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Occupation AtlasInformation Security Engineers

O*NET · 15-1299.05

Information Security Engineers

Develop and oversee the implementation of information security procedures and policies. Build, maintain and upgrade security technology, such as firewalls, for the safe use of computer networks and the transmission and retrieval of information. Design and implement appropriate security controls to identify vulnerabilities and protect digital files and electronic infrastructures. Monitor and respond to computer security breaches, viruses, and intrusions, and perform forensic investigation. May oversee the assessment of information security systems.

Also called AI Security Specialist · AI Security Specialist (Artificial Intelligence Security Specialist) · Application Security Admin · Application Security Administrator (Application Security Admin) · Application Security Engineer · Automotive Security Engineer · BISO · BISO (Business Information Security Officer)
53 more

Cloud Engineer · Cloud Security Architect · Cloud Security Engineer · Communications Security Manager (COMSEC Manager) · COMSEC Manager · Cyber Defense Incident Responder · Cyber Defense Infrastructure Support Specialist · Cybersecurity Architect · Cybersecurity Engineer · Cybersecurity Hardware Engineer · Cybersecurity Software Developer · Cybersecurity Software Engineer · Cybersecurity Systems Engineer · Cybersecurity Threat Engineer · Engineer · IAM Manager · Identity and Access Management Manager (IAM Manager) · Information Assurance Engineer · Information Security Admin · Information Security Administrator (Information Security Admin) · Information Security Architect · Information Security Auditor · Information Security Consultant · Information Security Engineer · Information Security Loss Prevention Engineer · Information Security Management Engineer · Information Security System Engineer · Infrastructure Security Engineer · IS Security Developer · IS Security Developer (Information Systems Security Developer) · IS Security Engineer · IS Security Engineer (Information Systems Security Engineer) · IS Security Scientist · IS Security Scientist (Information Systems Security Scientist) · IT Administrator · IT Administrator (Information Technology Administrator) · IT Architect · IT Architect (Information Technology Architect) · IT Security Engineer · IT Security Engineer (Information Technology Security Engineer) · Mobile Security Engineer · Network Engineer · Network Security Engineer · Product Security Engineer · Security Admin · Security Administrator (Security Admin) · Security Analyst · Security Architect · Security Data Scientist · Security Engineer · System Security Analyst · Systems Engineer · Systems Security Engineer

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

Compare with another occupationCompare with Information Security Analysts

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 Conventional6.06
  • I Investigative5.54
  • R Realistic4.30
  • E Enterprising2.66
  • S Social1.83
  • A Artistic1.33

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.

  • Less than a High School Diploma5%
  • High School Diploma or the equivalent5%
  • Post-Secondary Certificate16%
  • Some College Courses11%
  • Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree11%
  • Bachelor's Degree47%
  • Post-Master's Certificate5%
Related work experience
Over 4 years, up to and including 6 years (42%)
On-site or in-plant training
None (26%)
On-the-job training
Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months (32%)

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.

  • Reading Comprehensionbasic4.14.4Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
  • Critical Thinkingbasic4.04.1Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
  • Active Listeningbasic3.94.1Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
  • Writingbasic3.64.1Level 4 looks like: Write an email to staff outlining new directives
  • Monitoringbasic3.63.9Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
  • Speakingbasic3.54.1Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
  • Systems Evaluation3.43.8Level 4 looks like: Identify the reasons why a client might be unhappy with a product
  • Systems Analysis3.43.6Level 4 looks like: Determine how a new piece of equipment will affect production rates
  • Quality Control Analysis3.43.1Level 4 looks like: Assess new parts for precision and accuracy to specifications
  • Complex Problem Solving3.33.8Level 4 looks like: Redesign a floor layout to take advantage of new manufacturing techniques
  • Active Learningbasic3.33.6Level 4 looks like: Determine the impact of new menu changes on a restaurant's purchasing requirements
  • Judgment and Decision Making3.33.5Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a loan application for degree of risk
Show the other 23
  • Instructing3.13.5Level 4 looks like: Instruct a coworker in how to operate a software program
  • Programming3.13.4Level 4 looks like: Write a statistical analysis program to analyze demographic data
  • Operations Monitoring3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Monitor machine functions on an automated production line
  • Coordination3.03.3Level 4 looks like: Work with others to put a new roof on a house
  • Social Perceptiveness3.03.3Level 4 looks like: Be aware of how a coworker's promotion will affect a work group
  • Persuasion2.93.3Level 4 looks like: Convince a supervisor to purchase new office equipment
  • Learning Strategiesbasic2.93.1Level 4 looks like: Identify an alternative approach to help trainees who are having difficulties
  • Time Management2.92.8Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
  • Negotiation2.83.0Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
  • Service Orientation2.62.9Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
  • Management of Personnel Resources2.62.6Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
  • Troubleshooting2.52.5Level 2 looks like: Identify the source of a leak by looking under a machine
  • Mathematicsbasic2.42.6Level 2 looks like: Count the amount of change to be given to a customer
  • Technology Design2.42.3Level 2 looks like: Adjust exercise equipment for use by a customer
  • Operation and Control2.11.5Level 2 looks like: Navigate the settings on an office printer to print on both sides of the paper
  • Operations Analysis2.01.9Level 2 looks like: Select a printer for an office
  • Equipment Selection2.01.8Level 2 looks like: Select a tool to adjust a loose part on a bicycle
  • Management of Financial Resources2.01.8Level 2 looks like: Use available funds to buy office supplies and record the amount of the purchase
  • Management of Material Resources2.01.8Level 2 looks like: Reserve a room for a management meeting
  • Installation1.91.6Level 2 looks like: Install a new air filter in an air conditioner
  • Repairing1.91.3Level 2 looks like: Tighten a screw to get a door to close properly
  • Sciencebasic1.81.8Level 2 looks like: Conduct standard tests to determine soil quality
  • Equipment Maintenance1.5—

