An endpoint security engineer is in charge of securing and protecting a company’s computer systems and networks from cyber attacks and threats. They provide engineering support for firewalls, VPN’s, operating systems, encryption technologies, and more. Read on to get detailed insights into an endpoint security engineer’s responsibilities, skills, salary and more.
What is Endpoint Security?
Endpoint security, or endpoint protection, is the process of protecting devices like desktops, laptops, and mobile devices from malicious threats and cyberattacks.
‘Endpoints’ refer to the points of access to an organisation’s network that can be used and exploited by malicious cyber criminals. The goal of endpoint security software is to help businesses protect these points and maintain control over the growing number and types of access points to their network.
Endpoint security plays a crucial role in protecting companies from the increasingly dangerous threat landscape. Benefits include:
- Protection across all access points
- Secure remote working
- Increased awareness among end users
- Contribution to overall compliance goals
- Insider threat prevention
Is endpoint security a good career?
Endpoint security is a complex and far-ranging part of cybersecurity. And with cybercrime on the rise, the need for endpoints is at an all-time high, making endpoint security a good career for IT professionals at the moment.
The shortage of security workers is an opportunity for job seekers. Keep in mind that job titles may vary depending on the industry.
An endpoint security engineer may also be called:
- Security Engineer
- Endpoint and Application Security engineer
- Endpoint Security Manager
- Cyber Security Engineer focused on Endpoint security
What is an example of endpoint security?
Some examples of endpoint security solutions include firewalls, anti-malware software such as Mcafee Endpoint Security and Symantec Endpoint Security, encryption and access control.
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Responsibilities of an Endpoint Security Engineer
An Endpoint Security Engineer is responsible for designing and implementing endpoint security solutions and developing and reporting enterprise level metrics for endpoint security controls.
Their responsibilities include developing, configuring and managing endpoint security systems such as firewalls, antivirus, intrusion detection/prevention, and encryption technologies.
These professionals are in charge of the administration and maintenance of the endpoint protection infrastructure and are also responsible for ensuring that the security systems documentation is up to date.
Endpoint security engineers maintain awareness of latest security risks and exploits and collaborate with network and systems administrators to ensure that security solutions are integrated into a company’s overall security posture.
They also bring up concerns to management regarding endpoint security and participate in incident response efforts as required.
They are also responsible for auditing and monitoring the effectiveness of these systems and responding to security breaches.
What does an endpoint security engineer do?
- Design and implement endpoint security solutions
- Develop and report enterprise level metrics for endpoint security controls
- Maintain endpoint protection infrastructure
- Ensure that security systems documentation is up to date
- Maintain awareness of latest security risks and exploits
- Collaborate with network and systems administrators
- Ensure that security solutions are integrated seamlessly
- Bring up concerns to management regarding endpoint security
- Participate in incident response efforts
- Implement tasks critical to a company’s Endpoint technologies
- Develop and implement security policies and procedures for end-users
Skills of an Endpoint Security Engineer
An endpoint security engineer has a strong understanding of endpoint security, networks, and application layer gateway technologies.
Hands-on experience in the implementation and administration of endpoint security related technologies such as Crowdstrike, Microsoft E5, and Tripwire.
They have a good understanding and adherence to the ITIL framework and demonstrated experience with scripting environments like bash and Powershell.
Engineers in this field have the skills required to handle workloads in an Agile environment and have proficiency in server administration skills like Windows and Linux.
They also have a strong analytical mind and the ability to pay attention to minute details. In addition, they have outstanding problem-solving, communication and collaboration skills.
Endpoint security engineer skills:
- Strong understanding of endpoint and network security (firewalls, intrusion prevention systems, and other network security solutions)
- Experience with endpoint security technologies (antispyware, antivirus, host intrusion prevention systems, and mobile device management solutions – examples: Crowdstrike and Microsoft E5)
- Knowledge of application layer gateway technologies
- Good understanding of the ITIL framework
- Experience with log analysis and incident response
- Demonstrated experience with scripting environments like bash and Powershell and automation tools
- Experience with log analysis and incident response
- Knowledge of security protocols and authentication method
- Knowledge of on-prem and cloud infrastructure technologies
- Ability to handle workloads in an Agile environment
- Proficiency in server administration skills like Windows and Linux
- Strong analytical thinking
- Strong attention to detail
- Outstanding problem-solving skills
- Good communication and collaboration skills
How do I become an Endpoint Security Engineer?
To work as an engineer in this field, you will need at least a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Security, Engineering, cybersecurity or a related field. A Master’s degree (e.g. in cybersecurity) is ideally preferred by most employers.
Getting additional training and obtaining certifications is also a good way of securing the best engineer jobs.
There are certifications in cybersecurity that can help you land a job as an Endpoint Security Engineer. For example:
- CISSP – Certified Information Systems Security Professional
- CISM – Certified Information Security Manager
- CEH – Certified Ethical Hacker
Also pursuing a vendor-specific endpoint security certification is a good option. You could explore the McAfee Certified Product Specialist (MCPS) or Symantec Security Solutions Professional (SSSP).
Also, there are some options for online courses:
- The Complete Cyber Security Course : End Point Protection!
- Cyber Security Expert
- CrowdStrike: Zero to Falcon Admin
- Training at Tanium
Ultimately, gaining experience in endpoint security by working in a related position, such as a Systems Engineer or Network Security Administrator would be the preferred requirement by employers.
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Salary of an Endpoint Security Engineer
An engineer that’s just starting out in this field can earn up to $68,000 per year whereas an engineer with a bit of experience and additional skills can earn up to $105,000. An engineer in a more senior position can earn up to $165,000 annually.
Keep in mind that the salary of an Endpoint engineer may vary depending on a number of factors such as the job they have and the industry they are in.
In Germany, the salary range of an engineer is €51,000-€131,000 whereas in the UK, engineers can earn anywhere between £28,000-£93,000.
In Spain, the range for these professionals is €26,000- €76,000.
How much do endpoint security engineers make?
| US | $68,000 – $165,000 |
| Germany | €51,000-€131,000 |
| UK | £28,000-£93,000 |
| Spain | €26,000- €76,000 |
How much do freelance endpoint security engineers make?
Endpoint Security Engineer on freelancermap charge on average:
Rates in this field range between $40 and $96/hour for most freelancers.
The daily rate for Endpoint Security Engineers (8 working hours) would be around:
Endpoint Security Engineer Job Description
If you’re in need of an expert professional who can secure your company’s endpoints, here’s a useful job description template that will help you find the perfect endpoint security engineer:
We’re looking for an Endpoint Security Engineer that ensures the security and protection of all our organisation’s endpoint devices such as laptops, desktops, and mobile devices as well as networks, systems and data.
You will work closely with other IT security professionals to identify and mitigate potential security risks to endpoints and to ensure that systems are secure against external threats.
Responsibilities:
– Develop and maintain security solutions that protect enterprise networks, systems and data
– Monitor, analyse, and respond to security threats and vulnerabilities
– Implement secure systems and applications
– Perform security assessments and penetration tests
– Monitor, analyse, and respond to security incidents
– Develop and maintain security policies and procedures
– Research and evaluate new security tools and technologies
– Document and report security issues
– Train and advise staff on security best practices
– Provide technical support for security-related issues
– Stay up-to-date on the latest security trends and threats
Qualifications and requirements:
– Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, or related field, or equivalent experience
– 3-5 years of experience in endpoint security or a related field
– In-depth knowledge of endpoint security technologies and tools, including antivirus software, firewalls, intrusion detection/prevention systems, and endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions
– Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
– Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team environment
– Relevant certifications such as CISSP, CISM, or GIAC are a plus
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