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Occupation AtlasSecurity Management Specialists

O*NET · 13-1199.07

Security Management Specialists

Conduct security assessments for organizations, and design security systems and processes. May specialize in areas such as physical security or the safety of employees and facilities.

Also called Cloud Security Consultant · Cyber Risk Consultant · Cybersecurity Analyst · Cybersecurity Associate · Cybersecurity Consultant · Cybersecurity Risk Analyst · Cybersecurity Specialist · Governance, Risk, and Compliance Consultant (GRC Consultant)
40 more

GRC Consultant · IAM Consultant · IAM Consultant (Identity and Access Management Consultant) · IAM Developer · IAM Developer (Identity and Access Management Developer) · Industrial Control Systems Cybersecurity Consultant · Industrial Security Specialist · Information Security Consultant · IT Security Specialist · IT Security Specialist (Information Technology Security Specialist) · Offensive Security Engineer · Personal Protection Specialist · Personal Security Specialist · Personnel Security Specialist · Physical Security Engineer · Physical Security Specialist · Professional Services Consultant · Security Admin · Security Administrator (Security Admin) · Security Advisor · Security Agent · Security Analyst · Security and Workplace Violence Consultant · Security Auditor · Security Compliance Analyst · Security Consultant · Security Control Assessor · Security Engineer · Security Management Consultant · Security Management Specialist · Security Operations Analyst (Security Ops Analyst) · Security Operations Specialist (Security Ops Specialist) · Security Operations Staff Specialist (Security Ops Staff Specialist) · Security Ops Analyst · Security Ops Specialist · Security Ops Staff Specialist · Security Specialist · Security System Engineer · Security Systems Specialist · Workplace Violence Prevention Specialist

Job Zone 4 — Considerable Preparation NeededHolland code CIR35 skills on file

Compare with another occupationCompare with Computer and Information Systems Managers

Job Zone

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Zone 4: Considerable Preparation Needed

Considerable preparation. Usually a bachelor's degree plus several years of work-related experience, knowledge, or training.

Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.

Occupational interest profile

CIRConventional · Investigative · Realistic — the three strongest interests, in order

  • C Conventional5.68
  • I Investigative5.09
  • R Realistic3.86
  • E Enterprising3.73
  • S Social1.96
  • A Artistic1.68

RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.

Education and experience

The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.

  • Post-Secondary Certificate10%
  • Some College Courses10%
  • Bachelor's Degree65%
  • Post-Baccalaureate Certificate5%
  • Master's Degree10%
Related work experience
Over 4 years, up to and including 6 years (30%)
On-site or in-plant training
Up to and including 1 month (30%)
On-the-job training
Anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month (35%)

Typically associated skills

All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.

  • Active Listeningbasic4.13.9Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
  • Critical Thinkingbasic4.04.0Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
  • Speakingbasic4.03.9Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
  • Judgment and Decision Making3.93.9Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a loan application for degree of risk
  • Reading Comprehensionbasic3.93.9Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
  • Complex Problem Solving3.83.9Level 4 looks like: Redesign a floor layout to take advantage of new manufacturing techniques
  • Coordination3.83.9Level 4 looks like: Work with others to put a new roof on a house
  • Monitoringbasic3.63.9Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
  • Writingbasic3.63.8Level 4 looks like: Write an email to staff outlining new directives
  • Systems Analysis3.63.6Level 4 looks like: Determine how a new piece of equipment will affect production rates
  • Systems Evaluation3.63.6Level 4 looks like: Identify the reasons why a client might be unhappy with a product
  • Social Perceptiveness3.53.5Level 4 looks like: Be aware of how a coworker's promotion will affect a work group
Show the other 23
  • Persuasion3.43.8Level 4 looks like: Convince a supervisor to purchase new office equipment
  • Service Orientation3.43.5Level 4 looks like: Make flight reservations for customers using an online booking site
  • Instructing3.43.4Level 4 looks like: Instruct a coworker in how to operate a software program
  • Time Management3.43.4Level 4 looks like: Allocate the time of subordinates to projects for the coming week
  • Active Learningbasic3.33.6Level 4 looks like: Determine the impact of new menu changes on a restaurant's purchasing requirements
  • Operations Analysis3.13.3Level 4 looks like: Suggest changes in software to make a system more user friendly
  • Negotiation3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Contract with a wholesaler to sell items at a given cost
  • Learning Strategiesbasic3.03.3Level 4 looks like: Identify an alternative approach to help trainees who are having difficulties
  • Management of Personnel Resources3.03.1Level 4 looks like: Direct the activities of a road repair crew with minimal disruption of traffic flow
  • Quality Control Analysis3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Inspect a draft email for errors (e.g., grammar, punctuation)
  • Management of Financial Resources2.62.9Level 2 looks like: Use available funds to buy office supplies and record the amount of the purchase
  • Management of Material Resources2.62.9Level 2 looks like: Reserve a room for a management meeting
  • Operations Monitoring2.62.3Level 2 looks like: Monitor completion times while running a computer program
  • Mathematicsbasic2.52.6Level 2 looks like: Count the amount of change to be given to a customer
  • Technology Design2.41.9Level 2 looks like: Adjust exercise equipment for use by a customer
  • Programming2.31.6Level 2 looks like: Write a program to sort objects in a database
  • Troubleshooting2.11.9Level 2 looks like: Identify the source of a leak by looking under a machine
  • Operation and Control2.01.8Level 2 looks like: Navigate the settings on an office printer to print on both sides of the paper
  • Equipment Selection1.91.6Level 2 looks like: Select a tool to adjust a loose part on a bicycle
  • Installation1.61.4Level 2 looks like: Install a new air filter in an air conditioner
  • Sciencebasic1.50.5
  • Equipment Maintenance1.4—
  • Repairing1.4—

