An information security architect is a professional who is responsible for employing and maintaining the entire security architecture of an organization. The security architect is a senior level job role. An information security architect possesses the mindset of a hacker to identify several ways in which a hacker can bypass the security posture and gain unauthorized access. The security architect is well versed in the networking and security infrastructure of the organization. He designs, develops, and implements the best security measures and ensures the safety of critical information systems.
What are the roles and responsibilities of an information security architect?
The information security architect must have an in-depth knowledge of the organization’s information systems, and he must keep himself up to date with all the latest technologies and development in the field of cybersecurity. The security architect plans, research, and develops security architecture and set of protocols for the organization.
Apart from this, the information security architect’s responsibilities include performing advanced penetration testing for vulnerability assessment, looking after requirements for security devices such as firewalls, designing public key infrastructure, assisting security teams, responding to the security-related events, and performing a thorough post-analysis after the event has occurred.
What are the steps to become an information security architect?
CompTIA Security+
CompTIA Security+ certification course is the first step to pursue a career as an information security architect. In this course, candidates learn about implementing secure network architecture, practices regarding risk management, different types of threats, attacks & vulnerabilities, identity & access management, configuring wireless security settings, and public key infrastructure (PKI).
CompTIA Security+ Exam details: Candidates have to attempt 90 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) in 90 minutes and score 750 to pass the CompTIA Security+ exam successfully.
Certified ethical hacker (CEH)
Certified ethical hacker (CEH) is one of the most sought-out courses among IT professionals. CEH offers 20 of the most current security domains. In 20 comprehensive modules, the course covers various attack terminologies commonly used by cybercriminals. The course enables a candidate to be aware of the hacker’s mindset to employ the best possible defense strategies to prevent a sophisticated cyber-attack.
CEH Exam details: Candidates have to attempt 125 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) in 4 hours. The passing score depends upon the difficulty level of examination.
CEH (Practical) Exam details: For the CEH (Practical) exam, candidates have to attempt 20 practical challenges in 6 hours. The passing score is 70%.
Certified information system security professional (CISSP)
Certified information system security professional (CISSP) is the highest valued and globally recognized credential in the information security industry. CISSP qualification is essential to become an information security analyst.
CISSP Exam details: Candidates have to attempt 150 MCQs in 3 hours and score 700 marks out of 1000 to pass the examination.
Career growth & Salary prospectus
The journey of becoming a security architect starts with the entry-level opportunities such as security administrator, network administrator, and system administrator.
According to http://www.payscale.com, the average salary of a security architect is 123,687 $.
Infosec Train offers interactive training programs in CompTIA se curity+, CEH, and CISSP to become an information security architect. Join our training sessions to experience comprehensive teaching methodologies, trusted by IT professionals all across the globe.
