How to Be Technology Risk & Security Manager - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Aug 7, 2021 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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The increasing complexity of IT systems and the proliferation of cyber threats have made risk and security management an essential component of any modern organization. An experienced Risk & Security Manager is responsible for proactively identifying, assessing and mitigating IT risks, as well as implementing security policies, procedures and controls to ensure the safety of company assets and data. The primary outcome of their work is to protect the organization from cyber attacks, data breach and other malicious activities, while keeping the business compliant with various regulations. If these risks are not properly managed, organizations can suffer significant financial losses, reputational damage and loss of customer trust.

Steps How to Become

Earn a Bachelor's Degree. To become a Technology Risk & Security Manager, you will need to have at least a bachelors degree in computer science, information security, or a related field.
Gain Work Experience. Most employers prefer to hire candidates with at least five years of experience in the field. During this time, it is important to gain experience in risk management, information security, and network administration.
Obtain Professional Certifications. Professional certifications from organizations such as ISACA and ISC2 can be beneficial for those looking to become Technology Risk & Security Managers. These certifications demonstrate knowledge and skills in the field, as well as a commitment to staying up to date on industry best practices.
Develop Soft Skills. As a manager, you will need to have strong communication, problem-solving, and leadership skills. You should also be able to work well with others and be able to manage multiple tasks at once.
Pursue a Master's Degree. While not always required, having a masters degree in a related field can give you an edge when competing for jobs. Additionally, having a masters degree can provide you with the opportunity for higher-level positions.

In order to stay ahead and qualified as a Technology Risk & Security Manager, it is important to stay up to date with emerging technologies, trends and practices in the industry. This can be achieved by attending conferences and seminars, reading industry publications, and participating in relevant forums and discussion groups. Additionally, an ongoing commitment to professional development and certifications will help demonstrate proficiency and knowledge of security best practices, as well as keeping abreast of the latest security threats and vulnerabilities. In doing so, a Technology Risk & Security Manager will be well-positioned to both identify and mitigate risks within the organization, and advise on the best course of action for protecting the organization's data and assets.

You may want to check Senior Network Security Engineer, Application Security Analyst, and Information Assurance Security Analyst for alternative.

Job Description

Develop and maintain security policies, procedures and standards to ensure the confidentiality, integrity and availability of corporate data and assets.
Monitor, track and report on security threats, vulnerabilities and incidents.
Identify, assess and mitigate risks associated with information systems, networks and applications.
Design, implement and maintain security architectures and solutions to protect corporate assets and data.
Analyze and recommend changes to existing security technologies, processes and procedures.
Train staff on security awareness topics, such as password management, phishing, malware and social engineering attacks.
Develop, test and deploy security tools, such as firewalls, antivirus software and encryption.
Investigate incidents, analyze forensic evidence and coordinate incident response activities.
Monitor security compliance for internal systems and external vendors.
Research emerging security technologies and threats to ensure the organization is aware of potential threats to corporate assets.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of data security protocols and procedures
Understanding of risk management processes
Experience with IT audits and regulatory compliance
Ability to detect and respond to potential security threats
Expertise in security tools and technologies
Strong organizational and problem-solving skills
Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities
Highly analytical and detail-oriented
Ability to create and enforce security policies
Knowledge of network architecture and systems design
Familiarity with security industry trends and developments

The role of a Risk and Security Manager is critical in today's digital world. With the increasing number of cyber threats and data breaches, organizations need to be proactive in protecting their information and assets from malicious activities. As such, it is essential for Risk and Security Managers to possess strong technical skills, such as knowledge of security protocols and encryption technologies, experience in risk assessment and management, and an understanding of emerging trends in the field.

They must also be able to communicate effectively with stakeholders, ensuring their security strategies are tailored to the company's needs. By having these necessary skills and abilities, Risk and Security Managers can help protect their organization from potential security risks, as well as data loss or misuse.

Access Control Security Technician, Enterprise Security Architect, and Security Technician are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in managing technology risk and security for an organization?
Describe your approach to developing and implementing a security strategy.
How would you identify, assess, and manage risks related to technology systems and operations?
What methods do you use to ensure that security policies and procedures are followed?
How have you responded to data breaches and other security incidents?
What measures have you taken to stay up-to-date on the latest security threats and technologies?
How do you collaborate with teams across the organization to ensure a secure environment?
What challenges have you faced when it comes to implementing security measures?
How do you balance the need for security with the desire for innovation?
How would you evaluate the effectiveness of the security measures you have implemented?

