Security Architect: Salary and Job Description

Cyberattacks are becoming more frequent and sophisticated, targeting big and small businesses, private and public sector organizations, and individuals alike. Some key facts and figures illustrate the scope of the problem:

• There were 3,205 data compromises in the U.S. in 2023, according to the Identity Theft Resource Center’s annual data breach report. This represents a 72 percent increase from the previous all-time high in 2021.
• A total of 94 percent of organizations reported email security incidents in 2023, according to a report from Egress, a cloud email security platform.
• The global average cost of a data breach climbed to $4.45 million in 2023, a 15 percent increase over the last three years, according to IBM’s annual data breach report.

As a result of the rise in cyberattacks, 51 percent of organizations are planning to increase their security investments, IBM reported. Investing in a skilled cybersecurity workforce is one of the surest ways for organizations to protect their digital assets. Security architects are vital members of this workforce, responsible for the design and development of an organization’s cybersecurity infrastructure.

Aspiring security architects can gain the skills and expertise needed to launch their careers by pursuing an advanced degree in cybersecurity. Understanding what the job entails, as well as what the potential salary for a security architect is, can help individuals determine whether this career path aligns with their interests and goals.

What Does a Security Architect Do?

Organizations rely on a team of cybersecurity professionals, including forensic analysts, engineers and architects, to protect their systems and networks and the valuable data they contain. Security architects design, implement and maintain the complex cybersecurity structures that protect organizations from cyberthreats and cyberattacks.

Cybersecurity architecture encompasses the systems, policies and technologies that shield an organization’s digital assets. Developing a strong security architecture represents a proactive approach to cybersecurity, ensuring that organizations are equipped to effectively prevent, detect and respond to cyberattacks.

Generally, architects work either as part of an organization’s in-house cybersecurity team or for an agency that contracts them out to companies that need cybersecurity support. Security architects can specialize in an area of cybersecurity, such as enterprise security, cloud security or network security.

While their day-to-day duties may vary based on their specializations and where they work, most security architects share some common responsibilities, including the following:

• Risk assessment and analysis. Security architects often begin by performing a risk assessment of an organization’s security infrastructure to identify potential threats and vulnerabilities. They then present their findings to clients or company leadership and offer potential solutions. During an assessment, a security architect may evaluate elements such as data confidentiality, integrity and availability.
• Penetration testing. Security architects may engage in penetration testing as part of their risk assessment. This is an ethical form of hacking that replicates the actions of a malicious hacker in an attempt to uncover vulnerabilities.
• Security architecture design. Based on their risk assessment, architects develop a security plan and security architecture that align with the organization’s strategies and goals for cybersecurity. This entails defining security requirements, selecting appropriate controls and integrating solutions into the organization’s infrastructure. Architects may also establish policies for employees and share information about safe network use. This is particularly important for remote workers, who represent about 14 percent of all employed adults, according to 2023 data from Pew Research Center.
• Technology evaluation and selection. Part of designing an effective security architecture involves researching cybersecurity tools and technologies, including hardware and software, and making recommendations to clients or company leadership. In some cases, architects may be responsible for approving vendors.
• Incident response. When a security breach occurs, architects are often involved in leading response efforts to identify and contain the threat, minimize damage and restore operations. They may develop incident response plans as well as perform post-incident analysis to prevent future breaches.

Where Do Security Architects Work?

The expertise of security architects is needed in any sector or organization that handles sensitive data, including information technology (IT), finance, health care and government. According to 2022 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the largest employers of information security analysts were as follows:

• Computer systems design and related services: 25 percent
• Finance and insurance: 16 percent
• Information: 10 percent
• Management of companies and enterprises: 9 percent
• Management, scientific, and technical consulting services: 6 percent

The job setting can affect a security architect’s salary as well as their precise role and responsibilities. For example, a security architect working in the federal government may need to design systems and networks that account for the various classification levels of different users, whereas an architect working for a private sector company may only need to design a system that distinguishes between employees and nonemployees.

