Cyber Degrees Education - Cyber Security Auditor

These days, it’s not a matter of if a company will experience a cyber-attack, but when. Entire organizations are threatened by cyber-attacks, and that is why those who can prevent such attacks are in high demand. These threats are continuously evolving, and it is up to cyber security professionals to protect their companies and organizations from the bad actors behind them.

A cyber security auditor plays an essential role in organizational protection, making sure all computer systems and their security components remain secure. A large part of the job consists of constant interaction with all information technology departments within the organization to ensure security compliance and efficacy.

What Does a Security Auditor Do?

Those considering a career in the technology sector may want to explore cyber auditing as an option. If you like the idea of outwitting malefactors in cyberspace and preventing attacks and threats to privacy for users and companies alike, cyber auditing presents an excellent opportunity to do just that. In many ways, cyber security auditors are IT generalists, as they must know a great deal about various aspects of technology.

These IT specialists design and manage audits for their companies or organizations. An audit means that the professional goes through every aspect of the system and/or network and every possible access point to uncover any hidden vulnerabilities. After audit completion, the cyber auditor interprets the results, a thorough, detailed process. When the audit is presented to management, the cyber audit shows the current strengths and weaknesses of the system. Recommended system upgrades should include a cost/benefit analysis.

What are Their Responsibilities, Common Duties, and Tasks?

For a cyber security auditor, the bottom line is protecting their organization from cyber threats, whether by cyber-terrorists or just plain old hackers.

The common responsibilities, duties, and tasks of a cyber security auditor to that end may include:

Determining IT risk exposure
Assess possible attackers, including criminals, competitors, and even disgruntled employees
Reviewing, evaluating, and testing application controls
Testing and identifying network and system vulnerabilities
Conducting effective IT audits
Interpreting audit data
Researching and implementing the latest security best practices
Providing recommendations for dealing with any identified security risks
Completing management reports regarding the state of the organization’s security system
Creating a multi-pronged cyber security audit plan

How to Become a Security Auditor

Becoming a security auditor requires obtaining at least a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field. However, it is possible to begin performing cyber auditing with a degree in finance or accounting, as long as the candidate has the requisite strong IT skills and certifications.

After graduating, expect to work in the IT field for at least five years before advancing into cyber security auditing. Along with work experience, gaining the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA’s) Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) certification is invaluable to move forward in a cyber auditing role. While other certifications are available and useful, CISA is considered the gold standard.

Other high level certifications include:

Cyber Security Forensic Analysis Certification (CSFA)
Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
Certified ISO/IEC 27001 Lead Auditor
Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE)
Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

Typical Requirements for Hiring

Entry-level jobs in the cyber security field include system, network, and security administrators. After working in one of these positions for a few years, an individual may move up to a mid-level position, which includes security specialist, security engineer, and security auditor.

Senior positions in cyber auditing include senior security auditor, lead cyber security tester, and senior cyber security analyst. Those cyber auditors who wish to enter the management field might become security or IT project managers, security directors, or Chief Information Security Officers (CISO) if they earn a master’s and have plenty of experience in the field. The actual title for such IT positions may vary by organization. For these senior positions, a master’s degree in IT auditing, cyber security, or an equivalent degree, may be required. The good news is that many companies will pay tuition for employees seeking this advanced degree while they are employed there.

Keep in mind that regular travel is required for many cyber security auditor positions. For some candidates this is not an issue but for others, the need for frequent travel may prove detrimental and force them to consider some other type of IT career.

Skills Needed

While cyber security auditors require strong technical skills, quite a few softer skills are also a necessity in this field.

These include:

Ability to work under pressure, in a fast-paced environment
Strong attention to detail
Ability to work both independently and as a team player
Good oral and written communication skills
Strong ethical code
Leadership
Analytical mind

With a cross-industry requirement of about 220 days between a violation and additionally its exploration, make an enlightened selection on for how long the company can pay for to leave an occurrence obscure. There should certainly never be a singular point of failing in any kind of type of component of occurrence reaction. If one does not exist, elevate it as an audit exception.

The range of password offenses in any type of type of company is unexpected. Flag them. Develop a retainer arrangement with a number of forensic or case feedback professionals. Having an independent, unbiased view is an essential element in developing a complete picture of the occurrence. Deal with the third-party vendor to conduct a yearly safety and security and security audit.

