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Information Technology Data Security Management
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Data Security Management: What Are the Career Options?

Data security management is the act of protecting data, networks and devices from unauthorized users. It involves several rewarding career options, each with a slightly different focus.

Difference Between Cybersecurity and Information Security

A cybersecurity analyst, also known as a cyber security analyst, keeps an organization’s data secure by preventing online attacks. The primary focus is on electronic devices and the ways a hacker could access them, including hardware, software, networks or even social media. 

An information security analyst, also called a data security analyst, focuses on the confidentiality, integrity and availability (CIA) of data. It's one element of cybersecurity, and it can involve data in both its physical and electronic forms. In fact, this data security management role existed decades ago, when most information was stored in a filing cabinet instead of in the cloud. 

Despite these differences, the titles cybersecurity analyst and information security analyst are sometimes used interchangeably and job responsibilities often overlap. In some companies, the roles are combined. 

As cybersecurity and data security threats have grown, different areas of expertise have emerged, creating even more career opportunities. Areas include network security, internet security, application security, operational security, information security and disaster recovery. The size of the company generally determines if or how these tasks are divvied up.

Data security management personnel are needed in many businesses, financial institutions and government agencies. As a result, job growth in this field is increasing much faster than it is in most industries. 

data security management skills include the ability to evaluate a computer network’s ability to protect sensitive information
Data security management personnel evaluate the health of computer networks and assess the system’s resistance to hackers, who can steal critical information or cause problems with computer networks. (Credit: LightField Studios/Shutterstock)

Responsibilities

  • Assess the value of a company's data and the specific risks that data creates
  • Secure systems and perform security audits
  • Monitor access to the network
  • Find and patch vulnerabilities
  • Verify the security of third-party vendors
  • Install software to protect the company’s data
  • Analyze security breaches
  • Create and maintain a disaster recovery plan
  • Develop best practices for the organization and train users
  • Stay up-to-date on threat tactics and computer viruses

FAQs about Data Security Management Careers

The bottom line:

If you work well under pressure and you want to be on the cutting edge of technology, consider becoming a cybersecurity analyst, information security analyst or taking on a related data security management role. There’s no lack of opportunity and there’s the promise of a healthy salary. Though it's not as common, you can reach this level by learning as you go — and without earning a four-year degree. To learn more, look below for nearby training opportunities.

Find Data Security Management Training In Your Area

Salt Lake City

Computer Sciences and Information Systems, AAS - Ethical Hacking and Digital Forensic Investigation Certificate of Proficiency

The Computer Sciences and Information Systems AAS Degree prepares students to enter the workplace with skills in a variety of highly technical areas...

Computer Information Systems Apprenticeship Program

Apprenticeship is a method of training individuals in a trade using a combination of on-the-job skills development and classroom/lab related... Read More

Computer Information Systems Apprenticeship Program

Apprenticeship is a method of training individuals in a trade using a combination of on-the-job skills development and classroom/lab related... Read More

Information Technology Youth Apprenticeship

The Youth Apprenticeship (YA) program is a rigorous one- or two-year elective statewide program that combines academic and technical instruction with... Read More

Information Technology Youth Apprenticeship

The Youth Apprenticeship (YA) program is a rigorous one- or two-year elective statewide program that combines academic and technical instruction with... Read More
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Computer Sciences and Information Systems, AAS - Fundamentals of Information Assurance and Cyber Defense Certificate of Proficiency

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Computer Sciences and Information Systems, AAS - Network and Cyber Security Certificate of Proficiency

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Computer Sciences and Information Systems, AAS - Network and System Administration Certificate of Proficiency

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Computer Sciences and Information Systems, AAS - Network Routing and Switching Certificate of Proficiency

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Certified Ethical Hacker (Online-Voucher Included) Certificate of Completion

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CompTIA™ Certification Training: A+, Network+, Security+ (Online-Vouchers Included) Certificate of Completion

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