Security management refers to the systematic protection of an organization’s financial, information and resource assets. As illustrated below, security management generally refers to either physical security or information security.
Introduction to IT Security Management
IT security management encompasses individual users and workstations as well as collective servers and virtual networks. The goal of IT security management is to find reasonable balances between system protection and user convenience and independence. That is, IT security programs and processes must not hinder workers’ productivity, but must protect company assets from cyber-criminals and data breaches. IT security managers strive to design security policies and processes that maintain organizational security protocols, effectively monitor user access and promote security-conscious cultures. Most of these are accomplished through preventative security procedures, such as annual employee refresher courses and requiring users to regularly change passwords. In major corporations, security breaches that result in loss of financial or customer information will result in lawsuits, injurious PR and loss of consumer and shareholder confidence.
Security Information Management Systems
Large companies with hundreds or thousands of employees use security information management (SIM) or security event management (SEM) systems to collect, monitor and analyze security data from network and workstation logs. These programs drastically cut costs through automating and standardizing processes. Event logs are generated from a variety of sources, including firewalls, servers, routers, operating systems, anti-virus and anti-malware software and intrusion detection and prevention systems. Security information management systems offer high-performance functions related to real-time event monitoring, data aggregation and automated incidence responses through alerts and reports. These programs also translate event data between different formats and cross-correlate information from multiple sources.
Security Manager Job Profile
Security managers who are in charge of protecting physical assets supervise guard or patrol officer operations. They perform HR activities such as employee hiring, training, assigning, evaluating and disciplining. They train new security professionals and office staff members in security rules and procedures. They coordinate security operations with client representatives and law enforcement agencies. They attend meetings to staff with employees and attend professional conferences to keep up with changing legislation and technologies. Security managers review submitted security reports, create tactical initiatives and work with management to statically plan operations. They review incident reports to ensure the quality and efficiency of security operations. Security managers also execute budgets, order equipment and investigate security breaches.
Security Management Degrees
Security management degrees usually focus on expertise areas like facility security, threat assessments, personnel management and infrastructure organization. Graduates of these programs are able to analyze and apply basic security theories to real-time activities and locations. They know how to prepare and critique policies and personnel in hindsight of emergency response situations. Security management degree programs teach attendees how to integrate organizational standards and streamline operating procedures. These degree programs often use law enforcement standard risk analyses and threat assessment models. Classes on organizational security show how to identify vulnerabilities and measure the effectiveness of security programs. Classes on security administration introduce the critical management skills needed to successfully handle emergencies.
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In the end, security management refers to any system that protects an organizations assets’, employees and customers. Security management usually denotes IT security programs, practices and personnel.
