When IT professionals move up the cybersecurity career ladder, they take an interest in challenging and exciting job roles like security architect. A security architect helps develop and maintain the security of an organization’s network. So, candidates looking for big-picture thinking and interested in designing security systems can build a rewarding career as a security architect. In this article, we’ll share more about building a career as a security architect and how CompTIA Security+ certification can help you achieve your career goal.
What is a Security Architect?
A security architect is an IT security professional who creates complex structures to ensure the safety of an organization’s computer systems. Professionals aiming to become security architects must have a thorough understanding and knowledge of an organization’s technology and information system. It is a senior-level position leading a team of security experts.
Roles and Responsibilities of a Security Architect
The role and responsibilities of a security architect depend on the size or type of organization. However, here we have listed some fundamental tasks that security architects perform –
- A security architect is responsible for reviewing the existing security measures. They can also recommend and implement the improvements.
- They conduct penetrating testing to find vulnerabilities in the system before a hacker discovers them.
- Security architects ensure the continuous monitoring of network security.
- These IT security professionals also use cryptography to protect an organization’s data.
- They are up-to-date on cybersecurity threats, tools, and best practices.
- A security architect research and design all security features for IT projects.
- These professionals collaborate with business leaders, developers, engineers, and more to identify the needs of an organization and make an implementation plan.
What Skills are Required to Become a Security Architect?
A security architect is expected to possess the following skills.
- Experience in IT security/IT risk management
- Understanding of security protocols, cryptography, authentication, and authorization
- Knowledge of current IT risks and experience in implementing the security solutions
- Analytical and problem-solving skills
- Ability to work in a demanding and dynamic environment
Other Job Titles Related to Security Architect
As stated earlier, security architect is an advanced-level position, so fewer jobs are available for this role. But, it’s a rewarding career option with an average salary of $133,000. Some of the other job titles related to security architect are –
- Information architecture (IA) architect
- Information security architect
- Cybersecurity architect
- IT security architect
How Security+ Can Help in Security Architect Career Path?
You can begin your career journey in IT security with the CompTIA Security+ certification. It helps establish the knowledge required for any cybersecurity job role and provides a springboard to intermediate-level cybersecurity jobs. So, you can earn this certification with the help of Security+ practice tests. Once you pass the exam, you will get an entry-level job, and as you gain experience in cybersecurity soon, you’ll be ready to apply for security architect.