Cybersecurity Architect Job Description

In 2023, 83% of data breaches involved external actors, primarily driven by achieving criminal financial gain, according to Verizon’s Data Breach Investigations Report. By investing in cybersecurity, organizations can improve their digital operations and prevent data breaches. Cybersecurity architects also play a critical role in preventing cyber attacks and breaches.

Cybersecurity architects conduct in-depth analyses of an organization’s information technology (IT) security systems and needs. Then, they develop a security blueprint that incorporates IT technologies, security procedures, and cybersecurity measures.

Across sectors, organizations face any number of cyber threats. With advanced cybersecurity knowledge , specialists can move into high-paying, in-demand roles such as cybersecurity architect.

What Is a Cybersecurity Architect?

In cybersecurity organizational charts, security architects sit near the top. These professionals evaluate an organization’s IT security needs and design custom security systems. They also oversee the implementation of security plans. In addition, security architects collaborate with leadership on organizational security policies. 

A cybersecurity architect may also be called:

• Security architect

• Information security architect

• Security solutions architect

• Information assurance architect

Cybersecurity architects bring extensive experience in information security and assurance. The role requires strong research, technical, and design skills. Security architects must also closely monitor emerging security threats and the best practices in countering cyber attacks.

Job Responsibilities

Security architects specialize in designing secure networks and systems. Cybersecurity engineers carry out these plans, and cybersecurity analysts monitor systems.

The job responsibilities of a cybersecurity architect include:

• Developing secure systems and networks that meet organizational and regulatory guidelines

• Identifying security risks and gaps in IT systems to create a risk management plan

• Evaluating security architecture plans and recommending improvements

• Following best practices in secure configuration management

• Documenting information security systems and updates to procedures

Depending on the organization, security architects may also manage a team of specialists, including security engineers and analysts. Architects ensure their team carries out the organization’s security plan. 

Specializations

Within the broad field of security architecture, there are many areas in which tech professionals may specialize. Common specializations include areas like cloud security architecture or network security architecture. Some professionals also specialize in app security. 

Gaining work experience and pursuing professional certification can help candidates move into specialized roles. 

Cybersecurity Architect Salary and Job Outlook

Careers in cybersecurity often report six-figure median salaries. Information security analysts earned a median salary of $112,000 per year in 2022, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Computer network architects earned slightly more, with a reported median salary of $126,900 annually.

As experienced cybersecurity professionals, security architects often earn above these median rates. For example, data analysis organization CyberSeek tracked the average listed salary for cybersecurity architect job openings from May 2022 to April 2023. The average exceeded $147,000.

Demand for cybersecurity specialists remains high. Information security analysts are expected to see 32% job growth between 2022 and 2032, according to BLS projections.

Steps to Become a Cybersecurity Architect

Becoming a cybersecurity architect requires several years of education and experience.

Most positions require a bachelor’s degree, while some employers prefer candidates with a master’s degree. Security architects often work as cybersecurity analysts or security administrators before moving into architecture roles. 

1. Earn a Bachelor’s Degree

Earning a bachelor’s degree is the first step to becoming a cybersecurity architect. Most cybersecurity professionals major in computer science, cybersecurity, information technology, or a related field. These majors emphasize the technical skills required for cybersecurity careers.

With a bachelor’s degree, graduates can qualify for entry-level roles such as information security analyst or cybersecurity specialist.

2. Gain Cybersecurity Experience

Working in cybersecurity provides valuable professional experience for security architects. Because architects require advanced planning skills, they often hold titles such as information security analyst, network administrator, or cybersecurity engineer before moving into security architect roles.

While gaining experience, professionals can specialize their skills. The top skills requested in recent job postings include container security, cloud security, and microservices security, according to the data analysis organization CyberSeek.

3. Pursue Professional Certifications

Professional certification helps cybersecurity specialists highlight their skills and stand out in the job market. These certifications typically require both education and experience. Candidates who meet the requirements then pass a certification examination to receive their credentials.

The most common certifications requested in job postings, as reported by CyberSeek, include:

• Certified Information Systems Security Professional

• Certified Information Security Manager

• Certified Information System Auditor

Other certifications include Certified Cloud Security Professional, Certified Information Security Manager, and Cybersecurity Architect Expert. Organizations such as CompTIA, (ISC)², ISACA, and Microsoft offer cybersecurity certifications. 

4. Earn a Master’s Degree

A master’s degree in cybersecurity provides graduate-level training in security auditing, secure system administration, and information system assurance. During a master’s program, graduate students strengthen their technical skills while gaining proficiency in cybersecurity technologies and applications. 

Many employers prefer to hire security architects who hold a graduate degree. In 2022-2023, 40% of security architect job postings requested a graduate degree, according to CyberSeek. 

Earn an M.S. in Cyber Security from The University of Tulsa 

Those seeking career success and growth as a cybersecurity architect may begin by enrolling in an advanced degree program, such as the online M.S. in Cyber Security at The University of Tulsa. Explore cybersecurity fundamentals while gaining hands-on experience with IT tools. By exploring security frameworks, graduate students learn how to design secure systems and networks.

This ABET-accredited program offers both technical and leadership tracks, along with immersive learning in network security design and cryptography. With a master’s in cybersecurity, graduates are well-positioned for careers as cybersecurity architects. 

Explore the program today to learn more about cybersecurity architecture coursework.

Recommended Readings

How to Become a Cybersecurity Specialist

What Does a Cybersecurity Engineer Do?

Why You Should Study Cybersecurity in 2024

Sources:

CompTIA, “Your Next Move: Security Architect”

Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, Security Architect

CyberSeek, “Cybersecurity Career Pathway: Cybersecurity Architect”

Indeed, “How to Become a Security Architect: A Career Guide”

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Computer Network Architects

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Information Security Analysts

Verizon, “2023 Data Breach Investigations Report”

Whizlabs, “Top 10 Cybersecurity Architect Certifications”