Information security managers are experts in securing organisations' databases, networks, and computer systems against security lapses and online attacks. 

Technical experts that can use their expertise under pressure and make smart decisions are the perfect fit for this career. Read the article below to learn more about this position.

Who is an Information Security Manager?

Information Security Manager oversees preventing computer viruses, security lapses, and harmful hacker attacks on a company's computers, networks, and data. 

Top secret data get lost if an organisation's information technology systems are interrupted due to these intrusions. 

In addition to financial losses, neglecting to protect data can result in fines for organisations. Therefore, businesses must implement suitable security measures.

What are the role and responsibilities of an Information Security Manager?

• Providing direction, direction and training to those in charge of information systems security
• Information security policies and procedures for the entire firm are being reviewed, implemented, updated, and documented.
• Directing responses to network or system intrusions, managing vulnerability and threat assessments, and managing security audits.
• Ensuring compliance with statutory and contractual information security and privacy requirements, including reporting compliance to senior management and audit results.
• Detection and prevention of entry.

How to Become an Information Security Manager? Qualifications

Architecture for security

Information security managers should be able to design and implement security systems that safeguard all components of a business' network and database infrastructure. They should be able to expand the security architecture already in place with additional features.

Network security setup.

Information security managers must be able to configure networks and make continual modifications. They must be able to deploy and set up proxy servers, DDOS mitigation systems, DNS servers, VPNs, and authentication tools.

Forensics of computers.

Information security managers should possess the technical expertise necessary for intrusion detection and prevention. You will work with firewalls, network monitoring software, and various other security technologies during your career.

Soft abilities

Information security managers need to be able to manage teams and make critical decisions daily. The skills you need to obtain for this professional path are listed below.

Talents in communication

You will collaborate extensively with non-technical staff members and other IT professionals as a cybersecurity specialist. It is crucial to communicate clearly with other cybersecurity professionals and staff members who must adhere to security procedures but may need to fully comprehend them on a technical level.

Aptitude for fixing issues

The core of your responsibilities as a cybersecurity expert is problem-solving activities. When you discover a system flaw or a security hole, you will be expected to come up with quick fixes.

Other Skills

• Strategic thinking.
• Ability to work well under pressure. 
• Attention to detail. 
• Project management skills. 
• A desire to keep learning. 
• Management and leadership skills.

Steps to Becoming a Successful Information Security Manager

Academic Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related field.
• Minimum of five-year.
• Experience in information security.
• Experience with incident response, risk assessment, and management.
• Strong understanding of security trends and technologies.
• Excellent communication and training skills.

Acquire more knowledge after high school.

Candidates for entry-level positions often need at least a bachelor's degree in cybersecurity or an IT degree with a large amount of coursework relevant to cybersecurity due to the solid technical skill necessary for an information security manager career.

Experience (work and related fields)

Typically, it would help if you had a bachelor's degree to enter this field. However, a doctorate in computer science or information science can be necessary for some firms. There are voluntary certificates offered. The level of prior experience needed varies per firm. However, 5+ years of expertise in a relevant subject, such as information security, computer science, or information technology, is often required.

Training (job or related fields)

Learn from and receive training from the cybersecurity certification professionals at Global Knowledge to become a Certified Information Security Manager (CISM). ISACA offers the CISM certification for individuals with expertise in information security management and who have passed the CISM exam within the last five years. Possess the full-time job experience required by the CISM test syllabus.

Career

Careers as security managers include high average wages, a variety of employment positions, and opportunities for advancement. 

With the correct expertise, cybersecurity managers can progress to chief information officer or IT director positions. The high demand for cybersecurity experts will only increase.

Employment areas

• Financial services companies
• Computer and information systems companies
• Internet service providers
• Healthcare and pharmaceutical companies
• Brick-and-mortar and online retailers
• Manufacturing
• Telecommunications companies
• Government agencies

Job titles

• Lead Software Security Engineer.
• Chief Security Officer (CSO)
• Security Consultant.
• Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)
• Director of Security.
• Technical Information Security Officer (TISO)
• Business Information Security Officer (BISO) 
• Strategic Information Security Officer(SISOI)

Salary of an Information Security Manager

Let us see the average annual salary of an Information Security Manager in some popular countries.

Training Course for an Information Security Manager.

Let us talk about some degree to become a successful Information Security Manager.

Pros and Cons of Becoming an Information Security Manager

Information security managers are experts in securing organisations' databases, networks, and computer systems from security lapses and online attacks. 

The benefits and drawbacks of working as an information security manager are technical experts who can use their expertise under pressure and make intelligent judgments. They are the perfect fit for this career.

Advantages of becoming an Information Security Manager.

• Job prospects are excellent.
• There are several entry-level jobs available.
• Not just nerds can use it.
• A job in any industry.
• You'll be performing professionally.
• Incredibly fulfilling and fascinating work

Disadvantages of becoming an Information Security Manager.

• Possibility of personal risk.
• Involves overtime, weekend, and holiday work.
• Reaching your full earning potential may take some time.
• Difficult Work.
• Continuous Training.

How to Become an Information Security Manager: FAQs

Is information security a promising career?

Information security experts assist in safeguarding essential infrastructure, daily consumer privacy, and companies and enterprises. This job is ideal if you've always desired a reputable and worthwhile career.

Is information security a hard degree?

Cybersecurity is not tricky. Cybersecurity is one of the few sectors in the computer industry that doesn't demand a strong technical background, despite the possibility of challenging ideas like cryptography or areas that require more technical understanding.

Which is better, cybersecurity or information security?

A specialist in information security may create security protocols or design ways for authorised people to access data. Conversely, cybersecurity focuses on defending data from online threats like malware and ransomware.

Is information security in demand?

Demand from employers for cybersecurity specialists increased 2.4 times more quickly than the nation's economy. In the previous ten years, 2022 has seen nine of the top ten months for cybersecurity job listings.

What is the difference between IT security and information security?

Information technology (IT) employs computer networks, hardware, and software to store and exchange digital information. Cybersecurity is more specifically concerned with preventing illegal access to computer systems, digital devices, and data. Specialised roles and duties exist in both disciplines.