Penetration tester<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n Penetration testers search for and identify vulnerabilities in web applications, operating systems, and network devices.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n Bachelor's degree<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n None<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n $95,270<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n Information security analyst<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n Information security analysts develop and implement security measures to protect computer systems and networks.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n Bachelor's degree<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n Less than five years<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n $102,600<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n Security systems administrator<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n Security systems administrators oversee all cybersecurity activities within a company or organization.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n Bachelor's degree<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n Five years or more<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n $159,010<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n Source:<\/strong> BLS<\/small><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n Security auditors carry out audits based on organizational policies and governmental regulations. They work closely with IT to assess security controls and practices. They also test IT systems to identify risks. Security auditors evaluate firewalls, encryption protocols, and related security measures.<\/p>\r\n Through interviews and cooperation with executives, managers, and IT professionals, security auditors develop plans to improve security compliance, reduce risk, and manage potential security threats<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n As external auditors, security auditors offer an objective perspective on an organization's security practices. Companies and businesses bring in security auditors at regular intervals to check their own effectiveness and ensure their systems adhere to industry standards.<\/p>\r\n Security auditors also introduce new practices and technologies<\/a> to companies and organizations. They advise companies or organizations to make changes based on current practices and emerging trends and issues in the field. They have significant responsibility and opportunities to develop security solutions. These professionals may travel extensively, offering their services as needed.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\n \n \n <\/a>\n\n \r\n The day-to-day activities of security auditors<\/a> vary depending on the organization's needs. A security auditor's duties and responsibilities may include:<\/p>\r\n Payscale reports<\/a> that IT and security auditors earn an average annual salary exceeding $70,000 as of August 2022. Entry-level security auditors earn about $60,000, while mid-career professionals take home more than $88,000. Senior-level security auditors earn over $118,000 annually.<\/p>\r\n As computer and IT professionals, security auditors benefit from a projected 15% growth<\/a> in employment from 2021-31, which is faster than average. According to the BLS, computer and information technology occupations will add 682,800 positions in this period.<\/p>\r\n With many of the same skills and duties as information security analysts, security auditors may experience similar positive growth. Far exceeding projections for the computer and information technology field, the BLS projects<\/a> information security analyst jobs to grow by 35% from 2021-31.<\/p>\r\n Top industries for information security analysts include financial services and computer systems design. Companies and businesses in these sectors conduct regular security audits, which proves promising for cybersecurity professionals.<\/p>\r\n\r\n $72,070<\/strong><\/p>\r\n Average Base Salary<\/p>\r\n Source: Payscale<\/a> (August 2022)<\/p>\r\n <\/center>\r\n<\/sonic-callout>\r\n\r\n\r\n\n Find programs with your skills, schedule, and goals in mind.<\/p>\n\t\t Security auditors usually have undergraduate degrees in computer science, information technology, or a related field. Associate degrees<\/a> may be enough, but most employers prefer bachelor's degrees. Through classes in computer software and hardware, programming, and cybersecurity issues, aspiring security auditors establish a solid foundation for their goals.<\/p>\r\n Coursework in an undergraduate degree builds fundamental knowledge, which learners can apply in entry-level positions as systems, network, or security administrators<\/a>. Professionals in these roles test systems and networks for vulnerabilities, establish security requirements, and conduct basic audits.<\/p>\r\n Mid-level security auditing positions include security specialist<\/a>, security engineer<\/a>, and security consultant<\/a>. Security specialists oversee the design, implementation, and monitoring of security systems. Security engineers build and maintain IT security solutions, while security consultants offer advice on improvements to existing security policies and practices.<\/p>\r\n Prospective security auditors use the knowledge and skills developed in entry- and mid-level IT security positions to achieve their career goals. To become security auditors<\/a>, individuals need 3-5 years of experience in general information technology or information technology security. Senior security auditors have more than five years of field experience.<\/p>\r\n Security auditors may benefit from industry certifications<\/a> and can continue on to graduate degrees. A master's degree in cybersecurity, information assurance, or information systems auditing enhances field knowledge and skills, helping professionals pursue advanced positions in the field.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n A guide about moving from a broad IT career to one that focuses specifically on the duties of cybersecurity professionals.<\/p>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n An overview of associate degrees that provide coursework and training on the fundamentals of cybersecurity.<\/p>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n A guide to choosing the best school to pursue a bachelor's degree in cybersecurity.<\/p>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n Information about information technology bachelor's degrees and how they prepare you for a career in the field.<\/p>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n A look at master's degrees that train you to manage risks associated with the use, processing, storage, and transmission of information.<\/p>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n Information about cybersecurity master's degrees that provide advanced coursework and training in the field.<\/p>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n A comprehensive look at different types and levels of computer science degrees.<\/p>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n A guide to information systems security degree levels, what they include, and how they prepare you for a career in the field.<\/p>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n Security auditors assess a company or organization's cybersecurity practices and policies to identify vulnerabilities. They document breaches, note vulnerabilities, and identify ways to improve information safety.<\/p>\r\n A security auditor focuses on cybersecurity technologies and procedures. An IT auditor takes a comprehensive look at all IT systems to evaluate management controls.<\/p>\r\n Getting a job as a cybersecurity auditor often requires a college degree and industry experience. Identifying where jobs are available and what you need to know to stand out in the candidate pool will boost your chances of employment.<\/p>\r\n Security audits can be done internally or externally. Internal security auditors are employed by the company or organization, while an external auditor is brought in from an outside entity.<\/p>\r\n Within the field of security audits, there are four kinds of audits: risk assessments, vulnerability assessments, penetration tests, and compliance audits.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n What Does a Cybersecurity Auditor Do?<\/h2>\r\n
Key Soft Skills for Security Auditors<\/h3>\r\n
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Key Hard Skills for Security Auditors<\/h3>\r\n
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A Day in the Life of a Security Auditor<\/h3>\r\n
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Security Auditor Salary and Career Outlook<\/h2>\r\n
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How to Become a Security Auditor<\/h2>\r\n
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Professional Organizations for Cybersecurity Auditors<\/h3>\r\n\r\n
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Learn More About Security Auditors<\/h2>\r\n
FAQ About Working as a Security Auditor<\/h2>\r\n
\r\nWhat is a security auditor?<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n
Are security auditor and IT auditor jobs the same?<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n
Is it hard to get a job as a cybersecurity auditor?<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n
What kind of security audits are there?<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n
Reviewed by: Monali Mirel Chuatico<\/h2>\r\n