Path to Security Architect

MitM

Hi everyone,

I’ve been in IT for over 20 years in a variety of infrastructure roles (help desk, server,network, security). My currently role is network & security manager, but the security side is mostly network related. I don’t see my current role as long term, as it’s not a fit for my interests.  

From a networking perspective, I do have a heavy interest in network security design and proper implementation but I’d like to dig into cloud security, and tie them both together.  For me, my passion is finding the right solution to the business need and making sure it’s secure.  That being said, I’d like to pursue the path for security architecture role. That being said, should pursue the cissp-issap? Cloud security certs? 

Does any of this make sense? Lol hopefully it does 

beads

Talking with more than a few InfoSec managers and their future plans tells me that networking and security will simply merge while design and planning will move to a more security orientated posture. This is all well and fine while we have long term infrastructure people with hard skills in the area available but it takes decades of hands on experience to be truly productive. Recent InfoSec grads aren't going to cut it here, at least not for a decade or two. So, once again, I see IT as chasing the short term gain while loosing the long term goal of sustainability is lost. Typical.

As for the career path. Yeah, I think its fine. You will need to bone up real hard on your PKI, Infrastructure and R and S skills before taking the plunge. Those are the skillsets I see as being the weakest among security architects these days. Cluelessness simply cannot be tolerated when architects don't fully understand route diversity, cost and risk management structures across the enterprise.

Wishing you good luck with your career goals.