The following article discusses the career path of Information Security Manager. Learn about how to become one, education requirements, job duties, traits and qualities, national salary outlook as well as top national employers of Information Security Managers.
Sponsored School(s)
Job Duties
Information security managers are responsible for the maintenance of various security protocols. They develop strategies that ensure their internet and network security is improved and fit for purpose. They manage a team of other professionals and ensure that only those with the relevant credentials can access various pieces of data. Furthermore, they help to identify and prevent problems with hardware and software.
Often, they are responsible for making sure that security policies are fit for purpose and in line with the regulatory environment. They make changes and amendments as and when necessary, with the goal of avoiding identity theft and data corruption by setting appropriate privacy rules. They also ensure that all operating systems are up to date, while also completing maintenance checks.
Furthermore, information security managers ensure that all networks are running properly. They often work long hours, particularly if there is a breach or other security issues. They report directly to the IT chief.
Other duties of the information security manager are:
- To develop audit plans and policies, ensuring security risks can be identified before they become a problem
- To make sure that all systems are configured properly and are up to date, thereby protecting the infrastructure
- To communicate policies and take the lead in security training
- To ensure that all systems are compliant and fully secure and to migrate any data on these systems that are not currently secure.
- To test the various security features and to head forensic investigations as and when required
Where We Work
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 367,600 computer and information system managers in 2016. The largest employers of these professionals are:
- Computer systems design and related services: 22%
- Information: 11%
- Finance and insurance: 11%
- Management of companies and enterprises: 10%
- Manufacturing: 8%
Also according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 100,000 information security analysts in 2016. The largest employers of these professionals are:
- Computer systems design and related services 28%
- Finance and insurance 19%
- Management of companies and enterprises 9%
- Information 8%
- Administrative and support services 6%
How to Become
An information security manager has to have excellent communication skills, with the capability to discuss technical issues with non-technical staff. They must also be able to persuade management on improvements that need to be made. Usually, this job will require a bachelor’s degree in an information technology related field. Experience in network administration or systems security is also greatly appreciated. Further IT certifications are generally not mandatory, but they are recommended.
Education Requirements
Normally, an information security manager has to have a bachelor’s degree in a field relating to computer science as a minimum. Knowledge of management information systems (MIS) is particularly important. Furthermore, a graduate degree is now commonly required, with the Master of Business Administration (MBA) being the most popular. One of the reasons for this is because it requires professional experience, which further enhances career prospects. Indeed, professional experience is incredibly important, with the most senior information security managers having as much as ten years experience in the field, although this depends on the size and age of the organization they work for.
Information security managers can be found in any element of the economy. As a result, they often have additional certifications in fields related to their particular niche or industry. This is generally not a legal requirement, but it does increase job prospects because it demonstrates commitment to excellence.
Traits & Qualities
The most effective information security managers have the following traits to some degree or other:
- Strong analytical skills
- Excellent business skills
- Great communication skills, both verbal and written
- Strong decision making skills
- Excellent leadership skills
- Great organizational skills
Minimum Education
Bachelor’s but master’s preferred Degree
The national average salary estimate for Information Security Manager was $85,715. This number is estimated from over 515,536 employees, users past and present job advertisements from Indeed.com. This equates to an hourly salary of $44.64 and monthly of $7,143.
- .
- .
- .
- Most Reported
- .
- .
- .
- .
- .
- .
$21,000
$192,000
The following section lists Information Security Manager salaries in each state around the country. The figures are based on the total number of job postings through Indeed.com. For example, US had the largest quoted salary of $85,715 while US had the smallest quoted salary of $85,715.
According to Indeed.com, the following states had employers looking to hire a Information Security Manager. The quoted salary figure represents the average salary from all job postings by this employer.
| Employer Name | Location | Average Salary |
|---|
Learn More
- Information security handbook: a guide for managers
- Information System Security Manager (ISSM) | Department of …
- Computer and Information Systems Managers : Occupational …
| Career Name | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Management Consultant | $88,374 |
| Pricing Manager | $88,102 |
| Systems Engineer | $87,511 |
| Systems Project Manager | $86,680 |
| Assistant controller | $86,020 |
| Information Systems Manager | $85,684 |
| Supply Chain Manager | $85,591 |
| Gaming Manager | $84,668 |
| Construction Manager | $84,322 |
| Risk Analyst | $84,024 |