Tasks

20 core

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

  1. Identify security system weaknesses, using penetration tests.4.6
  2. Assess the quality of security controls, using performance indicators.4.4
  3. Coordinate monitoring of networks or systems for security breaches or intrusions.4.4
  4. Develop response and recovery strategies for security breaches.4.3
  5. Scan networks, using vulnerability assessment tools to identify vulnerabilities.4.3
  6. Train staff on, and oversee the use of, information security standards, policies, and best practices.4.3
  7. Conduct investigations of information security breaches to identify vulnerabilities and evaluate the damage.4.2
  8. Develop or install software, such as firewalls and data encryption programs, to protect sensitive information.4.1
  9. Oversee development of plans to safeguard computer files against accidental or unauthorized modification, destruction, or disclosure or to meet emergency data processing needs.4.1
  10. Develop information security standards and best practices.3.9
  11. Identify or implement solutions to information security problems.3.9
  12. Oversee performance of risk assessment or execution of system tests to ensure the functioning of data processing activities or security measures.3.9
Show the other 8
  1. Recommend information security enhancements to management.3.9
  2. Coordinate vulnerability assessments or analysis of information security systems.3.8
  3. Review security assessments for computing environments or check for compliance with cybersecurity standards and regulations.3.8
  4. Coordinate documentation of computer security or emergency measure policies, procedures, or tests.3.7
  5. Develop or implement software tools to assist in the detection, prevention, and analysis of security threats.3.7
  6. Troubleshoot security and network problems.3.7
  7. Write reports regarding investigations of information security breaches or network evaluations.3.7
  8. Provide technical support to computer users for installation and use of security products.3.4

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • Computers and Electronics4.65.9
  • Engineering and Technology4.04.6Level 4 looks like: Design a custom office chair
  • English Language3.53.6Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
  • Telecommunications3.43.7Level 4 looks like: Install a wireless internet router
  • Customer and Personal Service3.03.6Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
  • Design2.93.4Level 4 looks like: Design plans for remodeling a kitchen
  • Administration and Management2.83.7Level 4 looks like: Monitor progress of a project to ensure timely completion
  • Education and Training2.83.5Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
Show all 33
  • Mathematics2.83.3Level 4 looks like: Analyze data to determine areas with the highest sales
  • Communications and Media2.52.1Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
  • Law and Government2.52.3Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
  • Administrative2.43.4Level 4 looks like: Type 30 words per minute
  • Public Safety and Security2.21.8Level 1 looks like: Use a seatbelt
  • Production and Processing2.01.8Level 1 looks like: Put a computer back into its packing materials
  • Psychology1.91.5Level 1 looks like: Monitor several children on a playground
  • Economics and Accounting1.81.5Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
  • Mechanical1.71.2Level 1 looks like: Replace the filters in a furnace
  • Personnel and Human Resources1.71.7Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
  • Building and Construction1.51.0Level 1 looks like: Choose the proper type of wood for adding a deck onto a house
  • Sociology and Anthropology1.51.1Level 1 looks like: Identify two cultures in a story as being different
  • Foreign Language1.4—
  • Philosophy and Theology1.4—
  • Geography1.30.8Level 1 looks like: Know the capital of the United States
  • History and Archeology1.3—
  • Sales and Marketing1.3—
  • Therapy and Counseling1.3—
  • Transportation1.3—
  • Chemistry1.2—
  • Food Production1.2—
  • Physics1.2—
  • Biology1.1—
  • Fine Arts1.1—
  • Medicine and Dentistry1.1—

