ICT Security Specialist

Also known as: Cyber Security Officer

Job Role: Set up, manage and administer rail organisations’ ICT security policies and procedures.

Skills required to be a ICT Security Specialist

Strong communication skills
Work under pressure
Analytical and critical thinking skills
Problem solving
Ability to assess and plan
Ability to work independently
Ability to work well in a team
Eye for detail
Work under pressure

Job role

Inspecting, testing and monitoring, Maintain and repair equipment, Instruct and coordinate staff, Administrative tasks, Identify and manage risks, Digital, data and systems management, Interpret and evaluate technical information, Operate electrical equipment

Female ICT security specialist checking her laptop in a room of compuer systems

Overview

The role

ICT Security Specialists set up and manage rail organisations’ ICT security policies and procedures to minimise the risk of internal and external security threats.

Tasks include:
• analysing, installing and maintaining software security applications.
• liaising with security vendors, suppliers, service providers and external resources.
• meeting with customers/teams to understand their needs.
• taking responsibility for the processes, procedures and operational management of system security and disaster recovery planning.

Skills required

Skills required to be an ICT Security Specialist

Knowledge of relevant operating systems, software and programming
Logical thinking and problem solving skills
Excellent organisation, time management and prioritisation
Good troubleshooting abilities

Entry pathways

Minimum requirements

Generally, ICT Security Specialists are required to have a bachelor or postgraduate degree in a related information technology field such as network security, computer science or cyber security.

Training may also be available through Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses such as Certificate IV in Information Technology, the Advanced Diploma of Information Technology.

There are also a wide range of vendor and industry certifications available that may substitute for formal qualifications and can be highly regarded by employers.

Employers may require relevant work experience in the field of ICT.

Career progression

What do I do next?

For more information on becoming an ICT Security Specialist:

find out more about ICT Security Specialists on the Work in Rail website
talk to your careers adviser
check out programs available at your local TAFE or university
if you already work in rail, talk to your employer.

Meet the people

Meet Hannah

Female ICT security specialist sitting in front of computer screens.

Hannah Rice had a degree in contemporary performance and theatre studies when she went back to study a Bachelor of Science (Cyber Security). She now works as a Cyber Security Officer for the Public Transport Authority, Western Australia.

Read about her journey here.

If you have great job in rail, get in touch.