Cyber Security Administrator

A security administrator is a person who coordinates the activities of a cybersecurity team. They are often in charge of the installation, administration, and troubleshooting of the security solutions used by a business. They also design security rules and training manuals for their coworkers on how to protect themselves and their belongings.

Administrators of security systems are responsible for the entire system rather than for individual elements of it. Therefore, the security administrator takes a step back to get a more comprehensive picture of the system’s security while network and systems administrators set up and manage it. While their counterparts are concerned with hardware and software, they are concerned with defending the system as a whole and keeping it safe from threats.

The following responsibilities may be assigned to a security administrator:

1. Fraud, alteration, and destruction of systems that have not been permitted
2. Scanning and evaluating the network for potential vulnerabilities
3. Keeping an eye on network traffic for any unexpected activity
4. Security tools must be configured and maintained, including firewalls, antivirus software, and patch management systems.
5. Putting network security rules in place, as well as application security, access control, and data safeguards for the company
6. Instruction of coworkers in the importance of security awareness and procedures
7. Developing and maintaining business continuity and catastrophe recovery plans and procedures

Cyber Security Administrator Career Guide

In cybersecurity, the most common role is security administrator, sometimes known as systems security administrator, network systems administrator, or information technology security administrator. The title and scope of the role will vary depending on the size and structure of the organization, but this is the position where the majority of cybersecurity experts begin their careers.

And, as is true of many other professions, the backgrounds of individuals who take on this entry-level position vary widely. Degrees in computer science or cybersecurity are typically preferred, as is previous work experience in an information technology-related field.

Despite this, many people enter the sector with an unrelated educational background that has been augmented with transferable expertise in technical subjects. Further cybersecurity training and certifications will offer any candidate a leg up on the competition for these entry-level roles.

What does a Cyber Security Administrator do?

There is a wealth of valuable information in computers that hackers would kill to get their hands on or destroy. A security systems administrator is responsible for overseeing all areas of information security and safeguarding a company’s virtual data resources. In addition, security administrators are responsible for maintaining the security of a company’s desktop, mobile, and network systems and installing, administering, and troubleshooting the company’s security solutions.

Training staff on proper protocols, monitoring network traffic for any suspicious activity, performing risk assessments, auditing machines and their software, updating software with the latest security patches, and ensuring that each network resource has the proper defenses are all responsibilities of security systems administrators. They can even protect against zero-day malware, and in some situations, they may be able to give evidence of a cyber-attack to punish those who have violated security.

Because this employment is founded on a position of trust, having a strong sense of ethical principles is a vital personal characteristic. Detecting and neutralizing events is undoubtedly an important part of the equation; but, being proactive and attempting to put in place preventative measures is the most effective way of preventing security issues in the first place.

The following are examples of the duties that a security systems administrator may perform:

1. Protecting computer systems against illegal access
2. Making use of penetration testing and vulnerability scanning
3. Traffic is being monitored for signs of suspicious activity.
4. Configuring and maintaining security tools (firewalls, antivirus, and intrusion detection and prevention software)
5. Putting network security policies into effect
6. Performing analysis and determining security requirements
7. Identifying potential risks and developing countermeasures to protect against them
8. Employees are being educated on security protocols and awareness.
9. Disaster recovery protocols are being developed and updated.
10. Security audits are being carried out.
11. Policy recommendations are being made.
12. Providing technological security consulting services
13. Educating employees, supervisors, and executives about optimal security measures is necessary.

Cyber Security Administrator Roles and Responsibilities

Roles of the Security Systems Administrator

Access control systems are something that security professionals spend a lot of their time configuring and maintaining. Among the responsibilities are:

1. Constructing the system’s processes and user accounts within the system’s constraints.
2. Technical policies for user groups to comply with Administering groups and organizational units in the system to match to business units and teams requiring similar access levels Designing and executing technical policies for user groups to adhere to
3. Auditing user access and activity from log files is a common practice.
4. Handling account exceptions, such as lockouts, forgotten passwords, and account setup and deactivation, among other things
5. The specifics of these responsibilities will vary depending on the operating system and security methods that are in use by the company.

Security Systems Administrator Responsibilities in the Workplace

Security administrators should be conversant with the following types of access control methods, at a bare minimum:

Depending on your employer, your tasks as a security administrator may differ, but the installation and control of the security system will be your primary responsibility.

The following are examples of some of your job responsibilities:

1. First, establish network security requirements for your organization.
2. Create a list of policy suggestions after conducting security audits.
3. Colleagues should be trained and guided on tactics and policies, if appropriate.
4. Third, protect the system from unauthorized access or modification.
5. Keep an eye out for any strange activity or traffic on the system.
6. Finally, make a plan for rehabilitation and how you will continue to operate your business.

How to become a Cyber Security Administrator?

1. Aspiring security administrators should be prepared for a difficult and time-consuming training procedure. Continue reading to learn more about security administrator school alternatives, experience requirements, and professional certifications in this field. Several job prospects for college graduates who want to advance their careers and become security administrators are also discussed in this website section.
2. Education requirements for security administrators differ depending on the organization, the job title, and the job description. For example, many entry-level security administrator positions need candidates to have a bachelor’s degree in information technology or a similar discipline. However, information security specialists frequently require master’s degrees to advance to management roles, such as an MBA or a master’s degree in information systems.
3. Degrees in information technology, information assurance, computer science, or information technology management are common among cybersecurity professionals. As a result, prospective employers can see that graduates are knowledgeable about the nuances of various cyber hazards and information security measures.
4. Candidates for security administration positions who have prior professional experience can demonstrate their preparedness. Lower-level information technology occupations, such as database administration, are common among security administrators, who have gained valuable work experience. In addition, several graduates progress from entry-level cybersecurity careers to senior-level security administration positions.
5. Future security administrators can develop the hard and soft skills employers look for by tracking their work experience in a work log.
6. Although certifications are not required for security administrator roles, having these qualifications might help applicants impress hiring managers, and land job offers in the field.

