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Skills for Fire and Security Engineers

The document discusses 4 IT jobs and the skills required for each: 1) An IT Support Analyst requires skills in hardware/software support, networking, and Microsoft applications. 2) An IT Support Specialist needs knowledge of SQL, POS applications, and maintaining data across databases. 3) An Information Security Analyst benefits from a Security+ certification, knowledge of networks, and operating systems. 4) An Information Security Engineer needs expertise in cybersecurity tools like firewalls, antivirus software, and intrusion detection systems as well as security certifications. Communication, problem-solving abilities, and adaptability are important skills for IT support roles while learning continuously, communication, and managing information

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Thomy Lam
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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
15 views5 pages

Skills for Fire and Security Engineers

The document discusses 4 IT jobs and the skills required for each: 1) An IT Support Analyst requires skills in hardware/software support, networking, and Microsoft applications. 2) An IT Support Specialist needs knowledge of SQL, POS applications, and maintaining data across databases. 3) An Information Security Analyst benefits from a Security+ certification, knowledge of networks, and operating systems. 4) An Information Security Engineer needs expertise in cybersecurity tools like firewalls, antivirus software, and intrusion detection systems as well as security certifications. Communication, problem-solving abilities, and adaptability are important skills for IT support roles while learning continuously, communication, and managing information

Uploaded by

Thomy Lam
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Thomy Lam

1/26/2020

ITSS 4370

Assignment 1

1. What were your four jobs? In your own words, describe the knowledge and skills that these jobs require.

- IT support Analyst - [Link]

us-ferrovial-services/ae4727de-9795-4322-a26b-ec6858bc3bf6

o It would seem for specifically this job, They wanted someone with experience with

hardware and software support, computer infrastructure and networking, and experience

with all the applications from Microsoft Office.

- IT support Specialist - [Link]

us-cybercoders/223830262

o For this job, knowledge of SQL is mandatory alongside knowledge of POS applications.

Another requirement of this job is knowledge and ability to maintain data in multiple

databases and being able to work in groups for collaborations.

- Information Security Analyst - [Link]

analyst-san-diego-ca-us-kratos-defense-security-solutions/91cf76dd-5b03-474a-b715-

1150686ffcef

o For this job, knowledge of information security with technical training of IT operations, a

Security+ certification is preferred, knowledge of network fundamentals, and Microsoft

active directory environments, and a general understanding in operating systems such as

Windows, Linux, and OSX.

- Information Security Engineer - [Link]

engineer-chicago-il-us-mmd-services/223543249

o Knowledge of firewalls, proxies, SIEM, antivirus, EDR, and IDPS so essentially

knowledge on cybersecurity. Certification from the ISC, GIAC, and more is required for

this job.
2. Identify which of the CompTIA skill areas each of these jobs fall under and explain why you characterized

them the way you did. Address how the technical knowledge and skills desired for the position relate to the

CompTIA skill areas.

- IT Support Analyst

o IT Support

Besides the fact the job title said IT Support; I believe, from the job description, that IT Support goes

through a myriad of general things in the IT field which needs help with such as troubleshooting and

repairs to maintenance, to a bunch of other things. Being a great IT Support analyst means being able to

analyze all the functions required by the firm and proceeding to help them in anyway you can.

- IT Support Specialist

o IT support

An IT Support Specialist’s falls under the support category since it is quite literally the Specialist’s job to

be good and specialize in IT Support with little expectation going to other areas even though IT Support

does bleed over to those other areas just not at a presumed high enough level.

- IT Security Analysts

o Information Security

The function of an IT Security Analyst of course falls under the Information Security skill area. For an IT

Security Analyst to do their job well, a basic understanding of security such as fire walls, encryption, and

everything else that is to be expected of the Information Security skill area, is required to perform the job

well, especially well enough to analyze the issues at hand and to prevent more issues from occurring later.

- Information Security Engineer

o Information security

This one was a bit harder to categorize since Information Security of course plays the basis roll in this but it

didn’t have many skills in engineering or the actual tech-savy expectations as usually associated with engineers,
I still chose it to belong the Information Security skill area because I believe that an engineer would

fundamentally build or create something out of the basics that came from the information security skill area.

3. Examine the four jobs you’ve identified in light of the eleven sets of employability skills (Conference

Board). From the conference board’s employability skills, identify which of the eleven you feel are the

three most important employability skills needed to be successful in each of these positions and explain

why they are important for that job.

IT Support Analyst

o Communication – I have a fundamental belief that Communication is a major part of every job and

being able to communicate issues to other areas, especially as an IT Support Analyst is incredibly

important to the job.

o Think and Solve Problems – For this, I believe that the people who work/do jobs in IT support

have to be generally flexible and as a result, being able to think and solve any problems that come

their way is important.

o Be Adaptable- I believe that for someone working in IT Support; being flexible is a major

requirement since IT Support encompasses a lot of the work of the other IT areas, granted to not as

far an extent.

IT Support Specialist

o Communication- I believe communication is one of the most important things in all specific areas

and thus it becomes a major requirement for every job especially since most job applications often

have something along the lines of working with large amounts of people.

o Think and Solve Problems – IT Support is especially made to help anybody or everybody who

needs it and thus the need to think and solve problems takes a high priority in a skill area.

o Learn Continuously – IT Supports specialists to me specifically need to learn continuously due to

technology improving as time goes on. As a result of improving technology and improving
operateing systems and the like, these become issues that the IT support specialist will need to

know how to handle much faster than the analyst.

