We often hear the term cloud security engineer. With everything going online, cloud security engineers play an important role in each business, regardless of the industry. A financial institution will store data in the cloud, a travel company will also share information online. 

Migrating online helps to increase the amount of storage the company has, the efficiency, the flexibility and reduce overall operational costs. These are just some of the reasons why business owners choose cloud infrastructures. 

No matter the business, security engineers have a part to play. Each security engineer needs a vast amount of technical skills and communication skills. 

Find out more about security engineers and what their responsibilities are here! 

What Is A Security Engineer?

A professional cloud security engineer builds, maintains and upgrades cloud networks and cloud-based systems for the company. They have to implement strong security for the cloud infrastructure by leveraging on the latest technologies. 

The main goal of a security engineer is to research and develop security plans. Security engineers are the key personnels who set the standard of the cloud's security system. Most of the time, they have to be proactive in their work. These professionals will need to anticipate which attacks or vulnerabilities that may occur and prepare how to counter it. 

For example, to find out which areas are vulnerable for a system, they will utilize penetration testing methods. Basically, they put themselves in the shoes of a hacker and try to find the possible loopholes. 

What Are The Responsibilities Of A Security Engineer?

What are the roles of a security engineer? Here are seven things that they might be involved in.

1. Develop security protections such as firewalls to protect the company's information. 

2. Create a comprehensive security strategy and teach key colleagues how to implement them. 

3. Test for vulnerabilities. Security engineers can often be found doing penetration testing or to find vulnerabilities in the programme. This is in high demand with a growing number of enterprises shifting to the cloud. Their security concerns are extremely high. 

4. Security monitoring. Imagine a security guard but one who works fully in front of the computer. Security engineers will lookout for any suspicious activities on the cloud. 

5. Investigate all security issues and determine the cause of the problem. Much like a detective, security engineers will need to use digital methods and technologies to track the intruders. 

6. They need to configure access for all employees within the cloud solution environment. 

7. Update the cloud's infrastructure whenever possible. 

Security Engineers vs. Security Analysts 

What are the differences between a security engineer and a security analyst? How are their job scopes different? 

In general, security engineers are in charge of designing and implement the cloud security system. Security analysts on the other hand will usually monitor and lookout for possible breaches. 

Most security engineers and security analysts have a degree or a related course in computer science. 

Security engineers:

These engineers will constantly search for the ways that hackers could penetrate their security systems. Their job is to prevent unauthorized individuals from getting their hands on classified information. 

Security analysts:

Security analysts will need to communicate and liaise directly with the company's staff to find out what are their requirements of its cloud security. They need to record down KPIs and measure the usefulness of their current security system. Security analysts will monitor all computer systems and also guide employees on security products and know-hows. 

What Education And Background Do I Need To Be A Security Engineer?

In general, security engineers require both education and years of actual experience. Some employers might set high standards for their engineers as the success of a project often depends on them. It is understandable that there are many requirements for security engineers as they play a crucial role within the company. 

Security engineers usually have a degree or a certification in computer engineer or cybersecurity. They need to be equipped with the skills to execute cyber forensics and test security networks. 

As technology evolves extremely quickly, security engineers need to be in the know of the latest advances in virus software and virus testing. It also includes firewall architectures and constant testing. 

Security engineers need to be able to read computer codes and different languages as they need to search for malicious signs and security threats. Being familiar with computer codes allows them to react as soon as possible. 

Most companies will also prefer security engineers with experience in developing and implementing security measures. 

What Are The Skills You Need As A Security Engineer?

Let's find out the tools a security engineer needs to know.

Programming 

While security engineers do not need to execute programming directly, they need the basic knowledge. For example, Python, Java, Javascript, C, C++, SQP, Shell Scripting and more. Python is the most common programming language. 

Database Platforms

A cyber security engineer's job is to protect data. They will require in-depth knowledge about data structuring and data storage. 

Networking

This is not the networking skill where people need during social meetings. Security engineers need to know DNS, Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), subnetting, routine protocols, VoIP, secure network structures, firewalls and security encryptions. 

Operating Systems

They will need to completely understand an operating system in order to diagnose and solve vulnerabilities. Some of the common skills that companies look for are penetration testing, system design and software architecture, network protocols, security assessment, security protocols, binary analysis, how to respond to incidences, forensics and project management. 

Cyber Security Certificates

Along with a Certified Cloud Security Engineer (CCSE) course, the following certifications can also help you. 

·         GIAC

·         GSEC/GCIH/GCIA

·         CISSP

·         CISA

·         CCNP Security 

Soft Skills

The cyber security industry is fast-paced. The engineer must be equipped with problem solving skills, the ability to gauge potential security threads, work independently and have strong communication skills. Senior security engineers may also be required to lead the team. 

Should I Become A Security Engineer?

With everything going online, there is no better time than now to become security engineer. Almost every company in Singapore is looking for one.

Looking for professional courses to upskill? Check out AgileAsia, where more than 15 professional courses are offered for businesses and individuals.

To become a knowledgeable security engineer, you can choose to sign up for a Certified Cloud Security Engineer(CCSE) course. 

AgileAsia's CBP course provides a 100% hands-on overview and experience of the blockchain technology. It is a practical course that focus on the current state of cyber security as well as its future potential. 

AgileAsia's module includes the overview of security engineering, how it affects the cloud-based infrastructure and how to plan and execute a cloud platform engineering. Course participants can also how to evaluate current security measures, add additional security measures and enhance the cloud security system. 

AgileAsia collaborates with Singapore government bodies to provide subsidy. Our instructors are experts with more than 20 years of real world experience.