How to Be Cybersecurity Systems Engineer - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jul 25, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The growing prevalence of cyber attacks has caused a significant increase in the demand for cybersecurity systems engineers. These engineers are responsible for the development, testing, and implementation of security measures designed to protect an organization's computer networks and systems from malicious cyber threats. As such, they must have a deep understanding of information technology systems and processes, as well as a comprehensive knowledge of the latest cyber security tools and technologies. The importance of these engineers is further highlighted by the fact that they are often the first line of defense against cybercrime, as any breach or vulnerability in their systems can have a major impact on an organization's operations, reputation, and financial stability.

Steps How to Become

Earn a Bachelors Degree. To become a Cybersecurity Systems Engineer, you will need to earn a bachelors degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field. Make sure to focus on courses that emphasize computer security and network security.
Get Certified. It is important to get certified if you are interested in becoming a Cybersecurity Systems Engineer. Certification programs like the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) and CompTIA Security+ are highly recommended.
Gain Experience. It is important to gain relevant experience in order to become a Cybersecurity Systems Engineer. Consider working as an intern or volunteer in the field. Additionally, try to attend seminars and workshops to further your knowledge.
Apply. Once you have earned your degree and gained experience, you should start applying for Cybersecurity Systems Engineer positions. Make sure to highlight your qualifications and experience on your resume.
Develop Your Skills. As a Cybersecurity Systems Engineer, you will need to continuously develop your skills in order to stay up-to-date with the latest technology and threats. Consider taking additional courses or attending conferences and seminars.

The need for reliable and qualified cybersecurity systems engineers is increasing due to the complexity of the systems and their interactions with one another. As technology continues to evolve, organizations must ensure that their cyber infrastructure is protected from malicious actors, as well as from accidental or intentional damage. Cybersecurity engineers are responsible for designing and implementing secure systems, creating and monitoring security policies, and conducting risk assessments.

To be successful in this field, engineers must possess a number of technical and soft skills, such as problem-solving and communication, as well as a comprehensive understanding of the cyber security landscape. they must stay up-to-date on the latest industry developments and trends to ensure their systems remain secure. By investing in skilled cybersecurity systems engineers, organizations can protect their data, networks, and systems while also ensuring their long-term competitive advantage.

You may want to check Cybersecurity Content Developer, Cybersecurity Business Systems Analyst, and Cybersecurity System Administrator for alternative.

Job Description

Develop and maintain security infrastructure and systems
Monitor and analyze security threats and risks
Develop and implement security policies, procedures, and standards
Configure and administer firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and other security technologies
Conduct security assessments and audits of networks, applications, databases, and systems
Research and recommend new security technologies and products
Train and educate other staff on security best practices
Respond to security incidents and investigate potential breaches
Stay up to date on the latest security threats and trends
Prepare reports on security assessment results

Skills and Competencies to Have

Expertise in computer networks, firewalls, and security systems
Knowledge of network protocols and security standards
Understanding of intrusion detection/prevention systems
Proficiency in scripting languages such as Python, Perl, and Bash
Experience with SIEM/SOC technologies and tools
Ability to design and implement secure network architectures
Ability to develop secure system configurations
Familiarity with cyber attack vectors and methods of exploitation
Proficiency in risk assessment and security analysis
Understanding of software development best practices
Expertise in computer forensic techniques
Ability to create network diagrams, flow charts, and other documents
Knowledge of application security and secure coding practices
Excellent troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

Cybersecurity systems engineering is a critical field in the modern world, as cyber-attacks and data breaches have become increasingly common. A cybersecurity systems engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining secure systems that protect an organizations networks, data, and systems from malicious intrusion. The most important skill to have in this position is an in-depth knowledge of computer networks and information securitythe ability to understand how networks are configured and operated, and how to prevent, detect, and respond to cyber threats.

strong problem-solving skills are essential for identifying and resolving security vulnerabilities, understanding the implications of new technologies, and staying current with industry best practices. Last but not least, excellent communication skills are necessary for coordinating with technical and non-technical teams to ensure that security protocols are properly implemented. With these skills, a cybersecurity systems engineer can help safeguard an organization from a wide range of cyber threats.

