IT Career Field (Research Paper Sample)

IT Career Fields
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IT Career Fields: Information Security
This paper looks at different Information Technology (IT) career tracks associated with the area of Information Security. More specifically, focus is placed on the job positions of Systems Security Administrator/ Associate and that of Systems Security Manager. It is understood that practicality and work experience are essential in demonstrating competence in Information Security career fields and IT in general. Additionally, information stands out as a most important resource for any given organization and so security threats to the same pose a major risk to be countered. As such, the policies, standards and technologies involved in information security remain highly relevant in both public and private sectors of today’s business environments, considering the threats posed by cyber crime and terrorism.
The job of a Systems Security Administrator/ Associate is an entry-level position in the field of information security. Its description involves implementing security policies to safeguard organization’s data from threats that could be related to viruses, hackers and other causes of systems crushes. Holders of this position also work to regularly test and scan security capabilities of organization’s information systems concerning instances like identity theft and commercial fraud among many other issues that are associated with hackers.
On the other hand, Systems Security managers’ job description involves the creation; execution, control and coordination of system security policies, standards and procedures besides making sure the company’s information systems are serviceable and secure at the same time. They supervise assessments for systems vulnerabilities within an organization as a function of security systems management and breach investigation. Additionally, they are responsible for managing data backups, IT employee training, development, and data recovery in case of damage. It is the duty of Systems Security managers to supervise Information Security subordinates who may be in-house or telecommunicating workers (Education Portal, 2014).
For the entry level position of Systems Security Administrator, a Bachelors Degree in Computer/ Information Science is required. To progress to the position of Systems Security Manager, the former will be required to gain on-the-job experience of not less than 5 years in addition to acquiring some key certifications, which may include but are not limited to the following:
* Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
* Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
* Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
Most Systems Security Managers secure a Masters in Computer/ Information Science (Hosler, 2011). Furthermore, it is vital for the administrator or associate to demonstrate enhanced proficiency in computer tools and applications that may include but are not limited to Cisco, Solaris, VMware, NTFS file systems, UNIX file systems, Oracle and Windows before climbing up the career ladder.
Compensation associated with this career path is attractive (Hosler, 2011), for Systems Security Administrators, the average annual pay is about $70,000. For Systems Security Managers, the figure stands at around $120,000 per year. However, these figures vary with area, place, state or country (U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2013). The ones indicated herein are estimated averages.
Considering the required input in terms of Education and constant refreshing and learning of emergent security trends (Education Portal, 2014), there exist a notable number of pros and cons for this IT career path of Systems Security. As mentioned earlier, information forms a fundamental resource for any given organization; as such, Systems Security personnel are extremely important and invaluable in an organization. The requirement to renew certific...