Comments on: 7 reasons why you SHOULD work in Information Security

By: Balaji kapsikar

Balaji kapsikar — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 04:54:05 +0000

I am really agree with you,From Last 18 months i am working as information security analyst , I do VAPT , Server application and network security audits in my orgnisation and now I want to do Info sec certifications for my gr8 future so how and for which certification should i go.

By: Alex

Alex — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 03:18:40 +0000

I tend to agree with Rob. I got infected with InfoSec bug after picking up a copy of Hacking Exposed book and reading it cover to cover multiple times & practicing it about 8-9 years ago. I self-studied myself to a CISSP certification, became a member of a local ISSA chapter, and avid reader of InfoSec & SC magazines. I followed that up with a Masters degree in Info Assurance. You probably are thinking by now that I am a bigshot InfoSec professional, CISO or something…WRONG!!!
Since then I’ve had the (bad) luck of being employed in companies (4 including my current employer), where they didn’t give a hoot about security. My current employer (a hospital) has a CISO, who knows nothing about InfoSec or IT for that matter. The only reason he has that title is because of being a great BSer & can get $$ from senior mgmt!
So I’m still an IT professional (system admin), my CISSP expired, and haven’t held any security positions and still paying my school loans!
Anywhere I apply or interview for a security position, they take one look at my resume and they see SysAdmin and say NO THANK YOU!

And btw being a SysAdmin doesn’t make you a chick magnet either!!!

By: binary0018

binary0018 — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 15:18:37 +0000

Yeah thanks for the motivation

Would like to share my story. I’ve been in IT Sec/Governance for 6 years now. Not yet an expert, but no longer a novice. I didn’t choose to work in this line at all. Somehow my career path turned out this way!

But some weeks back, I was on the brink of exiting this field completely. I was v fedup & depressed at my last workplace & even prepared to forsake my professional credentials & track record, to get out of it. I wasn’t sure whether the problem was with the environment or the scope of work. Or could it be me? I was thinking, perhaps I’m not suited to this sorta work afterall.

Then suddenly out-of-the-blue I received a call from this recruitor about a prospect with a well-known MNC, for their IT controls team. I didn’t even feel like turning up for the interview. But I did in the end & got the job, har!

Currently still in the honeymoon phase with my new employer (not yet a month here). So far, I find ev’ything much better than the previous place – pay, staff welfare, resources … even my new boss! I respect him a lot & like him so much better than the previous one. At least I now look fwd to going to work each morning. And yes, am rediscovering my zest & love for security =)

I reckon there are many factors which count towards becoming a successful security professional (and sustaining a career in this line). It can be tough and demanding at times. But like any other job, being passionate about your work helps you stick it out thru the tough times.

PS: Which sponsor links do we click btw? I clicked all which looked like adverts to me, lol!

By: Jeff

Jeff — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 13:52:39 +0000

Adriano!

How’s it going buddy? Looks like the site has become a hit dude – Nice!

I had to chime in here because I just read Rob’s bit “…security professional has never attracted chicks at parties.” Well, you and I know better about that. YOU are (were) a chick magnet. Well, it could have been your stunning good looks, irresistible charm …or when you said “hey there…I’m a security professional.” Wait, come to think of it, you never said to the chicks. Okay, Rob’s right.

Seriously though, you still enjoying Sydney? Or gearing up for a move elsewhere? Big news for us is, we bought a house. Yes, we’re actually becoming grounded Quaint village area; a 5 min walk from ocean. Happiness.

Looking forward to hearing back. Cheers bud, -Jeff

By: ShreeVaidya

ShreeVaidya — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 11:33:28 +0000

I have always been passionate about information security and the monetary and other benefits surely do add up.I believe passion for the domain has been a major driver for me. I do not consider it a job

By: Shadab

Shadab — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 11:31:01 +0000

Rob : I dont agree on the points you have mentioned, In the article Adriano has clearly told about the salary that it depends on which location you are. I agree that you cannot make money as sales guys but if you join a consulting firm it is same as sales with technical knowledge or presales job. so I would say the points are very true depending on some situations.

By: Purdy

Purdy — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 11:30:32 +0000

I have never been told I have a cool job and I have been in the industry for 15 years. I have been told I have one of those made up jobs that doesn’t really exist.

Funny article though, thanks for putting it up.

IT Security is also gender agnostic. Which is brilliant.

By: Rob Slade

Rob Slade — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 20:48:01 +0000

OK, the field is diverse, I’ll grant you. And you should be able to talk to anyone in the company. (Whether they’ll reply is another matter.) But, companies taking security seriously? Please. High salary? Better than line work, but you’ll never make the money you do in sales. And I know way too many infosec mavens who are un-or-under employed. You set the rules if senior management backs you up, and that seldom happens.

And being a security professional has never attracted chicks at parties.