Security administrators are in charge of I.T. security and privacy, ensuring that their companies’ information networks are shielded from all forms of cyberattacks.
Since most businesses depend on computer networks daily, security managers may operate in a variety of industries. Data network managers receive more than $83,500 a year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Most businesses need a reliable and trustworthy cyber defense scheme. Companies would require dependable and competent workers to put this into action.
A security administrator is someone who knows the whole infrastructure and ensures that it operates safely and optimally.
Table of Contents
What is Security Administration all about?
Many security managers need specific expertise to carry out their duties. We were able to streamline the most common skills for an individual in this role by reviewing resumes.
We discovered that several resumes mentioned organizational skills, multitasking abilities, and analytical abilities.
When it comes to the most critical qualities needed to be a security administrator, we discovered that 11.3 percent of security administrators listed identification, 7.6 percent of resumes listed information security, and 6.1 percent of resumes listed customer support.
When it comes to fulfilling essential work responsibilities, having hard skills like these is advantageous.
When looking for a career in security administration, often people seek a particular definition or a phrase.
Instead, searching by sector may be more useful since you may be ignoring jobs that you never considered in industries that you never knew offered positions similar to the security administrator job title.
But where do you even begin? The majority of security managers work in the information and finance sectors.
How To Become a Security Administrator?
One of the first things to remember whether you want to become a security administrator is how much knowledge you have to acquire. Thorough studies indicate that 39.9% of defense managers had a bachelor’s degree.
In terms of higher education, we discovered that 13.3% of defense managers hold master’s degrees. Even though most security managers have a college degree, it is possible to become one with just a mere high school diploma or GED.
When learning how to become a security administrator, choosing the right degree is often a crucial step.
When we looked at the most popular majors for security administrators, we discovered that they either receive bachelor’s or associate’s degrees.
Other degrees that we often notice on defense administrator resumes are master’s degrees and high school diplomas.
You might discover that previous work experience would help you become a security administrator.
Indeed, many network administrator positions need prior experience as a security officer. Meanwhile, many compliance managers have previous work experience as network administrators or technical service specialists.
Careers, Degrees & Skills relative to Security Administration
Careers of defense are relatively uncommon. Is a degree required? Is a diploma necessary?
Anyone wondering, “Is a degree in homeland security even worth it?” may wonder if it is possible to be assigned in the security domain without a degree. There are entry-level vacancies open.
In most cases, though, employers look for degrees and certifications to advance. Many who ask themselves, “Is a degree of homeland security worth it?” and prefer not to pursue one may find themselves constrained in their ability to advance in terms of both income and rank.
So, is a degree needed for cybersecurity? It is not entirely appropriate for people with information technology expertise.
It may be helpful for those who do not have these abilities or who wish to improve them.
The work market for cybersecurity is competitive, which should always be considered when posing the question, “Do you need a degree in cybersecurity?” A degree will help an individual stand out from the crowd.
Those with a degree in homeland security or cybersecurity usually have a bachelor’s degree or higher.
Choosing the Best Fit For You!
So, if you are looking for educational advice, we have agreed to go through various degrees available in this area of protection and clarify what degrees particular employers are involved in and holding an eye out for.
This brief guide will, at the very least, narrow down what kind of degree you may need to confidently qualify for specific roles you might be interested in, as well as assist you in achieving the expectations you have set for yourself and your future.
These degrees will prepare you for the highest-paying security jobs.
Skills & Degrees: an in-depth Intel
BACHELOR’S AND MASTER’S IN CYBERSECURITY
Cybersecurity degrees at the undergraduate and doctoral levels are also known as information security degrees.
Cybersecurity bachelor’s and master’s degree programs train candidates for careers as security researchers, network security analysts, or computer analysts.
Undergraduate cybersecurity programs usually take four years to finish unless the curriculum you select offers a fast-track choice. A Master’s in cybersecurity graduate student will usually complete the coursework in 1.5 to 2 years.
The right degrees for data security practitioners can be determined by the area of interest and career goals.
Among the degrees available for Homeland Security careers are Network Administration, Cyber Security Threat Analyst, Security Risk Specialist, and Software Engineer.