To do the analysis swiftly, auditors require to have accessibility to a couple of particular cybersecurity audit gadgets supplied by the organization being checked out. This, consequently, might call for the auditee to make some preparations in advance. But, exactly how can you plan for a cybersecurity audit to make sure that it can be ended swiftly and efficiently (not to state making life a lot easier for your cybersecurity audit & consistency group)? While part of the goal of any sort of audit is to identify possibly unidentified possessions on your service network, providing your auditor a network format can help them save time and obtain a running start on their cybersecurity assessment.

With a cross-industry criterion of about 220 days in between an infraction and likewise its discovery, make an enlightened option on for how long the company can afford to leave a case obscure. There ought to never be a solitary factor of failing in any type of sort of component of event response. If one does not exist, boost it as an audit exemption.

The selection of password offenses in any type of organization is unexpected. Flag them. Develop a retainer arrangement with a number of forensic or instance action specialists. Having an independent, objective sight is an essential element in developing a full image of the case. Manage the third-party vendor to conduct a yearly security and also security audit.

To do the examination quickly, auditors need to have accessibility to a couple of certain cybersecurity audit tools supplied by the company being explored. This, consequently, may ask for the auditee to make some prep work beforehand. However, how can you prepare for a cybersecurity audit to guarantee that it can be completed quickly as well as effectively (not to state making life much easier for your cybersecurity audit & consistency group)? While part of the objective of any kind of audit is to acknowledge potentially unknown properties on your service network, offering your auditor a network format can aid them conserve time as well as obtain a running beginning on their cybersecurity assessment.

Whether testing plans or reviewing agreements for conformity with security as well as security methods, inner audit supplies beneficial understanding into security campaigns. Having effective is also crucial, as well as additionally internal audit can provide assurance solutions for that area as well. Good commonly used companies have the first idea that something is awry. Gradually, internal audit is incorporating information analytics as well as other modern-day innovation in its task.

Ideal preparation is necessary for taking care of as well as doing away with any kind of sort of variety of risk circumstances that might influence a company's recurring procedures, including a cyber strike, all-natural catastrophe or succession. Readiness in dilemma monitoring along with dilemma communications can significantly and likewise favorably influence a firm's consumers, capitalists in addition to brand name online credibility. Interior audit can assist with plan advancement, deal assurance checks of its performance as well as timeliness, and also eventually deal evaluation in addition to testimonials after methods are accomplished.

Typically operating as outside professionals, security and security auditors assess computer system safety and additionally effectiveness. They offer detailed reports, note weak points, as well as additionally deal tips for enhancement. These professionals likewise examine information sources, networks, and likewise equivalent innovations to make certain consistency with info technology (IT) requirements. They construct and also administer audits based on firm or company plans and also appropriate federal government standards.

Finance firms, little- as well as likewise massive solutions, and also not-for-profit firms perform security audits consistently. Security and also security auditors develop as well as execute audits based upon service plans as well as governmental legislations. To examine and also examine security controls as well as practices, safety and also security auditors operate extremely closely with IT professionals, supervisors, as well as execs. Safety auditors create tests of IT systems to acknowledge risks as well as insufficiencies.

Financing firms, little- and likewise massive solutions, and not-for-profit firms carry out safety audits continually. Safety and security and also security auditors create along with carry out audits based upon company plans as well as governmental laws. To examine and also assess security controls in addition to techniques, safety and security and security auditors operate very closely with IT experts, supervisors, as well as execs. Safety and security auditors create examinations of IT systems to recognize dangers and also inadequacies.

Through meetings in addition to participation with executives, managers, and IT professionals, systems auditors establish methods to improve safety compliance, minimize threat, as well as take care of feasible security as well as security dangers. As exterior auditors, security as well as security auditors provide an objective perspective on an organization's security techniques. Companies and organisations bring in security auditors at routine periods to examine their very own performance and assure their systems follow sector standards.

With programs in computer system software application in addition to devices, programs, in addition to cybersecurity issues, striving safety and security auditors develop a strong framework for their purpose. Coursework in an undergraduate degree develops fundamental understanding, which learners can apply in entry-level positionings as safety, network, or systems administrators. Manager tasks educate individuals to analyze systems as well as likewise networks for susceptibilities, create security requirements, as well as carry out standard audits.

