What does an Information Security Specialist do?

Information security specialists design and implement systems and processes intended to keep electronic information private and secure. They analyze existing processes and safeguards and recommend changes, playing a primary role in defining standard organizational guidelines. They monitor systems for any signs of intrusion or potentials areas of vulnerability, and create policies and procedures for reporting issues or notifications. They also advise and train others on how to identify, avoid, and mitigate cybersecurity threats.

Information security specialists typically have a bachelor’s degree in a computer science field, along with experience in an IT role with a focus on cybersecurity. They should have hands-on experience using vulnerability scanners such as Nexpose or Netsparker, and a background in developing and implementing information security policies and programs.

What responsibilities are common for Information Security Specialist jobs?
  • Assist with the loading and unloading of buses, as assigned.
  • Provide clerical skills necessary to capture day to day activities.
  • Ensure information is complete and consistent with procedures, policies, and precedents.
  • Plan and coordinate the IT security programs and policies.
  • Maintain action plans, project plans, incident, issue and risk registers.
  • Provide a monthly status report on information security status.
  • Monitor camera, phone, intercom/control system and movement of staff and youth.
  • Develop scripts for system administration and security auditing functions.
  • Manage the billet structure to account for program access.
  • Plan, develop and controls moderate to large project/product budgets.
  • Review operational procedures for the handling and disposition for classified and sensitive information.
  • Thorough knowledge of the indices systems, various record check systems, and file review processes to develop and extract the most complete and accurate information relative to the subject as possible.
  • Monitor security vulnerabilities and hacking threats in network and host systems.
  • Creation and updating of personnel security action database records.
What are the typical qualifications for Information Security Specialist jobs?
  • Bachelor's or Graduate's Degree in business, computer science, engineering or information technology, or equivalent experience.
  • A confident, natural leader and problem solver with demonstrated critical thinking and collaboration skills.
  • Familiar with writing protocols.
  • Strong computing and scripting skills.
  • Military experience is a plus.
  • Displays strong work ethic.
Education--
Work/Life Balance
3.9 ★
Salary Range--
Career Opportunity
3.9 ★
Avg. Experience2-4 years

Information Security Specialist Salaries near Singapore

Average Base Pay

$13,700 /month
Not including cash compensation
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Glassdoor Estimated Salary

Information Security Specialist Career Path

Learn how to become an Information Security Specialist, what skills and education you need to succeed, and what level of pay to expect at each step on your career path.

Information Security Specialist

Years of Experience Distribution

0 - 1
3%
2 - 4
82%
5 - 7
7%
8+
8%
Not including years spent in education and/or training

Information Security Specialist Insights

Read what Information Security Specialist professionals have to say about their job experiences and view top companies for this career.
IcertisIcertis
Information Security Intern
25 Sept 2023

“The work I did was very beneficial for my future growth and would recommend this internship to anyone in this field”

RaytheonRaytheon
Cybersecurity Analyst
20 Jul 2023

“Hard to progress in your career and little opportunity to continue to grow responsibility and salary”

TeleperformanceTeleperformance
Information Security
13 Nov 2022

“This is Good place to work and easily visible to our management to get recognize for our good work.”

MIT Lincoln LaboratoryMIT Lincoln Laboratory
Information Systems Security Officer (ISSO)
13 Jul 2023

“Such an innovative company where you get to work with all sorts of different people and projects.”

BugcrowdBugcrowd
Web Penetration Tester
6 Nov 2023

“Bug Crowd is the best platform for bug hunters to hunt bugs and earn money.”

Booz Allen HamiltonBooz Allen Hamilton
Cybersecurity Associate
18 Sept 2023

“Internal recruiting was probably the least professional and most frustrating corporate experience I have had in my career.”

AmeriHealth CaritasAmeriHealth Caritas
Cybersecurity
6 Mar 2023

“workers are really good to work with but many areas bullied into the ground with excessive work.”

United Bank for AfricaUnited Bank for Africa
Junior CyberSecurity Analyst
11 Apr 2022

“No overtime pay which kinda sucks because sometimes you might be required to work overtime.”

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Information Security Specialist Interviews

Frequently asked questions about the role and responsibilities of an information security specialist

An information security specialist spends a typical day analyzing network structures and testing security measures like software permissions and firewalls. They ensure the company's data remains secure by protecting it from cyber attacks. They also design and implement data recovery plans in case the structures are attacked.

Yes, information security is an in-demand career. As cloud computing continues to grow, employers need security specialists to keep their information secure. One benefit of being an information security specialist is it's a fast-paced field perfect for those who love a challenge.

Information security specialists get paid well. The average annual base salary for information security specialists is $13,700 per year in the United States, depending on their location and years of experience. With additional training and experience, they can make up to $21,475 annually.

Working as an information security specialist can be challenging at times. They need to stay up to date regarding computer programing languages as well as software updates and might be asked to work long hours or weekends if an issue arises.

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