Following graduation, students can pursue certifications that demonstrate their skill in a specific field of cybersecurity, such as penetration testing, ethical hacking, or information security management. They may also choose to obtain credentials in a broader field.

What is the skill required to become a Cyber Security Administrator?

Degree

The organization you work for will be the definitive response to this criterion. A small business may accept work experience or an associate’s degree as proof of your qualifications if you wish to work for them. Expect larger organizations that face greater risk to require a bachelor’s degree in cyber security or a relevant computer science discipline and other qualifications. It can be a worthwhile investment if you plan to advance your career by obtaining a technical degree or furthering your education with a targeted security master’s degree.

Experience in the Workplace

Once again, the answer can be found within your potential or current employer’s organization. Some employers accept as little as one year of experience, while others require five years of relevant expertise.

Soft Skills are those that can be taught

1. Effective communication abilities
2. Writing abilities that are clear and informative
3. Comfortable speaking in front of a group of people and facilitating training, workshops, and classes for colleagues.
4. Organized, with an eye for detail and patience.

 Hard Skills

Advanced knowledge of firewall technology is required.

1. The following L4-L7 protocols are required: HTTP, SMTP, SSL, IPSec, and DNS. Proficient in Proxy Server, Packet Shaper, and Load Balancer solutions from Checkpoint, Juniper and Cisco.
2. Extensive knowledge of IDS/IDP technologies. Acquire familiarity with all of the major computer operating systems. Linux, UNIX, and Windows are all examples of computer operating systems.
3. Knowledge of network protocols and network analysis tools is essential.
   

Available Certificates

1. Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
2. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
3. EC-Council Network Security Administrator (ENSA)
4. Cisco Certified Network Associate—Routing and Switching (CCNA)
5. CompTIA’s popular base-level security certification (Security+)

Cyber Security Administrator Sample Job Description

Template for a job description for a security administrator

We are looking for a detail-oriented security administrator responsible for desktop, mobile, and network security and troubleshooting network access and implementing network security policies and procedures at our organization. This position will report to the director of information security. Ensure network security access and defend against illegal access, modification, or destruction by working autonomously within defined protocols. Your tasks include:

• Conducting risk assessments and audits.
• Facilitating staff training sessions.
• Keeping track of network activity.

To be a good Security Administrator, you must be precise and detail-oriented and possess great technical and information security abilities and knowledge. In addition, it would help if you were adept at drafting security rules and instilling security awareness in personnel who are less technically savvy than yourself.

Installing, administering, and troubleshooting network security solutions are some of the responsibilities of a security administrator.

Keeping software up to date with the latest security patches and ensuring that the appropriate protections for each network resource are two important responsibilities.

Vulnerability and penetration testing, identifying and defending against threats, and establishing disaster recovery plans are all examples of what we do here.

The configuration of security systems, the analysis of security requirements, and the recommendation of security enhancements.

1. Network traffic is being monitored for signs of unusual conduct.
2. Create and maintain network policies and authorization roles and protect the network against illegal access, modification, and deletion.
3. The provision of technical assistance and consultation with employees, managers, and executives regarding best security practices.
4. Security tools must be configured and maintained properly, such as firewalls and antivirus software.

Staff members are being educated on security mechanisms and how to use them.

Qualifications for a Security Administrator include a two-year associate’s or bachelor’s degree in computer science, cyber security, or a closely related profession.

1. Advanced training certifications may prove to be beneficial in the future.
2. Excellent comprehension and expertise of computer, network and security systems are required.
3. Teaching, interpersonal, and communication abilities are second to none.
4. The ability to think critically and analytically and solve problems is essential.

How to Find Cyber Security Administrator Jobs?

Many job titles are specifically related to cyber security. However, here are a few examples of activities that fall under the purview of security administration:

As a security administrator, you could pursue various jobs in the following fields.

First, work for a small or medium-sized business. You may be responsible for some of these job title responsibilities, or you may be responsible for all of them, depending on the size and kind of the company.

If you are interested in a leadership position, some of the job titles that you might consider:

1. Security Director
2. Security Manager
3. Security Architect
4. Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)

Most security administrators, security analysts, and security consultants work under the supervision of a security manager or someone in a higher-ranking leadership role in the organization.

More Related Job Titles

In your hunt for a position as a security administrator, pay special attention to the job titles listed in the job postings.

You may come across various job names, such as those listed below, however, keep in mind that security administrator positions may also be labeled as:

1. IT Security Administrator
2. Systems Security Administrator
3. Network Security Administrator

Keeping their corporate networks safe and working efficiently with as few security issues as possible is the common goal shared by all of these positions.

What is Cyber Security Administrator Salary 2022?

Information technology is one of the highest-paying professions in the United States of America. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, network and computer systems administrators made a median annual salary of $83,510 as of May 2019. In addition, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, IT workers working in security earn a particularly high wage. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual compensation for information security analysts in the United States was $99,730 in 2019.

According to Payscale, the top ten percent of computer systems administrators earn more than $132,500 per year, while the worst ten percent earn less than $52,370 per year. This variance may be due to differences in economic conditions between different regions and sectors. Oil and gas extraction, financial services, and specialist design services are just a few businesses that offer the highest wages for computer systems administrators. Maryland, New Jersey, California, and the District of Columbia are the states where security administrators can expect to make the greatest money.

Security administration is a lucrative profession, and the industry’s rapid growth should result in many new work opportunities for recent college graduates. From 2019 through 2029, the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 4% rise in job opportunities for network and computer systems administrators, translating into nearly 16,000 new positions.