Tasks

22 core · 1 supplemental

What people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).

  1. Assess the nature and level of physical security threats so that the scope of the problem can be determined.4.2
  2. Inspect physical security design features, installations, or programs to ensure compliance with applicable standards or regulations.4.1
  3. Perform risk analyses so that appropriate countermeasures can be developed.4.1
  4. Recommend improvements in security systems or procedures.4.1
  5. Respond to emergency situations on an on-call basis.4.1
  6. Conduct security audits to identify potential vulnerabilities related to physical security or staff safety.4.0
  7. Design security policies, programs, or practices to ensure adequate security relating to alarm response, access card use, and other security needs.4.0
  8. Test security measures for final acceptance and implement or provide procedures for ongoing monitoring and evaluation of the measures.3.9
  9. Design, implement, or establish requirements for security systems, video surveillance, motion detection, or closed-circuit television systems to ensure proper installation and operation.3.8
  10. Develop conceptual designs of security systems.3.8
  11. Prepare documentation for case reports or court proceedings.3.8
  12. Prepare, maintain, or update security procedures, security system drawings, or related documentation.3.8
Show the other 11
  1. Train personnel in security procedures or use of security equipment.3.7
  2. Budget and schedule security design work.3.6
  3. Inspect fire, intruder detection, or other security systems.3.6
  4. Monitor the work of contractors in the design, construction, and startup phases of security systems.3.6
  5. Provide system design and integration recommendations.3.6
  6. Review design drawings or technical documents for completeness, correctness, or appropriateness.3.6
  7. Develop or review specifications for design or construction of security systems.3.5
  8. Interview witnesses or suspects to identify persons responsible for security breaches or to establish losses, pursue prosecutions, or obtain restitution.3.4
  9. Outline system security criteria for pre-bid meetings with clients and companies to ensure comprehensiveness and appropriateness for implementation.3.4
  10. Monitor tapes or digital recordings to identify the source of losses.3.2
  11. Engineer, install, maintain, or repair security systems, programmable logic controls, or other security-related electronic systems.3.7

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • Public Safety and Security4.75.5Level 4 looks like: Inspect a building site for safety violations
  • English Language4.25.2Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
  • Customer and Personal Service4.05.5Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
  • Administration and Management3.94.4Level 4 looks like: Monitor progress of a project to ensure timely completion
  • Computers and Electronics3.94.9Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
  • Law and Government3.84.1Level 4 looks like: Prepare documents and title papers for the purchase of a new house
  • Personnel and Human Resources3.44.5Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants for an administrative position
  • Education and Training3.24.8Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
Show all 33
  • Engineering and Technology3.13.9Level 4 looks like: Design a custom office chair
  • Psychology3.14.1Level 4 looks like: Understand the impact of alcohol on human responses
  • Communications and Media3.03.3Level 4 looks like: Host a music radio show
  • Design3.04.1Level 4 looks like: Design plans for remodeling a kitchen
  • Telecommunications3.03.2Level 4 looks like: Install a wireless internet router
  • Building and Construction2.83.4Level 4 looks like: Fix a plumbing leak in the ceiling
  • Administrative2.63.5Level 4 looks like: Type 30 words per minute
  • Economics and Accounting2.63.1Level 4 looks like: Develop financial investment programs for individual clients
  • Sales and Marketing2.63.3Level 4 looks like: Introduce clients to a new line of products
  • Mathematics2.43.2Level 4 looks like: Analyze data to determine areas with the highest sales
  • Transportation2.42.5Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
  • Sociology and Anthropology2.32.9
  • Mechanical2.22.6
  • Production and Processing2.22.8
  • Geography2.13.1Level 4 looks like: Find a specific country on a world map
  • Physics1.92.0Level 1 looks like: Use a crowbar to pry open a box
  • Therapy and Counseling1.81.6Level 1 looks like: Put ice on a sprained ankle
  • Foreign Language1.71.4Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
  • Chemistry1.51.2Level 1 looks like: Use a common household bug spray
  • History and Archeology1.51.1Level 1 looks like: Take a class in US history
  • Philosophy and Theology1.41.2Level 1 looks like: Watch a TV show on family values
  • Biology1.2—
  • Food Production1.2—
  • Medicine and Dentistry1.2—
  • Fine Arts1.0—

