The CompTIA Security+ certification is an excellent entry-level certification for anyone interested in cybersecurity. Pursue Certifications As is the case with most cybersecurity positions, certifications can help professionals and students prove their skills and make their resumes stand out from the crowd. Other roles that could be good stepping stones to a security architect position include security administrator, network administrator, security specialist, security analyst, and security consultant.Ĥ. Since it is a management position, professionals will typically start in an entry-level role, move into a more intermediate role, and finally into the role of a security architect.įor example, an individual may begin their career as a system administrator, and move into a more security-focused role as a security engineer, before finally being able to move into the role as a security architect. This means that individuals pursuing their goal of becoming security architects will likely need to start their career in a different position. Gain Experience As previously mentioned, a security architect role is not an entry-level one. Occasionally experience in related fields can be substituted for a master’s degree.Ĭyberseek stated that 47 percent of them earned at least a bachelor’s degree and 53 percent of them pursued a master’s.ģ. However, since a security architect is considered to be a management-level role, professionals will likely be required to also obtain a master’s degree in cybersecurity or a related field. It is up to the individual to choose a relevant program that will help them further their career.įor example, either a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity or a bachelor’s degree in computer science would be a good option. Learn To begin pursuing a career as a security architect, students should start by obtaining, at the very least, a bachelor’s degree in a related field.

Next, professionals should decide what type of stepping-stone career would best fit them to gain the needed experience.Īll of this should be researched to create a personalized career plan.Ģ. Generalized computer science degrees, as well as specialized cybersecurity degrees, can both be beneficial in this field. To prepare for a career as a security architect, professionals should decide what type of degree they’d like to pursue. This means that it is important for individuals to prepare for the long journey ahead when choosing this career path. According to New Horizons Computer Learning Center, security architects are expected to have between 5 and 10 years of experience, with at least several of those years dedicated to cybersecurity. Prepare, Generally speaking, the role of a security architect is not an entry-level one. Since security architects will be assisting in building networks, comprehensive knowledge of computer networking such as routing and switching will be necessary as well.įor individuals who are interested in a unique combination of networking, security, and a bit of management, pursuing a career as a security architect may be the right fit.ġ. Knowledge of firewalls, penetration testing, and incident response is a must but it doesn’t stop there. Security architects will handle both defensive and offensive measures taken on the network. Security measures must be put in place without causing a decrease in productivity and efficiency of the overall network. It’s up to security architects to ensure that this is not the case in their networks.

It’s often said that security is the death of efficiency. These skills are crucial in designing effective security strategies and responding to the ever-evolving landscape of cyber threats. The journey to becoming a security architect begins with a solid educational foundation, typically a bachelor’s degree in computer science, cybersecurity, or a related field.Īnother of the key steps for becoming a security architect is obtaining professional certifications such as the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) or Certified Information Security Manager (CISM).Īs a security architect, you’ll need a deep understanding of IT infrastructure and security systems, proficiency in programming languages, and strong problem-solving abilities. CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+).Certified Information Security Manager (CISM).

Certified Information Security Systems Professional (CISSP).

Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA).

Online master’s in information security.

Computer science with cybersecurity emphasis.

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