According to PayScale, those with undergraduate cybersecurity degrees receive an average yearly salary of $69,500. Those with associate degrees earn an average annual salary of $84,500.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) went through a survey to predict that employment growth in the cybersecurity sector will be 32%, slightly higher than the average for U.S. sectors.
MASTERS IN CYBERSECURITY ADMINISTRATION:
Cybersecurity Administrators are in charge of the day-to-day activities in one or several computer network networks.
Cybersecurity degrees for Homeland Security jobs train students to design, manage, and troubleshoot computer network physical components. If there is a fast-track alternative, graduate schools’ best cybersecurity degrees are usually completed in around two years.
Cybersecurity Administrators operate in a variety of fields, as most rely heavily on computer programs to function.
Graduate-level Cyber Security Administrators would be trained for jobs such as Database Administrators, Network Architects, Information Security Analysts & Web Developers, and, to name a handful.
Owing to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there are currently over 379,000+ Computer/Cybersecurity Administrators working in the United States in 2018, with an estimated annual wage of $82,150.
According to BLS statistics, wage growth will be 5% by 2028, close to the nationwide average for all workers.
BACHELOR’S HOMELAND SECURITY
The best degrees for Homeland Security students train them to work in various areas related to Homeland Security.
Undergraduate degrees for Homeland Security careers typically require 120 credit units (the exact amount depends on the curriculum chosen), which most students achieve in four years.
Many people have a degree in homeland security online. Many Homeland Security specialists pursue a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice with a border specialization or a homeland security specialization, to name a few options.
According to PayScale.com, Homeland Security experts with an undergraduate degree make about $55,500 a year.
A baccalaureate degree in criminal justice or in homeland security qualifies you to serve as an intelligence analyst, an emergency response specialist, an FBI agent, a transportation screener, or a cybersecurity analyst.
The expected employment growth varies depending on where the homeland security role is located. Forensic Scientists, for example, are expected to see a 14.2 percent increase in work opportunities through 2028;
Investigators are expected to see an 8 percent increase in job opportunities through 2028, and Agents and Detectives are expected to see a 5.1 percent increase in job opportunities through 2028.
GRADUATE CERTIFICATE IN HOMELAND SECURITY
A Graduate Certificate in Homeland Security trains candidates to be future leaders and strategic problem solvers in Homeland Security.
Coursework for a graduate degree in Homeland Security includes completing 12–24 credit units (depending on the curriculum chosen) in fields such as Homeland Security Concerns, Terrorism Legislation, and Planning & Leadership Through Critical Incidents, to name a few.
Many of the best schools with cybersecurity programs expect students to complete the credential course in six-seven months to two years, based on the course criteria.
Undergraduate degrees in Homeland Security train students for jobs in law enforcement (local, provincial, or federal), investigations, computer forensics, border protection, special agents, prison management, and emergency management.
A Homeland Security specialist working by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security earns an annual salary of $76,000, according to PayScale.com. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security hired over 230,000 Homeland Security personnel in 2018.
MASTERS IN HOMELAND SECURITY
The Master in Homeland Security qualification is one of the best for jobs in homeland security.
The Master of Homeland Security degree program trains students to be potential cybersecurity professionals by educating them in response/recovery, detection of terrorist threats, immigration policy, and emergency management, to name a few.
Most graduate degree programs, such as those for Homeland Security jobs, can be completed in 18 to 24 months on average.
A Master of Homeland Security degree opens the door to a variety of career prospects. There are many job openings in Homeland Security, including Disaster Management, Infrastructure, Information Security, and Counterterrorism, to name a few.
According to PayScale.com, Homeland Security experts with a Master of Homeland Security receive an average yearly salary of $80,000. However, the exact annual salary can vary depending on the Homeland Security role.
The career outlook for those who aspired to a Master of Homeland Security degree is heavily influenced by the particular segment of the Homeland Security job market.
BACHELOR’S AND MASTER’S LEVEL INFORMATION ASSURANCE AND SECURITY
Degree programs in Information Assurance & Security at the graduate and undergraduate levels train candidates to secure information, expertise, and records, ensuring the information accessed by millions of users is reliable and correct.
Bachelor’s degree programs in Information Assurance & Security offer a rigorous curriculum that typically takes four years to complete and includes approximately 120 credit units (which vary by school).
