Get To Know The Security Engineer Profession and its Role in Cybersecurity

When your account is accessed by an unknown person, you will receive a notification sent via email. Creating and ensuring the timely delivery of these security notifications are one of the responsibilities of a security engineer.

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A security engineer is the person in charge of ensuring that company data stored on the server remains safe. He is also the first person who will deal with data leaks, and is responsible for protecting computer systems, networks, and data from potential cyber threats.

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So, what is a security engineer and what are their responsibilities? Here's a summary from Center For Cybersecurity.

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What is a Security Engineer?

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A security engineer is a person responsible for designing and implementing the best strategy to protect the company's internal network from unauthorized access.

A Security Engineer is in charge of detecting, investigating, and preventing disruptions as well as resolving technical problems of the software and hardware used.

In performing his role, a security engineer will implement intrusion detection systems, installs firewalls, and sometimes collaborates with other IT experts to solve security problems.

He is also  in charge of conducting tests, security assessments, and risk analysis, then reporting findings, evaluating new security measures, and making IT security recommendations to company executives.

Security Engineer Roles

In general, a security engineer is tasked with ensuring that no data leaks occur within the company's internal network.

In addition, he also has various other tasks such as the following:

• Create new ways to provide network security and network penetration testing.
• Configure firewalls across the network.
• Perform penetration testing to identify vulnerabilities.
• Write automation scripts that identify network issues on a regular basis.
• Investigate network intrusions and stop data leakage attacks.
• Create algorithms that set up processes for authentication, authorization, and encryption.
• Oversee changes to the network and software deployment to ensure network protection.
• Document and define corporate data security policies.
• Analyze the latest data security policies and apply them to protect the network.
• Recommend any updates to help protect the company's software.

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Required Skills For A Security Engineer 

In general, a security engineer is tasked with ensuring that no data leaks are found within the company's internal network.

As a security engineer, you must acquire the following skills:

Key Soft Skills for Security Engineers:

• Communication - Effective communication is a vital soft skill for Security Engineers, as they need to convey complex security concepts and risks to diverse audiences, including management, developers, and other stakeholders. This includes presenting technical information in a clear and concise manner and adapting their communication style to suit different audiences.
  
  
• Collaboration - Security Engineers often work as part of a larger team and must collaborate effectively with other professionals, such as system administrators, network engineers, and developers. This requires strong interpersonal skills, active listening, and the ability to provide and receive constructive feedback
  
  
• Problem-Solving - Security Engineers need to be adept at identifying and resolving problems quickly and efficiently. They must think critically and creatively to develop innovative solutions to security challenges, while also considering the potential consequences and risks associated with each decision.
  
  
• Adaptability - As the threat landscape evolves, so too must a Security Engineer's approach to protecting an organization's assets and information. They need to be adaptable and open to change, ready to learn about new technologies and security practices, and able to adjust their strategies in response to emerging threats and vulnerabilities.

Key Hard Skills for Security Engineers:

• Technical Expertise - A strong foundation in IT and security concepts is essential for a Security Engineer. They must possess a deep understanding of network security, data protection, encryption, authentication, and other cybersecurity principles. Additionally, they should be knowledgeable about various security tools and technologies, such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and antivirus software.
  
  
• Programming and Scripting Languages - Proficiency in programming and scripting languages, such as Python, Java, C++, or PowerShell, is crucial for Security Engineers. This skill set allows them to develop custom tools, automate security processes, and analyze vulnerabilities in software applications.
  
  
• Cloud Security - As more organizations adopt cloud-based infrastructure and services, Security Engineers must be well-versed in cloud security best practices and technologies. This includes understanding the shared responsibility model, implementing secure configurations for cloud services, and ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and standards.
  
  
• Risk Assessment and Management - Security Engineers need to be proficient in assessing and managing risks associated with an organization's assets and information. This includes identifying potential threats, evaluating the likelihood.

According to sg.talent, the average salary for Security Engineer in Singapore is S$66,000 per year.

Entry-level positions start from S$48,000 per year, while most experienced workers earn up to S$91,560 per year.

Tools a Cyber Security Engineer Should Know

Being a Security Engineer requires competency across several tools. These tools are divided into several categories as reported by Infosec. Here are some categories of tools that are often used by Security Engineers.

1. Networking Security Monitoring Tools

Network Security Monitoring (NSM) tools are software applications designed to monitor, analyze, and protect an organization's network infrastructure from security threats and potential cyberattacks. Such as: Splunk, Pof, PacketFence, Snort, Nagios and IBM Qradar, Crowdstrike.

These tools collect and analyze network traffic, system logs, and event data to identify anomalies, malicious activity, and signs of intrusion. 

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2. Web Vulnerability Scanning Tools

Web Vulnerability Scanning Tools are specialized software applications designed to identify, analyze, and report security vulnerabilities in web applications, websites, and web servers. Such as: Indusface WAS, Burpsuite and Acunetix.

These tools help find potential security flaws and weaknesses in web-based systems. 

3. Firewall Tools

Firewall tools are software applications that help protect computer networks and systems by controlling incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predefined security rules. Such as: pfsense, Fortinet, PalPo Alto, Sophos, Checkpoint, Algosec, Firemon, and Tuffin Firewalls serve as a barrier between trusted internal networks and untrusted external networks, such as the Internet, to prevent unauthorized access or malicious activity.

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4. Encryption Tools

Encryption tools are software applications that help protect sensitive data by converting it into an unreadable format, called ciphertext, using cryptographic algorithms. Such as: NordLocker, AxCrypt, VeraCrypt and KeePass.

Encryption is essential for maintaining data confidentiality and ensuring that sensitive information remains secure during transmission, storage, or processing.

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5. Penetration Testing Tools

Penetration Testing Tools are software applications designed to assist cybersecurity professionals in evaluating the security of computer systems, networks, and applications. Such as: Sqlmap, burpsuite, aircrackng, hydra, John-the-ripper, nmap, Wireshark and Metasploit

These tools helps identify vulnerabilities, misconfigurations, and weaknesses that can be exploited by malicious people.

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Those are the various things you should know about the security engineer profession.

A security engineer that wishes to remain relevant must continuously improve their knowledge and skills regarding cybersecurity. Especially with the rapid development of technology today.

At Center for Cybersecurity, you will learn many skills that can prepare you for a career as a security engineer in the future. 

You can attend our Information Sessions for free or join our Cybersecurity Experiential Workshop (CEW).

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