Cybersecurity Business Analyst, Cybersecurity Infrastructure Manager, and Cybersecurity Product Security Engineer are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have with cyber security systems engineering?
What cyber security protocols have you implemented?
How have you managed cyber security threats in the past?
How do you stay up to date on emerging cyber security threats and trends?
What tools and technologies have you used for developing and implementing secure systems?
Describe a time when you successfully identified and resolved a security issue.
What processes do you use to ensure systems remain secure?
How do you troubleshoot system issues related to security?
What processes do you use to ensure overall system reliability?
How do you manage user access and authentication protocols?

Common Tools in Industry

Firewall. A system designed to prevent unauthorized access to a network or computer system. (eg: Cisco Firepower)
Intrusion Detection System (IDS). A system designed to detect malicious or unauthorized activities. (eg: AlienVault USM)
Network Access Control (NAC). A system designed to ensure that only authorized users are allowed access to a network. (eg: Cisco ISE)
Endpoint Security Solutions. A system designed to protect individual computers and mobile devices from malicious software and other risks. (eg: McAfee Endpoint Security)
Antivirus Software. A system designed to detect and remove malicious software from a computer or network. (eg: Malwarebytes)
Vulnerability Scanners. A system designed to identify security flaws on a computer or network. (eg: Nessus)
Data Leakage Prevention Solutions. A system designed to prevent the unauthorized transfer of confidential data. (eg: Symantec Data Loss Prevention)
Security Information and Event Management (SIEM). A system designed to collect, analyze and respond to security events across an organization. (eg: Splunk Enterprise Security)

Professional Organizations to Know

International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium (ISC)2
Information Systems Security Association (ISSA)
Cloud Security Alliance (CSA)
Forum of Incident Response and Security Teams (FIRST)
High Technology Crime Investigation Association (HTCIA)
Anti-Phishing Working Group (APWG)
The Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP)
SANS Institute
International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP)
The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)

We also have Cybersecurity System Architect, Cybersecurity Developer, and Cybersecurity Application Security Engineer jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Network Security. The practice of protecting a computer network from unauthorized access or attack.
Firewall. A system designed to prevent unwanted network traffic from entering or exiting a network.
Authentication. The process of verifying a users identity by checking credentials such as a username and password.
Access Control. The practice of denying or granting access to a computer system based on the users credentials.
Intrusion Detection System (IDS). A system that monitors network activity for malicious activities or policy violations.
Encryption. The process of transforming plaintext into unreadable code so that only authorized parties can access it.
Vulnerability Assessment. The practice of scanning a system for weaknesses that can be exploited by hackers.
Data Loss Prevention (DLP). A system designed to detect and prevent the unauthorized transfer of sensitive data.
Patch Management. The process of identifying, testing, and applying security updates to software and systems.
Risk Management. The practice of assessing, mitigating, and monitoring the security risks associated with an organizations systems and networks.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Cybersecurity Systems Engineer?

A Cybersecurity Systems Engineer is a professional responsible for the design, implementation, and management of secure IT systems, networks, and applications.

What qualifications are required for a Cybersecurity Systems Engineer?

Generally, a Bachelor's degree in a related field, such as Computer Science or Information Technology, is required for a career as a Cybersecurity Systems Engineer. Additionally, industry certifications such as CompTIA Security+, CISSP, or CEH may be beneficial.

What type of tasks do Cybersecurity Systems Engineers perform?

Typical tasks performed by Cybersecurity Systems Engineers include researching and implementing security solutions, developing security policies, monitoring and responding to security incidents, and performing vulnerability assessments.

How much do Cybersecurity Systems Engineers typically earn?

According to PayScale.com, the average salary for Cybersecurity Systems Engineers in the United States is $90,000 per year.

What kind of work environment do Cybersecurity Systems Engineers work in?

Cybersecurity Systems Engineers typically work in a team environment in an office setting, although some may be required to travel to perform on-site work.