A master’s degree in Information Assurance & Defense for Homeland Security Careers will typically be completed in 18 to 24 months.
Undergraduate degree applicants enrolled in some of the highest degrees for data security degree programs receive an average annual salary of $59,500
However, this varies depending on the particular Information Assurance & Security status.
Those with a doctoral degree in Information Assurance & Security receive $95,000 per year on average.
Graduate and undergraduate Security degree holders & Information Assurance have several career options. Among these are an I.T. Project Manager, a Technology Director, and a Network Administrator, to name a few.
SECURITY & INTELLIGENCE OR SECURITY & INTELLIGENCE: MASTER’S DEGREE
A Master in Security Studies (MSS) degree program (also known as a Master of Defense & Intelligence) is one of the best degrees for cybersecurity students to defend American interests both at home and abroad.
Professionals keen on a career in security management should pursue an MSS. MSS degree applicants are trained in interdisciplinary fields such as systemic thought, data analysis, cybercrime, and leadership skills.
The majority of Master of Security Studies programs entail the completion of 32-48 credit units over 1.6 to 2 years.
MBA WITH SECURITY SPECIALIZATION
Several high-quality schools deliver a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a Security specialization.
Many with degrees in Homeland Security with a Security Focus will usually complete the 32-48 credit units needed to graduate in one to three years, depending on the course load. Any of the best data security degrees have hybrid systems and fast-track opportunities.
ASSOCIATE’S AND BACHELOR’S DEGREES IN NETWORK SECURITY
Associate’s and bachelor’s degrees in network security are some of the best degrees for data security applicants since they offer a rigorous business background as well as a security specialization.
Network security experts are qualified to foresee, avoid, and react to cybersecurity risks that jeopardize the privacy of the knowledge that citizens and nations rely on to function effectively and securely.
Job Roles & Responsibilities
A Security Administrator is responsible for installing, administering, and troubleshooting an organization’s security solutions.
The Security Administrator is responsible for ensuring the network’s security, preventing unauthorized entry, alteration, or destruction, and troubleshooting any access issues.
The key job roles/responsibilities are listed below:
- Protecting devices from unauthorized entry
- Vulnerability and penetration testing
- Traffic is being monitored for any unusual activities.
- Configuring and maintaining security tools (firewalls, antivirus, and intrusion detection and prevention software)
- Putting network management protocols in place
- Analyzing and defining compliance standards
- Identifying risks and developing counter-measures
- Employee security awareness/procedure training
- Creating and revising emergency response protocols
- Doing security checks
- Making policy suggestions
- Providing technical compliance counsel
- Best security strategies are discussed with employees, administrators, and executives.
Security Administrator Salary in the US!
Information technology is one of the highest-paying professions in the world. According to the BLS, as of May 2020, network and operating, infrastructure managers receive a total annual salary of $83,510.
According to BLS statistics, I.T. security professionals earn an exceptionally high wage. According to the bureau, the total yearly income for information technology analysts in the United States in 2020 was $99,630.
The top 10% of information system managers earn more than $132,650 a year, while the bottom 10% earn less than $52,470.
This disparity may be due to inequalities between places and sectors. Oil and gas exploration, banking services, and advanced architecture services are among the highest-paying sectors for information technology administrators.
Maryland, New Jersey, California, and the District of Columbia have the highest pay rates for security managers.
Security management is a lucrative career, and its rapid growth could result in many new work opportunities for recent graduates.
From 2020 to 2029, the BLS predicts a 4.5% rise in career prospects for network and operating infrastructure managers, translating to over 16,500 new positions.
The Bottom Line
There is so much more to System Administration than meets the eye. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), jobs of system managers will rise by 8.2% by 2024, which is the overall growth rate for all national occupations.
This forecast assumes that businesses will invest in newer technology and, increasingly, mobile networks. This rise is projected to be led by the healthcare sector and companies that use cloud computing.
The BLS anticipates substantial growth in the security administrator role, forecasting that the market will expand by 18% by 2024, a significant improvement of 10.1% over the national average for all workers.
If our economy becomes more reliant on hardware, software, and intelligence, the need for their protection increases exponentially.
