How to Be Security Investigator - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Feb 2, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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Due to the increased cyber security threats, organizations have been investing in Security Investigators to protect their data. Security Investigators are knowledgeable and experienced professionals who focus on identifying, investigating and mitigating security threats. They are responsible for conducting risk assessments to identify potential vulnerabilities, analyzing system logs to detect suspicious activity, and responding to security breaches.

they can also help organizations educate their staff on cyber security measures and ensure that their networks, systems and data are properly secured. By having a Security Investigator on staff, organizations can ensure that their data is protected from malicious actors and that their systems are as secure as possible.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a Bachelor's Degree. To become a security investigator, you must first obtain a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, forensic science, or a related field.
Participate in an Internship. Participating in an internship at a local law enforcement agency or security firm will give you valuable hands-on experience and insight into the job.
Obtain a Security Investigator License. Depending on the state in which you live, you may need to obtain a security investigator license in order to practice in the field. Check with your state licensing board to see if this is necessary.
Gain Experience. You will need to gain experience in the field before you can become a successful security investigator. Look for opportunities to work with police departments, private security firms, or other organizations that may need your services.
Consider Certification. Consider becoming certified as a security investigator. This will demonstrate your knowledge and skills in the field and make you more attractive to potential employers.
Stay Current. It is important to stay current on the latest security trends and techniques. Read trade publications, join professional organizations, and attend conferences and seminars to stay up-to-date.

As an investigator, it is important to stay informed and up-to-date with the latest developments in security. To do this, it is essential to have a strong knowledge of the legal, ethical, and technical aspects of the field. Staying qualified requires taking courses to stay abreast of any changes or advancements, attending seminars and conferences to network with peers, and keeping up with current trends in security.

obtaining certifications and licenses can help to demonstrate expertise and enhance professional credibility. By staying informed and qualified, investigators are more equipped to handle the complex challenges of security and provide the best possible service to their clients.

You may want to check Insurance Investigator, Investigating Officer, and Intelligence Analyst/Investigator for alternative.

Job Description

Security Analyst: Responsible for analyzing security systems and developing solutions to mitigate security risks. Monitor security systems and respond to threats in a timely manner.
Security Engineer: Design, develop and implement security systems for organizations. Monitor security systems for potential vulnerabilities and provide technical solutions.
Security Administrator: Oversee the day-to-day operations of security systems. Train users on security policies and procedures.
Security Auditor: Conducts routine audits of security systems to ensure compliance with security policies and procedures.
Security Manager: Oversees the security team and implements security protocols. Develops strategies to protect data and systems from unauthorized access.
Cyber Security Specialist: Investigates cyber security incidents to identify their root cause and recommend remediation measures. Develops cyber security policies and procedures.
Penetration Tester: Tests networks, applications and systems for potential vulnerabilities. Develops detailed reports on findings and provides recommendations on how to mitigate risks.
Incident Response Analyst: Investigates security incidents to identify their root cause and recommend remediation measures. Develops plans to respond to future incidents.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of security principles, policies, and best practices.
Experience with security assessment methods and tools.
Ability to analyze and interpret security data.
Proficiency in developing and implementing security systems.
Strong understanding of computer networks and system architecture.
Ability to identify security risks and vulnerabilities.
Knowledge of incident response procedures.
Proficiency in developing secure coding practices.
Expertise in penetration testing and vulnerability scanning.
Ability to utilize forensic analysis techniques.
Familiarity with laws and regulations related to data security and privacy.
Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to work independently or as part of a team.

The ability to analyze and draw conclusions from data is a key skill for any Security Investigator. This skill enables them to identify patterns and trends in data, which in turn helps them to identify potential security threats. By understanding the cause and effect relationship in data, Security Investigators can better detect any malicious activity and take preventive measures to protect their organization from potential attacks.

Security Investigators must possess expertise in areas such as cyber security, network security, malware analysis, and data privacy. Having the right knowledge and experience will help Security Investigators identify vulnerabilities and proactively implement security protocols to ensure the safety of their organization's systems.

Human Resources Investigator, Patent Investigator, and Criminal Defense Investigator are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in conducting security investigations?
Tell us about a security investigation that you have conducted in the past and what the outcome was.
How do you stay up to date on the latest security threats and trends?
What strategies do you use to ensure that all evidence gathered during an investigation is kept secure?
Describe a situation where you had to analyze a large amount of data and identify potential security threats.
What steps do you take when gathering evidence for a security investigation?
How do you ensure that all evidence collected is admissible in court?
What challenges have you faced while conducting a security investigation?
How do you handle confidential information during a security investigation?
How did you handle a situation where you had conflicting information during an investigation?

Common Tools in Industry

Wireshark. A powerful network protocol analyzer for capturing and examining data from a variety of networks. (eg: Analyze network traffic to detect and mitigate threats)
Nmap. A network scanner used to detect open ports, services, and operating systems running on a network. (eg: Scan networks for potential vulnerabilities)
Metasploit. An open source framework used for developing, testing, and executing exploits. (eg: Test defenses and develop countermeasures against potential threats)
Aircrack-ng. A wireless security auditing tool used to crack encryption keys on wireless networks. (eg: Test wireless networks for weak encryption or unauthorized access)
OSSEC. An open source host-based intrusion detection system used to detect malicious activity on a network. (eg: Monitor system and network activity for any suspicious behavior)
Burp Suite. A web application security testing platform used to detect web application vulnerabilities. (eg: Identify and mitigate web application security issues)

Professional Organizations to Know

International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium (ISC)²
The Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA)
National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
International Association of Computer Investigative Specialists (IACIS)
The Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP)
The International Council of Electronic Commerce Consultants (EC-Council)
The Cloud Security Alliance (CSA)
The SANS Institute
The Institute of Information Security Professionals (IISP)
The Anti-Phishing Working Group (APWG)

We also have Fraud Investigator, Background Investigator, and Intelligence Investigator jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Security Incident. An event or occurrence that could potentially threaten the security of an organization or its data.
Cybersecurity. The practice of protecting networks, systems, and programs from digital attacks.
Vulnerability Assessment. The process of identifying, analyzing, and managing the security risks associated with a system or network.
Risk Management. The process of identifying, assessing, and controlling potential risks that could affect an organization.
Penetration Testing. The process of actively testing a system or application for vulnerabilities that could be exploited by an attacker.
Security Audit. An independent review of an organization's security posture to identify potential security vulnerabilities and assess compliance with security policies and procedures.
Access Control. The process of allowing or denying access to certain resources based on a user's identity and authorization level.
Data Protection. The process of protecting data from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, or destruction.
Network Security. The practice of protecting a network from unauthorized access and malicious activities.
Malware Analysis. The process of analyzing malicious software, such as viruses and worms, to determine how they work and how they can be stopped.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Security Investigator?

A Security Investigator is a professional who investigates cyber security incidents and helps organizations protect their networks and systems from potential threats.

What qualifications are necessary to become a Security Investigator?

Security Investigators typically need at least a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or Information Technology, as well as certifications such as those offered by the International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium (ISC²).

What are the primary duties of a Security Investigator?

The primary duties of a Security Investigator include identifying and responding to security incidents, analyzing malicious code, developing strategies to prevent future attacks, and educating users on best practices for network and system security.

How much does a Security Investigator typically earn?

According to PayScale, the average salary for a Security Investigator is $78,000 per year.

What is the job outlook for Security Investigators?

The demand for Security Investigators is expected to grow substantially over the next decade due to the increasing prevalence of cyber security threats.