Skip to content

How To Become A Cybersecurity Manager/Administrator? A Complete Guide (2023)

how to become a cybersecurity manager administrator a complete guide

A cybersecurity manager is an IT veteran who manages security systems and teams, detects possible network vulnerabilities, and develops tactics to resist hackers’ infiltration techniques.

It can assist the company in avoiding the loss of vital data, such as Personal Information (PII) by workers, valuable trade secrets, and credit card information by consumers.

Added to that, when information systems are down, the cybersecurity manager effectively saves time and money.

They do it by implementing essential security measures on all information systems and networks to avoid a stop.

Job Roles & Responsibilities of a Cybersecurity Manager!

The cybersecurity manager is one of the three advanced-level core cybersecurity jobs, according to the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education’s CyberSeek model.

The cybersecurity manager position encompasses many advanced-level information security positions responsible for supervising security systems and teams.

Getting the task done effectively and efficiently also demands a comprehensive grasp of information security principles, information assurance and security operations, networking rules and procedures, and risk management and project management abilities.

Security managers are also responsible for developing strategies for security standards and audits.

The cybersecurity manager will keep an eye on the forensic investigation done by the forensic analysts in the case of a data breach.

He’ll stay up to date on the newest cybersecurity developments and consult with law enforcement and his company’s attorney on security issues.

Identifying security holes, creating proactive solutions, building firewalls, and sending reports to senior staff and management are additional tasks.

The following is a list of job titles related to cybersecurity managers:

  • Manager of information security
  • Administrator of security
  • Officer in charge of information security
  • Officer in charge of information security (ISSO)

Job Opportunities for a Cybersecurity Manager

According to national statistics provided by the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) in 2017, job prospects for people seeking a career in cybersecurity management should be plentiful.

The BLS is a reliable and comprehensive source of information on career prospects; it does not have a particular category for cybersecurity managers, but it does give information on computer and information systems management professions.

This wide category includes the cybersecurity manager. According to O* Net Online, the job of information security/cybersecurity managers is anticipated to expand by 28%, according to O*Net Online, a website funded by the United States Department of Labor (DOL).

Between 2016 and 2026, information technology and computer-related occupations will grow by 13%.

According to Cybersecurity Ventures, by 2021, there will be 3.5 million cybersecurity job opportunities, a job study sponsored by Herjavec Group.

The Herjavec Group is a worldwide information security business and Managed Security Services Provider (MSSP) with locations throughout the world, including the United States.

You may feel secure in a job as a cybersecurity manager if you examine these estimates.

Because the job functions of a cybersecurity manager are more managerial than technical, they are needed in both small and big businesses.

Employers are searching for IT experts that can satisfy the employment criteria of a cybersecurity manager.

You can find work in various areas, including government agencies, education, healthcare, financial services, the armed forces, and information technology if you are a suitable fit.

What Does a Cybersecurity Manager Do?

The daily responsibilities of security managers vary depending on where they work, their sector, and the size of their organization.

Large investment banks, for example, may have teams of security analysts and other technological employees under their supervision.

Small firm security managers may only be in charge of a few personnel. Cybersecurity Managerial professionals frequently focus on management tasks in large corporations, but managers in smaller corporations may take on more hands-on activities.

Security managers supervise personnel who install and configure security measures and deal with high-level IT security concerns.

Hiring new staff, planning and monitoring budgets, and assessing and ordering new security systems and technology are among their responsibilities.

They also create broad rules, laws, and plans to strengthen the security of their companies’ computer networks and systems.

Because they oversee activities that protect against unwanted cyber incursions, security managers are critical to their company’s success. Security managers safeguard their businesses’ data, financial assets, and consumer information through their job.

Cybersecurity Manager: How do you become one? A Step-by-Step Detailed Guide

Potential security managers should be aware of the fundamental procedures they must follow. Although no degree assures employment in a certain field, this section looks into possible academic paths for security managers.

It also outlines the professional experience that IT workers must have before becoming security managers.

Employers often expect information security employees to have a bachelor’s degree when it comes to schooling.

Applicants with degrees in information security-related fields, such as information technology, information assurance, or cybersecurity, are typically preferred. Information security is often offered as a focus within a computer science program at several institutions.

A master’s degree in a discipline like cybersecurity or information systems is frequently required for senior-level security management employment.

Degrees in IT management or business administration may help you work as a security manager because you’ll require great management abilities.

Graduates with a bachelor’s or master’s degree in an IT-related subject can demonstrate to potential employers that they have the technical skills and conceptual knowledge required to defend information systems against assault.

Professional experience can help aspiring security managers exhibit knowledge in the area. Security managers are in charge of lower-level security personnel.

Therefore they must have excellent management skills and a thorough understanding of information security processes and technology.

Information security analysts, security administrators, and network administrators all require at least five years of experience in the industry.

They may work their way up to management positions by working as information security analysts, security administrators, or network administrators.

Cybersecurity certificates can help security professionals improve their security and management skills along the road.

Skills required to be recognized as a Cybersecurity Manager

Companies look for certain skills when recruiting new security managers, just like they do with any other position. Communication, listening, writing, and cooperation is examples of soft talents used in almost every career.

