The demand for IT Security Auditors is on the rise these days. With cybercrime increasing exponentially in a data-driven world, there is an increased need for qualified security experts. The job of an IT security auditor may be challenging but can prove to be quite rewarding.
For those considering a career in this field, it is important to know what the job entails and how they can prepare for it. We’ve compiled information on what they do, how to become one yourself, certifications to look out for, and more.
What does an IT Security Auditor do?
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An information security auditor is responsible for ensuring that companies are following the best practises in terms of data security. They make sure that the company’s network and systems are prepared to defend itself against cyber-attacks. Apart from this, they also ensure compliance with legal requirements by auditing controls around sensitive data like financial records, customer data, and intellectual property.
The security practises of your organization’s personnel may make or break your overall security. Finding out how security-conscious your staff is is an excellent starting point for SaaS security assessment. This might also help you determine whether you need to provide specialised security awareness training to your personnel.
Why do companies hire IT Security Auditors?
There are several reasons why a business may choose to hire an information security auditor. Some of the most common reasons include:
● To verify that the company is following best practises in terms of data security
● To ensure compliance with legal requirements
● To assess the risk of a cyber-attack and develop countermeasures
Many companies are now required by law to have a formalised information security program, and they turn to auditors for help in establishing one. Additionally, many organisations view having a strong cybersecurity posture as a competitive advantage.
Future scope of IT Security Auditing jobs
The employment prospects for information security experts are anticipated to rise by 33% from 2020 to 2030 (BLS). Now that is higher than the average increase considering all other occupations. According to Indeed, there were over 13,000 job postings related to “IT Security Auditor” on their site alone last year! It certainly seems like an exciting field with promising career prospects for those who are willing and able to take it up as a profession.
IT Security Auditor Job Requirements
The role of an IT security auditor varies from company to company. However, most companies will expect their candidates to have a bachelor’s degree in information technology, computer science, or mathematics and the following skills:
● Strong knowledge of data protection practices like GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) compliance, PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard), etc.
● Knowledge of common cyber-attack methods and how to prevent them
● Familiarity with auditing tools and software
● Good analytical skills
How To Become An IT Security Auditor?
There are many ways for you to become an IT security auditor. Most employers will require some work experience in the IT department along with a degree from a university in information technology, computer science, engineering, business administration, or another related field. However, the most common way is to get a certification from a well-recognized organization.
What Certifications should you do to become an IT Security Auditor?
If you are looking to enter the field of information security auditing, then consider getting one or more certifications from a reputed organization like (ISC)², SANS Institute, EC-Council, CompTIA, etc. (ISC)² is one of the most reputed organizations in this space and offers several popular certifications which are recognized worldwide by employers. There are several other organizations offering world-class certifications in the field of cybersecurity.
We’ve compiled a list of some of the most sought after certifications to become an IT security auditor:
- Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
- EC-Council Certified Security Analyst (ECSA)
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
- Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP)
Apart from these, there are other industry-recognized cybersecurity certifications that one might want to consider going after. These include:
- CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+)
- EC-Council Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
- EC-Council Licensed Penetration Tester (LPT)
- Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
- Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert – Cloud Platform and Infrastructure (MCSE-Cloud Platform and Infrastructure)
The list goes on.
Some companies prefer very specific certifications. You can take a look at the job requirements section for IT security auditor job postings in your city to get a better idea.
Common interview questions asked for the role of IT Security Auditor
The following common questions are usually asked in interviews for the role of IT security auditor:
● What are your past experiences in the field of information security?
● What was the most difficult cybersecurity situation you’ve ever encountered?
● Describe one time when you had to detect and mitigate a cyber threat.
● How would you go about auditing a company’s network and systems?
Be prepared to answer such questions, as well as others related to your skills and qualifications.
Top companies in India that are hiring IT Security Auditors
There are many top companies in India that are always on the lookout for qualified individuals to fill their vacant positions for IT security auditors. Some of these organizations include:
● Astra Security
● Accenture
● Cognizant Technology Solutions
● HCL Technologies Ltd.
● Tata Consultancy Services (TCS)
● Infosys
● Wipro
● HCL Technologies
What salary can you expect?
The average salary of an IT security auditor in India is Rs.10,70,000 per year (Glassdoor). However, this number can vary greatly depending on your experience and qualifications. With the right skills and certifications, it is certainly possible to make more than that.
Conclusion
So there you have it! The role of an IT security auditor and some things you need to do if you want to become one yourself. It’s a fascinating field with plenty of opportunities awaiting those who are willing to put in the hard work. If you are up for the challenge, be sure to check out some of the certifications mentioned in this article that could give you a head start in this career path.