Security Architect Education and Skill Requirements

Developing the skills and expertise to become a security architect often begins by establishing a solid educational foundation. Security architects generally need at least a bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as computer science, IT or cybersecurity. Though not always required, an advanced degree can help prospective architects stand out from their peers and may be preferred by certain employers.

Undergraduate and graduate degree programs can help aspiring security architects develop valuable cybersecurity skills that they can use to launch or advance their careers. Below are some of the most vital skills for security architects.

Knowledge of Cloud Security and Scripting Languages

With more and more organizations using cloud computing — 85 percent of organizations will follow a cloud-first strategy by 2025, according to G2 — security architects must possess a comprehensive understanding of how to protect cloud databases. Architects should also have expertise in programming languages, such as JavaScript or Python, to code automated cybersecurity solutions.

Identity Management Competencies

Security architects protect company data by controlling who has access to it. They need to know how to distinguish between human and robot identities and prevent unauthorized access. This may entail implementing authentication and authorization processes, from password-based systems to biometric authentication, which requires a user’s biological features, such as a fingerprint, to gain access.

Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills

Identifying, analyzing and solving problems is a fundamental aspect of a security architect’s role. Security architects must be able to perform risk assessments, evaluate potential threats, determine the likelihood of occurrence and devise solutions. They also need to conduct analyses in the aftermath of a security incident to determine whether data was lost, how to recover it and what changes are necessary to prevent future breaches.

Interpersonal and Communication Skills

Security architects regularly collaborate with other IT professionals and may lead a team of specialists, such as security analysts, engineers and software developers. They may also be responsible for training new hires on security protocols and educating staff on best practices, so effective communication skills are essential. They should also be able to translate complex cybersecurity concepts for lay audiences, as they frequently meet and work with people outside IT, including managers and executives.

Security Architect Salary and Employment Growth

Because of the important role they play in protecting an organization’s data — and the high level of skill the job demands — security architects are generally well compensated, often earning six figures. Payscale, for example, reports that the median annual salary for security architects is approximately $140,000 as of March 2024. Similar occupations tracked by the BLS, including information security analysts and computer network architects, had a median annual wage of $112,000 and $126,900, respectively, as of May 2022.

Demand for cybersecurity expertise is also reflected in the employment outlook for security architects. According to the BLS, employment of information security analysts is projected to grow by 32 percent over the next decade, adding more than 50,000 jobs to the workforce.

Several factors will contribute to the growing need for cybersecurity professionals, the increasing frequency of cyberattacks being chief among them. According to a recent report from cybersecurity software vendor Armis, the number of attempted cyberattacks doubled from 2022 to 2023, growing by 104 percent year to year.

Variables such as the shift to remote work, the rise of e-commerce and data security risks arising from the use of telehealth will fuel demand for security architects and other cybersecurity professionals.

Secure Your Future With a Master’s Degree

Just as building architects draft plans for secure and functional physical structures, security architects create blueprints for the cyber infrastructure used by organizations to safeguard their digital assets. Their specialized skill set will be increasingly sought after in the coming years, driven by the growing risk of cyberattack.

The online Master of Science in Information Security Management program at Augusta University Online can help you update and refine your skills in the ever-evolving world of cybersecurity, positioning you to make an impact in the cyber landscape. The program also offers a managerial concentration for those who aspire to a leadership role in cybersecurity.

Take the next step in your cybersecurity career with AU Online.

Recommended Readings
5 Research Topics in Cybersecurity
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Sources:
Armis, The Anatomy of Cybersecurity: A Dissection of 2023’s Attack Landscape
CompTIA, “Your Next Move: Security Architect”
Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, Security Architect
Egress, 2024 Email Security Risk Report
G2, “160+ Fascinating Cloud Computing Statistics for 2023”
IBM, Cost of a Data Breach Report 2023
Identity Theft Resource Center, ITRC Annual Data Breach Report
Indeed, What Does A Security Architect Do? (Definition Plus Tips)
Palo Alto Networks, What Is Security Architecture?
Payscale, Average Security Architect, IT Salary
Pew Research Center, “About a Third of U.S. Workers Who Can Work From Home Now Do So All the Time”
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Computer Network Architects
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Information Security Analysts