Specific hard skills are also required for certain information technology jobs, such as security management. Many employers use skills examinations to assess job candidates’ technical abilities.

Those interested in becoming security managers have a variety of alternatives for honing their hard and soft abilities.

Bachelor’s degrees in computer science, cybersecurity, and information systems are common among security managers’ core IT abilities.

Students learn the fundamentals of hardware, software, networks, and security in these classes. Master’s degrees in the subject provide students with extra abilities.

Employees in the information technology field can expand their skillsets outside of the classroom by learning from more experienced coworkers and superiors.

Certifications are another method to improve your abilities and show employers that you know what you’re doing.

Security managers require a solid understanding of information security measures, IT security architecture, and network architecture in terms of hard skills.

They must have a fundamental understanding of several operating systems, such as Linux and Windows. Firewalls, intrusion detection methods, and intrusion prevention techniques must all be familiar to them.

Many entry-level and intermediate cybersecurity professionals, such as information security analysts and security administrators, need the abilities mentioned earlier.

Furthermore, security managers must possess good communication, leadership, and strategic decision-making abilities, as they are responsible for managing workers and making critical, timely decisions.

Certifications in Cybersecurity Managerial Role

Cyberattacks are becoming more common, and businesses need cybersecurity specialists now more than ever to secure their clients’ and employees’ personal information.

In this post, we’ll go over why cybersecurity credentials are essential, go over the top ten certificates, and offer some instances of the kind of positions you may acquire with one.

Notorious hackers have increased dramatically in recent years, and they are unlikely to slow down in the future. When a firm gets hacked, consumers lose faith in it and frequently terminate their connection with it.

To avoid security breaches, retain customers, and continue to prosper, businesses must implement cybersecurity safeguards. As a result, several businesses are mandating cybersecurity certifications for their IT staff.

At the absolute least, being certified will increase your hiring worth and make you stand out among prospective hopefuls.

By earning certifications, you can demonstrate to potential employers that you’re interested in a cybersecurity position and want to keep your relevant skills sharp.

You can improve your chances of making a good impression by continuing your education through certifications.

Certain credentials may be required or preferred by a potential employer, depending on the sector and particular business.

You may find out what credentials a company requires by looking online or contacting them directly. The following are the most prevalent cybersecurity management certifications:

Apart from certifications, there are dedicated degrees which you might choose to become a degree holder Cybersecurity Manager. Those are-

1. Degrees from colleges and universities

If you want to work as a cybersecurity manager, you’ll need to learn about the business and get the hands-on experience that companies are searching for. A college diploma might be the initial step in this direction.

The parts that follow will go through degree requirements in further detail.

Please keep in mind that the interview stage is also important and should not be overlooked.

You could be asked how you convey complicated information security ideas to a team, how you remediate a security breach, or how you should execute security procedures.

2. Bachelor’s degree

For cybersecurity manager positions, many firms need a four-year bachelor’s degree. The degree should be in a computer-related field, such as computer science, cybersecurity, or any other IT-related field. It’s also a big boost if you’ve worked in the field before.

3.     Master’s Program

Upper-level cyber security managers must have a master’s degree. Computer science, cybersecurity, network security, or any other IT-related area is required.

Master of Information and Cybersecurity (MICS) at UC Berkeley and Master of Information or Master of Cybersecurity and Leadership (MCL) at the University of Washington, Tacoma are two examples.

Cybersecurity Manager’s Salary in the United States

Information technology jobs are usually well-paid, which is especially true for senior-level roles.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), computer and information technology workers make a median annual salary of $86,320, which is more than double the national average ($38,640).

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, computer and information systems managers earn a median annual salary of $142,570.

At least $180,290 per year is earned by the top 25% of information systems management earners. Even the lowest 10% of information systems managers may earn up to $85,050 a year.

This wage disparity is due in part to variations in industry and geographic regions. Financial services and electronic component manufacture, for example, are two of the highest-paying areas for IT managers.

IT managers in New York, California, and New Jersey make more than those in other states.

In addition, the career is rapidly expanding. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for computer and information systems managers will grow by 11.5% between 2019 and 2029, resulting in over 50,000 new positions.

Cybersecurity for a Managerial Role: In a Nutshell!

An IT expert who oversees people, processes, projects, tasks, investigations, and other managerial duties are known as a cybersecurity manager.

A bachelor’s and master’s degree and cybersecurity certifications that support the cybersecurity manager function are required for this position.

Because businesses are in great demand for cybersecurity managers, you can be certain that you will be able to obtain your dream career in the sector if you pass all of the requirements.

You have already reached a significant milestone if you have finally decided on a professional route or have reached a stage where you are almost certain which path to pursue. Pat yourself to the back!

If your goal is to be a cyber security manager and you are certain about it, we have laid down all the possible knowledge that you would probably require. Go for it!

Kevin James

Kevin James

I'm Kevin James, and I'm passionate about writing on Security and cybersecurity topics. Here, I'd like to share a bit more about myself. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity from Utica College, New York, which has been the foundation of my career in cybersecurity. As a writer, I have the privilege of sharing my insights and knowledge on a wide range of cybersecurity topics. You'll find my articles here at Cybersecurityforme.com, covering the latest trends, threats, and solutions in the field.