How to be an Information System Security Officer?
In this post you will learn the following:
- What is an information system security officer?
- What are the roles and responsibilities of an information system security officer?
Knowing these basic facts about the job should help someone aspirant to be competent enough.
So let’s get started.
What Is An Information System Security Officer?
Do you want to be an information system security officer?
Well, first, you should know how much it takes to be one.
A security officer sets up and implements security policies in an entity. The purpose of this is to guard the entity against any malicious attack. For instance, with its IT assets, networks, and data.
Malicious attacks can come in a variety of forms.
For example:
- Virus attacks
- Hacking attempts
- Data breach
- Unauthorized access
- Illicit disclosure of PII or Personal Identifiable Information
As you can see, a security officer is surely an overwhelming task. After all, the entity’s security systems rely on his skills and expertise.
How serious is a system breach?
To tell you, the seriousness of any system data breach can take much toll on an entity. It should cause business disruption and loss of reputation. Not to mention severe financial loss. Compliance with regulatory federal laws, for instance.
What Are The Roles & Responsibilities of an Information System Security Officer?
Here is a list of some of their roles and responsibilities. This is to help you get a heads up about the basics of being an information system security officer.
IT and IS Planning
‘Planning’- this is where most of an InfoSec officer’s task revolves.
Security Officers do the planning with the help of assessments. He should assess the overall health of the entity’s information systems and technologies. Upon assessment, he should test for vulnerabilities of weak links, for instance.
This assessment should help the Security Officer plan security measures and controls.
Moreover, a Security Officer should also analyze the entity’s existing security measures. Firewalls, intrusion-detection systems, and password controls, to name a few.
Upon analysis, he should come up with recommendations and solutions.
By doing so, the Security Officer makes sure that the entity is well boosted for any emerging threat. Besides, preventive measures can be taken to mitigate risks.
Develop Information System Security Policies
On the other hand, a Security Officer should also develop security policies.
These security policies serve as a solid basis for imposing rules within the entity. Besides, this policy shall serve as a guide for all employees. This should help them know how to play their part for the entity’s security.
However, maintaining high security has become harder today. One reason is the increase of IoT devices. Perhaps more connections may result in more access. But, it also means more loopholes for malicious intentions.
In line with this, the policy shall serve as a legal basis for enforcing security.
Train Employees
Lastly, Security Officers are also responsible for spreading security awareness. They develop and conduct training sessions, for instance.