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Oral Comprehension4.14.3Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
  • Oral Expression4.04.1Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
  • Written Comprehension4.04.4Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
  • Deductive Reasoning3.84.1Level 5 looks like: Decide what factors to consider in selecting stocks
  • Information Ordering3.83.9Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
  • Speech Recognition3.83.6Level 4 looks like: Identify a former customer's voice over the phone
  • Inductive Reasoning3.64.0Level 4 looks like: Determine the prime suspect based on crime scene evidence
  • Near Vision3.63.6
Show all 52
  • Problem Sensitivity3.63.8Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
  • Speech Clarity3.53.4Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
  • Written Expression3.53.9Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
  • Flexibility of Closure3.33.5Level 4 looks like: Look for a golf ball in tall grass
  • Selective Attention3.33.3Level 4 looks like: Watch security monitors for intruders throughout the night shift
  • Category Flexibility3.13.5Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
  • Perceptual Speed3.13.3Level 4 looks like: Read five pressure indicators in 10 seconds to make sure each is within safe limits
  • Fluency of Ideas3.03.6Level 4 looks like: Think of as many ideas as possible for the name of a new company
  • Originality2.93.4Level 4 looks like: Redesign job tasks to be interesting for employees
  • Far Vision2.83.3Level 4 looks like: Read the slides on a presentation from across a room
  • Memorization2.82.9
  • Mathematical Reasoning2.63.0Level 4 looks like: Decide how to calculate profits to determine the amounts of yearly bonuses
  • Number Facility2.62.9Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
  • Visual Color Discrimination2.62.4Level 1 looks like: Separate laundry into colors and whites
  • Time Sharing2.52.1Level 2 looks like: Listen to music while entering numbers into a spreadsheet
  • Speed of Closure2.42.4Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
  • Visualization2.42.6Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
  • Wrist-Finger Speed2.01.8Level 2 looks like: Use a screwdriver to twist in a screw
  • Auditory Attention1.91.5Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
  • Trunk Strength1.91.5Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
  • Depth Perception1.81.0Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
  • Hearing Sensitivity1.81.4Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
  • Arm-Hand Steadiness1.5—
  • Dynamic Strength1.50.8
  • Finger Dexterity1.5—
  • Control Precision1.4—
  • Manual Dexterity1.4—
  • Extent Flexibility1.3—
  • Gross Body Coordination1.3—
  • Gross Body Equilibrium1.3—
  • Multilimb Coordination1.3—
  • Rate Control1.3—
  • Reaction Time1.3—
  • Response Orientation1.3—
  • Stamina1.3—
  • Static Strength1.3—
  • Explosive Strength1.1—
  • Spatial Orientation1.1—
  • Dynamic Flexibility1.0—
  • Glare Sensitivity1.0—
  • Night Vision1.0—
  • Peripheral Vision1.0—
  • Sound Localization1.0—
  • Speed of Limb Movement1.0—

