, electrical engineering, management information systems or a similar field would be beneficial. Additional industrial exposure in a similar profile would definitely prove to be a plus.

Salary Details

The salary is dependent on the relevant skills, education, and experience in a similar position. The location, type, and size of the organization are also the key factors that help in deciding the final salary package. The remuneration for an information security engineer normally ranges in between $40,000 to $130,000.

Work Schedule

The information security engineer works in a normal office environment and his /her daily schedule normally does not extend beyond eight to nine hours shift. He/she works Monday through Friday and may need to work overtime whenever there is work load. Sometimes, he/she may work extra in the evenings to attend meetings, trainings, or conferences.

Career Prospects

The individuals who have completed their education related to this field have bright opportunities in government offices, small and large scale IT organizations, and any other related departments. As long as maintaining the security is of prime importance, there is no dearth of jobs in this field, and there is a huge scope for development and growth.

Therefore, if you want to ensure a lucrative and rewarding career ahead, the information security engineer responsibilities must be carried out efficiently in a professional manner.