IT Security Manager

What is an IT Security Manager?

Sometimes also referred to as an Information Security Manager or a Cyber Security Manager, it is up to the IT Security Manager to lead a team of cyber-security professionals in managing and implementing programs to protect an organisation from cyber-security threats.

IT Security Manager job description

The IT Security Manager is required primarily to lead the IT Security team to deliver security measures within an organisation. A managerial position that nonetheless requires a high level of specialised technical knowledge, a good IT Security Manager will balance leadership and organisational skills with expert-level experience securing technology from both internal and external threats.

The IT Security Manager is also responsible for:

Managing department budgets

Hiring, onboarding, and training new staff

Monit or all operations and processes

Test and maintain all security measures, upgrading as required

Work with and educate organisation staff to minimise risk

Create and implement new security strategies

Implement and integrate new security measures, processes, and technologies

Assess new technology, processes, and infrastructure for risk

Develop and audit best practice policies

Report on risk activity

Proactively respond to threats and attacks

Crisis management

As cyber-security is a fast-paced, dynamic field, IT Security Managers should be keeping up with the latest technology trends and developments, as well as keeping up with new threat developments.

What skills and qualifications should an IT Security Manager have?

IT Security Managers should be able to demonstrate highly developed leadership skills, and have in-depth knowledge of cyber-security. Several years experience within a specialist cyber-security role is essential.

While a tertiary education in computer science and/or cyber-security is recommended, it is not strictly necessary. In fact, many companies prefer their cyber-security specialists -- including IT Security Managers -- to verify their best practice, up-to-date knowledge via reputable certifications. The most popular include:

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) by (ISC)²

Certified Information Systems Analyst (CISA) by ISACA

Cybersecurity Analyst Professional Certificate by IBM

Certified Information Security Manager by ISACA

Security+ by CompTIA+n

Other technical skills include:

Back-end programming languages, like C++ and PHP

Security frameworks

Risk management

Disaster/crisis planning and management

Cryptographic and key infrastructure protocols

Soft skills list:

Communication

Organisation

Interpersonal

Attention to detail

Analytical and critical thinking

Problem solving

Ability to work under pressure

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