A Security Architect is the most essential and a senior level position in an organization who designs, builds and oversees the implementation of network and computer security in an organization. As a top level employee, security architect is responsible for creating complex security structures and also ensure that it works.

Security architects are taught to reason like hackers, as the main part of their job is to expect and identify the next moves by hacker trying to accomplish unauthorized access. As the security architect job is crucial and critical, it is significant for them to stay up to date with all the latest and current developments in both the attacking and defending aspects of security.

Many experts from the field, suggests that the most effective security architect it the one who was once a hacker. That will help him to understand the complex security structure more easily and also understand the way in which a hacker actually works. It is necessary for architects to understand the computer systems of the organization and its weak points.

Security Architect Responsibilities:

In general, a security architect is responsible for creating a complex security structure for organization. But, there is a lot more for which a security architect is responsible for:

Acquire a complete understanding of a company’s technology and information systems

Plan, research and design robust security architectures for any IT project

Perform vulnerability testing, risk analyses and security assessments

Research security standards, security systems and authentication protocols

Develop requirements for local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), virtual private networks (VPNs), routers, firewalls, and related network devices

Design public key infrastructures (PKIs), including use of certification authorities (CAs) and digital signatures

Prepare cost estimates and identify integration issues

Review and approve installation of firewall, VPN, routers, IDS scanning technologies and servers

Test final security structures to ensure they behave as expected

Provide technical supervision for (and guidance to) a security team

Define, implement and maintain corporate security policies and procedures

Oversee security awareness programs and educational efforts

Respond immediately to security-related incidents and provide a thorough post-event analysis

Update and upgrade security systems as needed

Security Architect Career Paths:

The road to becoming a Security Architect often starts with entry-level security positions such as:

Security Administrator

Network Administrator

System Administrator

This is followed by intermediate-level positions such as:

Security Analyst

Security Engineer

Security Consultant

Once you have accomplished your title, you may choose to stay in your position. In huge organizations, it’s possible to be promoted to Senior Security Architect or even Chief Security Architect or you could consider becoming a CISO.

Essential Certifications to Become Information Security Architect:

Due to the nature of information security architect work, employers will be looking for advanced security certifications from accredited bodies. There are various essential certificates that one should consider in order to become a Security Architect.





For an ideal beginning point in a cyber-security certification path, a CompTIA Security+ certification is perfect. The Security+ Certification by CompTIA is an international and vendor neutral certification that has been recognized and renowned by industry computing manufacturers and organizations.





The certification cover both practical and theory applications in a wide range of security topics such as network attacks and counter measures, risk management, application security, operational security, and compliance.

Topic covered in this course includes:

Introduction to Ethical Hacking

Disaster Recovery and Risk Management

Penetration Testing

Vulnerability Assessment

Cryptography

Authentication Systems

Cryptography Weaknesses

Social Engineering

Scanning Networks

Port Scanning

System Hacking

Spyware & Keyloggers

Trojans and Backdoors

Viruses and Worms

Sniffers

Covering Tracks

Denial of Service

Hacking Web and App Servers

SQL Injections

Session Hijacking

Buffer Overflows

Cross-Site Scripting

Hacking Wireless Networking

Wireless Types and Vulnerabilities

Physical Security

Evading Firewalls and Honeypots

CompTIA Security+ Training is available online that provides you a feasibility to learn at your own pace from anywhere at any time.

A Certified Ethical Hacker is an expert professional who understands and knows how to hunt for weaknesses and vulnerabilities in target’s system and uses the same knowledge and tools as a malicious hacker, but in a lawful and legitimate manner to assess the security posture of target systems.





While it is evident that CEH has its focus on the penetration testing, its usefulness and marketability transcends this niche; thus, making it the ideal intermediate credential.

The certification covers both practical and theory applications in a wide range of security topics which include:

Introduction to Ethical Hacking

Disaster Recovery and Risk Management

Penetration Testing

Vulnerability Assessment

Introduction to Ethical Hacking

Linux Fundamentals

Enumeration

Configuring Linux for Pentesting

Cryptography

Authentication Systems

System Hacking

Cryptography Weaknesses

Footprinting and Reconnaissance

Social Engineering

Scanning Networks

Port Scanning

Banner Grabbing

System Hacking

Spyware & Keyloggers

Trojans and Backdoors

Viruses and Worms

Sniffers

Denial of Service

Hacking Web and App Servers

Hacking Web Servers

Hacking Web Applications

SQL Injection

Buffer Overflow

Cross-Site Scripting

Hacking Wireless Networks

Wireless Types and Vulnerabilities

Mobile Hacking Basics

Physical Security

Evading Firewalls and Honeypots

Advanced Exploitation Techniques

CISSP is a vendor neutral certification that is an ideal credential for those with proven deep technical and managerial competence, skills, experience, and credibility to design, engineer, implement, and accomplish their whole information security program to defend organizations from growing sophisticated attacks.





The CISSP is ideal for those working in positions such as, but not limited to:

Security Architect

Security Consultant

Security Manager

IT Director/Manager

Security Auditor

Security Analyst

Security Systems Engineer

Chief Information Security Officer

Director of Security

Network Architect

The CISSP draws from a widespread, up-to-date, global common body of knowledge that ensures security leaders have a deep knowledge and understanding of new threats, technologies, regulations, standards, and practices. The certification assures that the individual possess deep knowledge of 8 domains, which includes:

Security and Risk Management

Asset Security

Security Engineering

Communications and Network Security

Identity and Access Management

Security Assessment and Testing

Security Operations

Software Development Security

One should consider these three certifications in order to become Information Security Architect. The job role of security architect covers a deep knowledge of networks and security. An ideal candidate should examine whole infrastructure just like a hacker.