Common Tools in Industry

Vulnerability Scanning Tools. Used to identify security weaknesses within an organizations computer systems. (e. g. Nessus, OpenVAS)
Intrusion Detection Systems. Automated tools that monitor and detect malicious activity on a network or system. (e. g. Snort, Prelude)
Firewalls. A network security system that controls access to an organizations network. (e. g. Cisco Firewall, Fortinet Firewall)
Data Loss Prevention (DLP). A set of tools that help an organization protect confidential data from unauthorized access or theft. (e. g. Check Point DLP, Symantec DLP)
Identity and Access Management (IAM). A set of tools that manage user access to systems and applications. (e. g. SailPoint IAM, Okta IAM)
Security Information and Event Management (SIEM). A set of tools used to collect, analyze, and respond to security events in real-time. (e. g. IBM QRadar, Splunk SIEM)
Endpoint Protection Platforms (EPP). Tools used to protect end-user devices such as laptops and desktops from malicious threats. (e. g. McAfee EPP, Symantec EPP)
Network Access Control (NAC). A set of tools used to control who can access a network and the types of activities they can perform. (e. g. Forescout NAC, Cisco Identity Services Engine)
Cloud Security. A set of tools used to secure cloud-based applications and services from threats and vulnerabilities. (e. g. Microsoft Azure Security Center, AWS Cloud Security)
Web Application Firewalls (WAF). A set of tools used to protect web applications from malicious attacks. (e. g. F5 WAF, Imperva WAF)

Professional Organizations to Know

ISACA (Information Systems Audit and Control Association)
International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium (ISC2)
The Cloud Security Alliance (CSA)
National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
Information Systems Security Association (ISSA)
The Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP)
Center for Internet Security (CIS)
SANS Institute
EC-Council
International Information Systems Forensics Association (IISFA)

We also have IT Infrastructure & Security Manager, Cyber Security Analyst, and Security Researcher jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Network Security. the practice of protecting networks, systems, and programs from digital attacks. It involves preventing unauthorized access, misuse, modification, or denial of a computer network and the data on it.
User Access Control. a security measure that limits access to computer systems, networks, and data to authorized users. It ensures that only approved users have access to sensitive information.
Data Encryption. the process of encoding data so that it cannot be read by unauthorized users. It is used to protect data from unauthorized access, manipulation, and deletion.
Firewall. a system designed to prevent unauthorized access to or from a private network. It can be implemented as hardware or software and is used to block malicious traffic from entering a network.
Identity Management. the process of controlling user access to systems and resources. It involves creating user accounts, setting passwords, and granting/revoking access rights.
Security Patching. the process of updating applications and operating systems with security updates to fix known vulnerabilities.
Endpoint Security. the practice of protecting computers, tablets, and other devices that connect to a network. It involves using antivirus software, firewalls, and other security measures to protect endpoints from threats.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary purpose of a Technology Risk & Security Manager?

The primary purpose of a Technology Risk & Security Manager is to identify, assess, and mitigate IT security risks and threats within an organization.

What types of activities does a Technology Risk & Security Manager perform?

A Technology Risk & Security Manager typically performs activities such as developing and implementing IT security policies and procedures, conducting vulnerability assessments, monitoring IT systems and networks, identifying security issues, responding to security incidents and breaches, and providing security awareness training.

What qualifications are necessary to be a Technology Risk & Security Manager?

Technology Risk & Security Managers typically need a combination of technical, managerial, and communication skills. This includes having a bachelors degree in computer science, information security, or a related field; certification in IT security; experience in risk management and/or information security; knowledge of applicable laws and regulations; and strong problem-solving, analytical, and leadership skills.

What is the average salary for a Technology Risk & Security Manager?

According to PayScale, the average salary for a Technology Risk & Security Manager is $94,927 per year. Salaries can vary depending on experience, location, company size, and other factors.

What is the job outlook for Technology Risk & Security Managers?

The job outlook for Technology Risk & Security Managers is positive. As organizations continue to invest in IT security systems, the demand for risk and security managers is expected to increase.

Web Resources

Information Security Risk Management - University of Michigan safecomputing.umich.edu
Security, Safety, and Risk Management www.iit.edu
Security Risk Management | EDUCAUSE library.educause.edu