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Oral Expression4.34.1Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
  • Problem Sensitivity4.34.5Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
  • Deductive Reasoning4.14.3Level 5 looks like: Decide what factors to consider in selecting stocks
  • Oral Comprehension4.14.0Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
  • Inductive Reasoning4.04.0Level 4 looks like: Determine the prime suspect based on crime scene evidence
  • Written Comprehension4.03.9Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
  • Written Expression4.03.9Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
  • Information Ordering3.94.0Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
Show all 52
  • Near Vision3.94.1Level 5 looks like: Read the fine print of a legal document
  • Flexibility of Closure3.83.8Level 4 looks like: Look for a golf ball in tall grass
  • Fluency of Ideas3.64.0Level 4 looks like: Think of as many ideas as possible for the name of a new company
  • Speech Clarity3.63.4Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
  • Category Flexibility3.53.6Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
  • Originality3.53.9Level 4 looks like: Redesign job tasks to be interesting for employees
  • Speech Recognition3.53.4Level 4 looks like: Identify a former customer's voice over the phone
  • Selective Attention3.43.0Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
  • Far Vision3.13.3Level 4 looks like: Read the slides on a presentation from across a room
  • Perceptual Speed3.02.6Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
  • Visualization3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
  • Speed of Closure2.92.9Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
  • Memorization2.82.8
  • Time Sharing2.82.5Level 2 looks like: Listen to music while entering numbers into a spreadsheet
  • Visual Color Discrimination2.62.5Level 1 looks like: Separate laundry into colors and whites
  • Auditory Attention2.51.9Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
  • Mathematical Reasoning2.52.3Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
  • Number Facility2.42.6Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
  • Trunk Strength2.42.1Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
  • Hearing Sensitivity2.32.1Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
  • Wrist-Finger Speed2.31.5Level 2 looks like: Use a screwdriver to twist in a screw
  • Arm-Hand Steadiness2.11.5Level 2 looks like: Light a candle
  • Finger Dexterity2.11.6Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
  • Static Strength2.11.6Level 1 looks like: Push an empty shopping cart
  • Control Precision2.01.6Level 2 looks like: Adjust a room light with a dimmer switch
  • Depth Perception2.01.5Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
  • Explosive Strength2.01.3Level 2 looks like: Hit a nail with a hammer
  • Extent Flexibility2.01.9Level 2 looks like: Reach to adjust the radio in a car
  • Gross Body Coordination2.01.6Level 2 looks like: Get in and out of a truck
  • Manual Dexterity2.01.4Level 1 looks like: Screw a light bulb into a light socket
  • Reaction Time2.01.6Level 2 looks like: Start to slow down the car when a traffic light turns yellow
  • Response Orientation2.01.4Level 2 looks like: When a doorbell and phone ring at the same time, quickly select which to answer first
  • Stamina2.01.5Level 1 looks like: Walk 1/4 mile
  • Dynamic Strength1.91.5Level 2 looks like: Use pruning shears to trim a bush
  • Gross Body Equilibrium1.91.1Level 2 looks like: Stand on a ladder
  • Multilimb Coordination1.91.3Level 2 looks like: Row a boat
  • Speed of Limb Movement1.80.9
  • Night Vision1.50.8
  • Sound Localization1.50.6
  • Spatial Orientation1.50.8
  • Peripheral Vision1.40.5
  • Dynamic Flexibility1.1—
  • Glare Sensitivity1.1—
  • Rate Control1.0—

