Computer & Mathematical
Information Security Engineers
Also called: BISO (Business Information Security Officer), Cloud Engineer, Engineer, Information Security Auditor
US median pay
$116,580
per year, 2025
Job growth 2025–35
+5.1%
faster than average
Openings a year (US)
27,000
471,200 employed
Typical entry education
Bachelor's degree
Preparation 4/5 · Considerable preparation
What this job is
Develop and oversee the implementation of information security procedures and policies. Build, maintain and upgrade security technology, such as firewalls, for the safe use of computer networks and the transmission and retrieval of information. Design and implement appropriate security controls to identify vulnerabilities and protect digital files and electronic infrastructures. Monitor and respond to computer security breaches, viruses, and intrusions, and perform forensic investigation. May oversee the assessment of information security systems.
What they do day to day
- Identify security system weaknesses, using penetration tests.
- Coordinate monitoring of networks or systems for security breaches or intrusions.
- Assess the quality of security controls, using performance indicators.
- Train staff on, and oversee the use of, information security standards, policies, and best practices.
- Scan networks, using vulnerability assessment tools to identify vulnerabilities.
- Develop response and recovery strategies for security breaches.
- Conduct investigations of information security breaches to identify vulnerabilities and evaluate the damage.
- Develop or install software, such as firewalls and data encryption programs, to protect sensitive information.
- Oversee development of plans to safeguard computer files against accidental or unauthorized modification, destruction, or disclosure or to meet emergency data processing needs.
- Identify or implement solutions to information security problems.
Skills and knowledge that matter most
Skills
- Systems Evaluation3.4/5
- Systems Analysis3.4/5
- Quality Control Analysis3.4/5
- Judgment and Decision Making3.2/5
- Complex Problem Solving3.2/5
- Programming3.1/5
- Operations Monitoring3.1/5
- Instructing3.1/5
Knowledge
- Computers and Electronics4.6/5
- Engineering and Technology4.0/5
- English Language3.5/5
- Telecommunications3.4/5
- Customer and Personal Service3.0/5
- Design2.9/5
Importance rated by people working in the job (1 = not important, 5 = extremely important).
Education and preparation
Preparation level 4 of 5 — Considerable preparation. Usually a bachelor's degree and several years of related experience.
Typical entry education (BLS): Bachelor's degree.
Highest education of people in this job:
- Bachelor's degree47%
- Post-secondary certificate16%
- Associate's degree11%
Who this job suits
Mostly Conventional
Organising data, details and procedures
Investigative
Ideas, research and solving problems
Realistic
Hands-on work with tools, machines, plants or animals
Based on the Holland (RIASEC) interest profile for this occupation.