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Working with Computers4.96.1Level 7 looks like: Set up a new computer system for a large multinational company
  • Getting Information4.54.8Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
  • Analyzing Data or Information4.45.1Level 4 looks like: Determine the interest cost to finance a new building
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events4.45.3Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge4.45.6
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates4.35.2Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
  • Documenting/Recording Information4.24.9Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems4.25.1Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
Show all 41
  • Processing Information4.25.0Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards4.14.7Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
  • Training and Teaching Others4.14.4Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others3.94.5Level 4 looks like: Interpret how foreign tax laws apply to U.S. exports
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work3.84.4Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
  • Communicating with People Outside the Organization3.74.4Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to Others3.64.5Level 4 looks like: Recommend a new software package to increase operational efficiency
  • Thinking Creatively3.64.3Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
  • Developing and Building Teams3.53.9Level 4 looks like: Lead an assembly team in an automobile plant
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings3.54.4Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
  • Coaching and Developing Others3.44.3Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others3.44.1Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
  • Developing Objectives and Strategies3.43.9Level 4 looks like: Develop the plan to complete the merger of two organizations over a 3-year period
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships3.34.3Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates3.14.2Level 4 looks like: Manage a small team of employees in a dynamic workplace
  • Monitoring and Controlling Resources3.13.9Level 4 looks like: Work as a chef responsible for ordering food for the menu
  • Scheduling Work and Activities3.03.4Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People2.83.5Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment2.72.9
  • Performing Administrative Activities2.73.2Level 4 looks like: Complete tax forms for a small business
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others2.73.3Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information2.62.8
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials2.62.6
  • Staffing Organizational Units2.42.6
  • Assisting and Caring for Others2.21.9Level 1 looks like: Help a coworker complete an assignment
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment2.22.1Level 1 looks like: Use display settings to adjust a television picture
  • Selling or Influencing Others2.22.4Level 1 looks like: Convince a coworker to assist with an assignment
  • Controlling Machines and Processes2.12.1Level 1 looks like: Operate a cash register
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public1.81.4Level 1 looks like: Check tickets at a concert
  • Performing General Physical Activities1.61.2Level 1 looks like: Walk between workstations in a small office
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment1.60.9Level 1 looks like: Make simple, external adjustments to a door hinge with ordinary hand tools
  • Handling and Moving Objects1.51.5Level 1 looks like: Change settings on copy machines
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment1.50.8Level 1 looks like: Drive a car

Work context

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

  • E-Mail5.0
  • Spend Time Sitting4.9
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled4.8
  • Telephone Conversations4.6
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate4.4
  • Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals4.3
  • Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team4.3
  • Contact With Others4.1
  • Freedom to Make Decisions4.0
  • Time Pressure4.0

Technology

90 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 (13)

  • Amazon Web Services AWS softwarehot
  • Bashhot
  • IBM Terraformhot
  • Kuberneteshot
  • Linuxhot
  • Microsoft Active Directoryhot
  • Microsoft Azure softwarehot
  • Microsoft PowerShellhot
  • Oracle Javahot
  • Pythonhot
  • Splunk Enterprisehot
  • Firewall software
  • Single sign-on SSO

Hot (47; 11 more marked hot above)

  • Amazon Web Services AWS CloudFormation
  • Ansible software
  • Apple iOS
  • Apple macOS
  • Atlassian Confluence
  • Atlassian JIRA
  • Border Gateway Protocol BGP
  • C
  • C#
  • C++
  • Chef
  • Docker
  • Elasticsearch
  • Git
  • GitHub
  • Go
  • IBM DB2
  • JavaScript
  • JavaScript Object Notation JSON
  • Jenkins CI
  • Microsoft Access
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Outlook
Show the other 23
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft SharePoint
  • Microsoft SQL Server
  • Microsoft SQL Server Integration Services SSIS
  • Microsoft SQL Server Reporting Services SSRS
  • Microsoft Teams
  • Microsoft Visio
  • Microsoft Windows
  • Microsoft Windows Server
  • MongoDB
  • NoSQL
  • Perl
  • PHP
  • Puppet
  • R
  • React
  • Red Hat Enterprise Linux
  • Ruby
  • ServiceNow
  • Shell script
  • Structured query language SQL
  • UNIX
  • UNIX Shell
Other tools (30)
  • Active directory software
  • ArcSight Enterprise Threat and Risk Management
  • Collaborative editing software
  • Enterprise application integration EAI software
  • Geographic information system GIS systems
  • Google Cloud software
  • IBM Middleware
  • IBM QRadar SIEM
  • IBM Resource Access Control Facility RACF
  • IBM Tivoli software
  • Intrusion detection system IDS
  • Management information systems MIS
  • McAfee Enterprise Security Manager
  • Microsoft Azure Sentinel
  • Microsoft Defender Antivirus
  • Microsoft Security Esssentials
  • Network directory services software
  • Oracle Unified Directory
  • Platform as a service PaaS
  • Reporting software
  • RESTful API
  • Security assertion markup language SAML
  • Snort
  • Software libraries
  • Tanium software
  • Tcpdump
  • Tenable Nessus
  • Ubuntu
  • Web application software
  • Wireshark

Related occupations

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

  1. Penetration Testers
  2. Information Security Analysts
  3. Security Management Specialists
  4. Network and Computer Systems Administrators
  5. Computer Systems Engineers/Architects
  6. Security Managers
  7. Computer Network Support Specialists
  8. Computer Systems Analysts
  9. Computer Network Architects
  10. Database Administrators

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.