IT Security Analysts

o Communication- Like with all jobs; I find communication to be extremely important since most

jobs are always team based and being able to communicate with said team over anything is

important.

o Learn Continuously- For the Security Analysts, I believe they must learn more continuously just

by the nature of the job. No security is impenetrable, everything has its flaws and Analysts must

be the ones to learn this since their job is explicitly in security.

o Manage Information- IT Security Analysts also have to go through more information’s and

protocols as well as checking on everything to make sure it’s all running smoothly thus this means

they require much more ability to manage information.

Information Security Engineer

o Communication – Communication is the most important thing for all parties in a job field and this

remains true for the Information Security Engineer; Being able to communicate with employers,

workforce, etc… is drastically important since they’re sort of helping to build this security that the

company requires of them.

o Learn Continuously – Like all security, it will become eventually outdated and thus it becomes

important to learn of the new tools and methods previous security systems were broken into and to

take into account what needs to be done.

o Be Adaptable – By nature of Security as a job, being able to think outside the box and thus being

much more crafty as well as open to new tools and problems comes with the territory and with

security specifically, I find that it’ll be much more important as a skill area.
4. What do you need to do to prepare for these jobs? Identify any skill gaps or skills you need to develop to

attain each of these jobs. What could you do to develop these skills?

The most clear thing I believe I can do is work to earn specific certifications since that’s the most credible and

solid concise thing I could bring to a resume. It would seem to me that learning all the areas of Cybersecurity to

a decent well enough beginner extent is what would be needed to enter all of these jobs or learning about the

basic of IT Support since from reading through everything, IT Support looks like it’s an entryway to the other

areas of IT such as IT Security. I could take multiple hacking and coding courses to learn what tools of the trade

there are as well as learning the multitude of applications that are seemingly desired by the industry. And finally

the last thing I could be able to further dive into these work forces is keeping up with the current events and

advances in IT since all of the IT professions I’ve gone through make it a point that having an updated or

modern understanding of things is what would take me a bit further.

Common questions

Powered by AI

Both IT Support Specialists and Information Security Engineers require strong communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and continuous learning due to the evolving nature of technology . While IT Support Specialists focus on maintaining data in databases and collaborating in groups, Information Security Engineers require specific cybersecurity knowledge like firewalls, SIEM, and certifications from organizations like ISC and GIAC . Despite the differing focus areas, both roles emphasize adaptability and ongoing education to stay current in their fields .

Information Security Engineers need to emphasize continuous learning and adaptability due to rapidly changing security technologies and threats, while an IT Support Analyst focuses more on adaptable communication and problem-solving within the IT support framework . Security Engineers must also develop skills in technical security measures, whereas IT Support Analysts need broader IT knowledge . Both roles require excellent communication but differ in their specific technical skill requirements .

Obtaining IT certifications significantly enhances job eligibility in Information Security roles by providing evidence of expertise and knowledge in specific technical domains such as cybersecurity. Certifications from organizations like ISC and GIAC validate a professional's credentials in using firewalls, SIEM, and other critical security tools, often making them prerequisites for employment in these roles . Agencies seek certified individuals as they demonstrate both foundational skills and a commitment to ongoing professional development .

Adaptability is significant in the IT Support Analyst position as it allows professionals to handle a wide range of IT issues across different areas, necessitated by the broad nature of IT support which often overlaps with other IT fields . This flexibility enhances job performance as analysts can effectively address and troubleshoot diverse problems, ensuring all operational aspects of IT within the organization function smoothly .

For an IT Security Analyst, the most important employability skills are communication, continuous learning, and information management. Communication is crucial for team-based environments where security protocols need to be clearly articulated . Continuous learning is vital due to the evolving nature of security threats, requiring analysts to stay informed about new vulnerabilities and solutions . Effective management of information and protocols ensures smooth operations and timely responses to potential security issues .

Information Security Engineers must integrate IT operations with security measures, requiring knowledge of technical tools such as firewalls, proxies, and EDR, alongside security protocols and measures . This role mandates balancing operational efficiency with robust security protocols, ensuring all systems are not only functional but also secure against breaches, highlighting the intersectionality of IT operations and security disciplines .

An IT Support Analyst requires knowledge of hardware and software support, computer infrastructure, networking, and proficiency with Microsoft Office applications . These areas align with the CompTIA skill area of IT Support, which covers troubleshooting, repairs, and maintenance. A well-rounded IT Support Analyst must analyze and assist with a variety of IT functions in the firm .

An aspiring IT professional should pursue certifications in relevant areas, develop skills in cybersecurity tools, and gain experience in troubleshooting and problem-solving in IT environments . Enrolling in coding and ethical hacking courses enhances technical competencies, while staying informed about IT industry trends ensures knowledge is up-to-date . Practical experience through internships and projects, along with building a flexible, adaptable skill set, will prepare professionals for a dynamic career in IT support or security roles .

Continuous learning in IT roles is critical for career preparedness as it ensures professionals remain aware of current technologies, threats, and best practices. This field requires keeping up with industry advances to maintain systems effectively . Preparedness can be enhanced by obtaining relevant certifications, attending workshops, and following IT developments, all of which enable professionals to navigate and manage the complexities of modern IT environments .

The role of an Information Security Analyst falls within the Information Security CompTIA skill area due to its focus on basic security principles such as firewalls and encryption. A fundamental understanding of network fundamentals, Microsoft active directory environments, and operating systems like Windows, Linux, and OSX is essential, underscoring the job’s alignment with information security principles .

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