Information Security Administrator Responsibilities

The information security administrator is the key person who is responsible for ensuring the security of the valuable data stored in computers which can be transmitted through the networking systems. The information security administrator responsibilities thus play a crucial role in any organization. The responsibilities comprise planning, implementing, coordinating, monitoring, and adjusting of the security measures, so that the most crucial information of the organization is prevented from getting destroyed. It is his/her duty to safeguard the sensitive information from being collapsed or tampered by some unauthorized personnel, event, or by occurrence of some sudden incident.

Key Responsibilities of an Information Security Administrator

The information security administrator is responsible for network and computer security and his/her primary responsibility is related with the administration and installation of security devices and providing consultation and creating a general awareness on the security. To get detailed information regarding the key responsibilities of an information security administrator, the following points will be able to give a more clear and better idea:

1. The basic aim of the information security administrator is to protect the vital data and prevent it from getting destroyed by a natural disaster or being misused and to protect it from theft and corruption.
2. He/she is responsible for developing, delivering, and managing the security infrastructure and its configuration.
3. He/she works in close association with the security department, so that all the risks and security incidents are addressed and resolved immediately with high efficiency.
4. He/she is responsible for monitoring and running the vulnerability assessment, detection of possible intrusions, and prevention of activities that may hamper the security.
5. He/she actively participates in the recovery of data and information during the disaster and ensures that the recovery is carried out promptly.
6. He/she maintains up to date knowledge of the service technologies and protocols and maintains all the relevant documentation that can be readily presented to the management and the peers.

In addition to the above responsibilities, the information security administrator is responsible for ensuring compliance with the security policies and procedures. He/she is involved in monitoring, evaluating, and maintaining the automated security systems across various computing platforms, servers, mainframes, local area networks and its associated control and application systems. To protect the vital information assets, he/she performs evaluation of the core requirements, handles complex tactical planning, and takes initiative to implement encryption and security. Thus, in short, he/she ensures the integrity, availability, and reliability of the available information.

He/she also provides guidance to the lower level staff personnel and trains them on complex key management and security initiatives. He/she contributes to the activities of the security task force and reviews the work of the junior level staff members and ensures that they adhere by the information security standards and procedures. He/she, thus, performs his/her job duties with total dedication in conformance with sound practices and standards related to the security measures.

Essential Skills

To be the best information security administrator, an individual should possess a good working knowledge of security systems and should have an in depth knowledge of programming, hardware, and software. He/she should have good communication skills and should be able to interact with a diverse range of people. He/she should be able to understand complex issues and resolve them in an accurate and timely fashion. He/she should have the ability to grasp and follow the given procedures. He/she should have sound decision making ability and should be able to deliver quality work even under pressure situations. He/she should be able to handle multiple projects and priorities at a time and should have the ability to function independently as well. He/she should be able to demonstrate high motivational levels, trustworthiness, and professionalism.

Educational Background

A bachelor's degree in computer science, computer engineering, or any other relevant field is the minimum educational background necessary to make an entry as an information security administrator. A demonstrated extensive work experience in a similar profile would be an added advantage while applying for this particular type of job.

Work Schedule

The weekly work schedule of an information security administrator requires him/her to work for at least forty to forty five hours per week. However, the duty hours may be extended depending on the priority of the work that needs to be done.

Salary Details

The average salary of an information security administrator varies in the range of $28,000 to $78,000. The final salary package is, however, dependent on the skills, experience, educational background, type, size, and location of the company.

Career Prospects

There is a growing demand for ensuring the security of the vital information of the organization. Thus, the demand for information security administrators is definitely going to increase and there are ample opportunities for advancement to higher positions.

Thus, if you are planning to make an entry in this field and are aspiring to establish yourselves, then the information security administrator responsibilities must be carried out efficiently and effectively.