Safety and security and security specialists take care of the design, application, and surveillance of security as well as security systems. Protection designers build in addition to maintain IT protection services, while protection experts provide tips on improvements to existing protection strategies and methods. Possible security as well as security auditors can settle the understanding as well as abilities established in access- as well as mid-level IT safety and also security placements to accomplish their career goals.

The cyber security auditor job description is not a difficult one and a person should not find it difficult to do. It is important that the person has the qualifications for the job to perform the role. These qualifications may range from a high school diploma or equivalent to an associate degree.

There are some qualifications that must be met by the job description. They include working experience in the field of information security and having a working knowledge of computer software. A person will need to have experience with network analysis, computer forensics and other related subjects as well as computer software security. A person must also have skills in the area of computer programming.

Another qualification required by the job description is an understanding of how the internet works. Some of the jobs of a cyber security auditor involve the testing of networks and systems that are being used in the work environment. These professionals must be able to identify any vulnerabilities or weaknesses and to find ways to remedy them before they become problematic. This means that the individual must understand what is being done and then be able to devise a course of action that will fix the problem.

Knowledge of computer software is another requirement for the job description. The software used for the purpose of data entry must be able to be modified or repaired if this becomes necessary. Most companies that use computers do not have a system in place that makes certain that the system is updated to the latest versions. This is a very common issue and one that is often not fixed before it becomes too late. Many people who work as a cyber security auditor have the ability to repair systems in order to prevent these problems from happening.

Other qualifications required by the job description is the ability to handle change. A person must be able to deal with the change in technologies in the network and the overall process of the company. This may include the ability to implement changes to increase security. This skill may also be required for some jobs in which a person must understand all aspects of the organization.

A person should know how to troubleshoot and fix problems on a particular company's systems. Sometimes problems can occur in this way and it is up to the person to see that the issues are fixed or else it can have an impact on the productivity of the employee. Another important qualification for this job would be the ability to identify the root cause of the problem. and this is an ability to fix it.

There are many different types of companies that employ this job. They may hire the services of a company that provides this type of service to maintain networks of computers and also to provide information security for companies that need information security protection. Some companies hire an outside professional to test and secure their networks.

A person looking for a job as a cyber security auditor may be able to find many different positions online. They can find employment through job postings in the newspaper, the internet or in some cases they may be able to contact the employers directly.

In order to get into a cyber security auditor job description there is usually a short period of training required. There are usually two types of training programs available, classroom training and self-study training. There are also many schools and colleges that offer classes for those who need more assistance in understanding this type of job description.

The salary that a person in this position can expect is based on a number of factors. For those people who are employed by large companies there may be more money but for the person looking to find a job as a cyber security auditor there is usually a more modest pay rate.

The job description is a growing field that is expected to continue to grow in the future. It is also expected that there will continue to be a variety of qualifications required to obtain this type of job. It is important that individuals are prepared and ready to accept this type of job.

Salary

Cyber security auditor jobs pay well. The average salary for a cyber security auditor is $86,000, but that number can range from approximately $71,000 per year for a quality assurance auditor, to $120,000 annually for an IT security specialist. Jobs in major cities will pay higher salaries than those outside of large metropolitan areas. For example, Indeed.com lists IT security specialist jobs in the New York City area paying almost $125,000 annually.

Other factors relating to salary include experience level, certifications achieved, educational degrees, and the type of industry in which the cyber security auditor is employed.

Outlook & Jobs

Unless cyber-hackers decide to pursue another area of employment, job growth in the cyber security auditing and related fields should remain strong. Technology is entering more and more facets of everyday life and its pervasiveness, as well as the growth in the Internet of Things (IoT) creates more and more points of entry for hackers and other bad actors. Unless human nature changes, an unlikely prospect, companies will require more cyber security auditors and those with similar backgrounds to protect their data.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 28% increase in demand for cyber security positions by 2026. There is currently a shortage of approximately 2 million cyber security specialists/experts, making this an ideal field for anyone seeking interesting and critical work in the ongoing battle between hackers and data privacy.

Government agencies; non-profit organizations; and large, mid-size, and small companies will all require cyber security auditors on a regular basis.

Cyber security auditing is a relatively new field, and as it evolves you can expect more specialization. High-paying, fairly recent specializations in cyber auditing include cloud security specialists and architects, along with positions such as vendor risk management directors and business process reengineering security consultants. Average salaries for these jobs exceed $100,000, and some, such as cloud security architects, may pay $180,000 per year or more.