Overview
Responsibilities
T-A-S-K
Education
Income & Employability
Video Resources
Related Careers

Description

Plan, implement, upgrade, or monitor security measures for the protection of computer networks and information. Assess system vulnerabilities for security risks and propose and implement risk mitigation strategies. May ensure appropriate security controls are in place that will safeguard digital files and vital electronic infrastructure. May respond to computer security breaches and viruses.

Interests

  • Conventional
  • Investigative

Learn More about Interests

Work Values

  • Working Conditions
  • Independence
  • Support

Learn More about Work Values

Work Styles

  • Attention to Detail
  • Dependability
  • Integrity
  • Analytical Thinking
  • Cooperation

Learn More about Work Styles

Tasks

  • Develop plans to safeguard computer files against accidental or unauthorized modification, destruction, or disclosure and to meet emergency data processing needs.
  • Monitor current reports of computer viruses to determine when to update virus protection systems.
  • Encrypt data transmissions and erect firewalls to conceal confidential information as it is being transmitted and to keep out tainted digital transfers.
  • Perform risk assessments and execute tests of data processing system to ensure functioning of data processing activities and security measures.
  • Modify computer security files to incorporate new software, correct errors, or change individual access status.

Work Activities

  • Working with Computers
  • Getting Information
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
  • Analyzing Data or Information

Detailed Work Activities

  • Working with Computers - Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
  • Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events - Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards - Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
  • Analyzing Data or Information - Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
  • Processing Information - Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
  • Documenting/Recording Information - Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge - Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems - Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

Technology Skills

  • Web platform development software
  • Data base user interface and query software
  • Transaction security and virus protection software
  • Network monitoring software
  • Development environment software

Skills

  • Reading Comprehension
  • Critical Thinking
  • Active Listening
  • Complex Problem Solving
  • Speaking

Knowledge

  • Computers and Electronics
  • English Language
  • Administration and Management
  • Engineering and Technology
  • Telecommunications

Most Common Education Level

The “Most Common Education Level” refers to the level of education held by the majority of workers in a given occupation. For example, if the highest percentage of workers in a role have an Associate’s Degree, that suggests this is the typical educational requirement. Knowing this helps you plan how many years of education you may need to pursue that career.

Certificates

Certificate name

CyberSec First Responder

Certifying Organization

CertNexus

Type

Advanced

Certifying Organization

Broadcom Inc.

Type

Product/Equipment

Certifying Organization

Broadcom Inc.

Type

Product/Equipment

Certifying Organization

Microsoft Corporation

Type

Product/Equipment

Certifying Organization

F5

Type

Product/Equipment

Income Percentile

The income percentiles show how earnings are distributed within a profession. The 10th percentile means that 10% of workers earned less than that amount. The median (50th percentile) indicates that half of workers earned more, and half earned less. The 90th percentile reflects what the top 10% of earners in the field make.

Income PercentileIncome
Low (10%)$NaN
Median (50%)$NaN
High (90%)$NaN

Income by Experience

This table shows how income typically grows with experience—from entry level (0–2 years), to mid-level (3–7 years), to senior level (8+ years).

ExperienceIncome
Entry Level$50,000
Mid Level$100,000
Senior Level$150,000

Employability

There are currently 180,700 jobs in this career path. Over the next 10 years, that number is expected to increase to 239,800 positions, reflecting a projected growth of 33%.

The Projected Job Growth figure refers to the expected increase or decrease in employment within a specific career field over a certain period of time.

Projected Job Growth of 33%

The career information and data on this site incorporates information from O*NET Web Services by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), with ONET® being a registered trademark of USDOL/ETA. Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA; CareerOneStop, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (DOLETA) and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED); and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

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