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Getting Information4.64.8Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards4.55.0Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
  • Communicating with People Outside the Organization4.45.3Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems4.45.4Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates4.35.3Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships4.35.6
  • Working with Computers4.34.0Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events4.24.6Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
Show all 41
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to Others4.26.1Level 7 looks like: Provide ideas for changing an organization to increase profitability
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge4.25.7
  • Analyzing Data or Information4.14.8Level 4 looks like: Determine the interest cost to finance a new building
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work4.15.3Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
  • Documenting/Recording Information4.04.3Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
  • Processing Information4.04.9Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others4.05.0Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
  • Thinking Creatively4.04.9Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
  • Developing Objectives and Strategies3.94.8Level 4 looks like: Develop the plan to complete the merger of two organizations over a 3-year period
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others3.93.8Level 4 looks like: Interpret how foreign tax laws apply to U.S. exports
  • Developing and Building Teams3.84.3Level 4 looks like: Lead an assembly team in an automobile plant
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings3.84.4Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
  • Scheduling Work and Activities3.84.8Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
  • Coaching and Developing Others3.75.0Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
  • Selling or Influencing Others3.74.6Level 4 looks like: Make a sales pitch to convince others to buy a product
  • Training and Teaching Others3.74.9Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates3.65.1Level 4 looks like: Manage a small team of employees in a dynamic workplace
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials3.64.2Level 4 looks like: Inspect equipment in a chemical processing plant
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others3.54.4Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
  • Performing Administrative Activities3.54.3Level 4 looks like: Complete tax forms for a small business
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People3.44.3Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
  • Monitoring and Controlling Resources3.44.4Level 4 looks like: Work as a chef responsible for ordering food for the menu
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public3.44.1Level 4 looks like: Sell shoes in a crowded shoe store
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information3.33.7Level 4 looks like: Estimate the time required to evacuate a city in the event of a major disaster
  • Staffing Organizational Units3.14.1Level 4 looks like: Interview candidates for a sales position and make hiring recommendations
  • Assisting and Caring for Others3.03.7Level 4 looks like: Help a medical patient find in-home assistance or healthcare
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment3.03.7Level 4 looks like: Specify the furniture and equipment for a new school
  • Performing General Physical Activities3.03.2Level 4 looks like: Paint the outside of a house
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment2.21.6Level 1 looks like: Drive a car
  • Handling and Moving Objects1.91.9Level 1 looks like: Change settings on copy machines
  • Controlling Machines and Processes1.81.5Level 1 looks like: Operate a cash register
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment1.81.4Level 1 looks like: Use display settings to adjust a television picture
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment1.51.1Level 1 looks like: Make simple, external adjustments to a door hinge with ordinary hand tools

Work context

The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.

  • E-Mail5.0
  • Telephone Conversations4.8
  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams4.6
  • Freedom to Make Decisions4.5
  • Contact With Others4.3
  • Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals4.2
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled4.1
  • Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team4.1
  • Written Letters and Memos4.1
  • Deal With External Customers or the Public in General4.0

Technology

53 tools

Software used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.

In demand (9)

  • Amazon Web Services AWS softwarehot
  • Linuxhot
  • Microsoft Active Directoryhot
  • Microsoft Azure softwarehot
  • Microsoft Excelhot
  • Microsoft Office softwarehot
  • Microsoft PowerPointhot
  • Firewall software
  • MITRE ATT&CK software

Hot (15; 7 more marked hot above)

  • Adobe Acrobat
  • JavaScript
  • Microsoft Access
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft PowerShell
  • Microsoft SharePoint
  • Microsoft Visio
  • Microsoft Windows
  • Microsoft Word
  • Oracle Java
  • SAP software
  • ServiceNow
  • Splunk Enterprise
  • Structured query language SQL
  • UNIX
Other tools (29)
  • ArcSight Enterprise Threat and Risk Management
  • Chinotec Technologies Paros
  • Cisco Systems CiscoWorks
  • Customer information control system CICS
  • CyberArk
  • Database software
  • IBM Tivoli software
  • Intrusion prevention system IPS
  • Kismet
  • Management information systems MIS
  • McAfee
  • Metasploit
  • Network directory services software
  • Nmap
  • NortonLifeLock cybersecurity software
  • Oracle Business Intelligence Enterprise Edition
  • Photo editing software
  • Physical access management software
  • SAP Crystal Reports
  • Secure web gateway software
  • Security assertion markup language SAML
  • Single sign-on SSO
  • Social networking software
  • Symantec PGP
  • Tenable Nessus
  • TrueCrypt
  • Videoconferencing software
  • Virtual private networking VPN software
  • Web browser software

Related occupations

O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.

  1. Security Managers
  2. Digital Forensics Analysts
  3. Compliance Managers
  4. Management Analysts
  5. Retail Loss Prevention Specialists
  6. Health and Safety Engineers, Except Mining Safety Engineers and Inspectors
  7. Emergency Management Directors
  8. Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers
  9. Gambling Surveillance Officers and Gambling Investigators
  10. Fire-Prevention and Protection Engineers

ESCO equivalents

From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.