What do you know about Systems Security Engineering?  

Systems Security Engineering definition 

Systems security engineering is a component of system engineering that involves creating and implementing secure systems that act against several cyber threats and attacks, unauthorized access and data breaches. It involves identifying security vulnerabilities and reducing or limiting the risks that would arise from these vulnerabilities with the help of scientific and engineering concepts.  

It majors in integrating several security processes, tools and techniques used to develop complete systems that proactively lessen vulnerabilities and are always secure despite errors or attacks. In this cyber-infected world, systems security engineering delivers trusted systems with high-risk tolerance that satisfies the company’s security needs and worries. 

The security systems are developed using a cycle which includes the gathering of initial requirements, the development process, the test running and then the deployment of the system. The main purpose of the systems is the security purpose it is going to serve for the company or organization which includes the swift identification and resolving of security risks and possessing accurate security controls. 

Who is a systems security engineer?

A systems security engineer is the professional responsible for planning, devising and implementing safety measures for computer networks and systems. They are the ones consulted in the events of cyber-attacks to respond to and manage the damage done to the company’s computer networks. Systems security engineers also perform regular security tests on networks for vulnerabilities, ensure and manage the presence of antiviruses across computer networks and help companies and organizations to understand the procedures of security systems. 

Steps involved in the Systems Security Engineering process 

1. Security requirements analysis: This is the first step in the process which involves pointing out and examining the security requirements for the system or network. Also analyzing the security laws, regulations and standards the system has to meet. 
2. Risk and threat evaluation: This next step involves recognizing and examining the potential risks and threats to the system and the estimated outcomes. 
3. Security architecture and development: This process involves building security designs that meet the initial prospective security requirements and threats that were analyzed. 
4. Implementation and testing: This is the step for implementation and testing of the security features and controls and the required software components in the system. It also includes running end-to-end tests on the systems.
5. Deployment: This involves installing the properly configured security controls and measures that were built and designed such as the installation of security software and hardware, firewalls, intrusion detection systems, etc.
6. Maintenance and operations: This involves the maintenance of the system after it has been deployed to make sure it continues to be secure and updated on any changes that might be needed to prevent new risks and vulnerabilities. 

Job responsibilities of a Systems Security Engineer 

• Building and implementing systems security measures to protect data, networks and computer systems from possible security threats and risks.  
• Designing security architecture for computer systems, creating security procedures and policies, providing exclusive cybersecurity designs, etc. 
• Pointing out and evaluating the requirements for a company’s systems security. 
• Monitoring the systems and networks for security threats to stay updated on any upcoming threat before it becomes a real problem and to ensure the system is secured. They investigate security incidents, examine security events, monitor security records and configure security infrastructure devices. 
• Overseeing security evaluations, like vulnerability assessments or penetration testing, on the systems to identify possible threats, vulnerabilities and weaknesses. 
• Providing technical support for system users and administrators to ensure the security measures put in place are used productively and are correctly configured. 
• Working in teams with network engineers, software developers and software administrators to develop software solutions and ensure the measures are integrated with other components of the system and meet the general requirements of the system. 
• Creating standard documentation for security operating procedures, policies, protocols and controls. Also rendering training to system users and administrators on how to effectively use and manage the security controls. 
• Conducting threats and risks assessments to point out potential threats and developing methods to reduce the risks.  
• Always keeping the company or organization updated on security incidents as early as possible. 
• Providing broad reports on findings gotten from evaluations, results and propositions for future system security improvement.