Determining the Role of the IA/Security Engineer

Within the information technology fields, the term engineer has become generalized and has lost its true meaning. This is also the case for the more specialized security or information assurance (IA) engineer. This generalization has resulted in a myriad of positions labeled engineer but with no real substance.The objective of this paper is to identify and determine what a security or information assurance engineer really is and their role in the organization. It will provide managers with the necessary background information to determine the need for an IA Engineer along with the technical and professional requirements required to fill such a position. The manager will gain an understanding for the proper utilization of the security engineer within their organization, and the benefits of staffing this position with properly trained and qualified personnel.