What is Cybersecurity Management?


Cybersecurity management is an area of information technology that organizations and businesses use to protect and secure sensitive information from cybercriminals or any unwanted guests. Here is one simple definition of Cybersecurity Management. This may include protecting the company’s information systems and computer networks from cyber attacks, cyber threats, intrusions, malware, and other types of data breaches. 

Cybercriminals are always looking to find new ways to exploit vulnerabilities in computer systems. And, unfortunately, they are becoming more sophisticated in how they approach cyber attacks. These cybercriminals are also growing in number. Some may also cause havoc to an individual’s personal computer infrastructure. However, organizations and companies are now reassessing strategic planning against these types of attacks. Both businesses and organizations are now coming up with better ways to prevent more damage by hiring cyber security managers or professionals who understand the importance of keeping information secure and safe from these cybercriminals. 

Cybersecurity Manager Job Description

There are quite a few responsibilities that a cyber security manager handles while on the job.  Below is a list of the most common tasks and also duties of cyber security managers:

  • Responsible for safeguarding digital or physical information and intellectual property
  • Monitoring security vulnerabilities, such as threats and events in network and host systems
  • Anticipate new security threats and stay up-to-date with evolving infrastructures
  • Prepare and manage annual budgets to reflect information security strategies and operating initiatives.
  • Implement procedures to monitor and ensure security patches for an agency’s systems are up-to-date. 

Career Jobs in Cybersecurity Management

Cybersecurity managers can be found throughout both small and large companies. For those with the right qualifications, finding employment is sometimes easy. Employment can range from government contracting, financial services, information technology, and the armed forces. Some eligible candidates will also find work in the healthcare and education fields. Below are some of the most common areas to find employment in cybersecurity management positions. 

  • Cyber Security Analyst- cybersecurity analysts protect organizations from cyber threats and develop protocols in order to respond to and quell attacks.
  • Information Security Manager- Information security managers are responsible for protecting an organization’s computers, networks, and data against any computer viruses, security breaches, and also malicious hacker attacks.
  • Data Protection Manager- Data Protection Managers work to keep data safe and recoverable while keeping the flow of businesses working as normal.
  • Business Information Security Officer-  The BISO improves the information security techniques and methods, including delivering services and resources in regard to the regional/business unit leadership. 
  • Cyber Security Project Manager- This manager will also be responsible for developing project plans, supervising team members’ workload, and directing security projects based on a business’s specific goals and needs.

Job Outlook for Cybersecurity Managers

Going into cybersecurity management can be a very lucrative career path for many graduates who have the right qualifications. According to BLS, the 2020 median annual earnings for Computer and Information Systems Managers, similar to cybersecurity managers, was $151,150 annually. However, salaries tend to vary depending on location, education, experience, and other factors. As the website states, “computer and information systems managers plan, coordinate, and direct computer-related activities in an organization”.

The job outlook is also expected to grow up to 10 percent from the years 2019 to 2029. There are about 461 thousand job positions available and the average amount of work experience expected is five years. In addition to cybersecurity management, there are also data administrators, network and computer professionals, and computer and information scientists.

Salary for Cybersecurity Managers

The salaries of these career positions may be similar to cybersecurity managers. In some cases, they may even be over or close to six figures. Work experience, job performance, and education level will play an important role in a prospective candidate’s job salary. On average, associate degree students would be eligible for only entry-level, non-management positions in cybersecurity. So, going for at least a four-year option would be best and definitely worth it. Below are the average salaries of other management positions in relation to cybersecurity management.

  • Data Administrators: education level- Bachelor’s degree; salary- $98,860.
  • Network and Computer professionals: education level- Bachelor’s degree; salary- $84,810.
  • Computer and Information Scientists: education level- Master’s degree; salary- $126,830.
  • Computer Hardware Engineers: education level- Bachelor’s degree; salary- $119,560.
  • Computer Network Architects: education level- Bachelor’s degree; salary- $116,780.

Education Summary for Managers

For most cyber security managers, earning a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity will provide the prospective candidate with the best management and also leadership skills needed to achieve success. There is also a master’s degree option as well. To find the best resources available for professionals in the cybersecurity field, check out this link.

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