How to Become a Security Compliance Engineer

Ogbonda Chivumnovu -

The fear of a massive data breach is no longer a distant threat—it’s a daily reality for businesses. In 2024, the average cost of a data breach has hit a record-breaking $4.88 million, according to IBM. But financial losses are only part of the story, companies that fail to meet stricter regulations stand the risk of facing crippling fines and lasting reputational damage.

This is where Security Compliance Engineers come in. These professionals play a critical role in helping organizations navigate complex security standards, ensuring compliance, and mitigating risks before they become full-blown crises.

In this article, we’ll break down what a Security Compliance Engineer does, the skills required for the role, and the steps to becoming one.

Who is a Security Compliance Engineer?

A Security Compliance Engineer is the person who makes sure that an organization’s security measures meet industry standards and regulatory requirements. Their job is to close security gaps, put the right controls in place, and ensure that the company stays compliant with frameworks like ISO 27001, NIST, SOC 2, HIPAA, and GDPR.

How Much Does a Security Compliance Engineer Earn?

The exact figures can fluctuate based on experience, location, and industry, Security Compliance Engineers command a very competitive salary. On average, in the United States, you can expect to see salaries ranging from $120,000-$205,000 annually, according to Glassdoor.

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What is the Role of a Security Compliance Engineer?

A Security Compliance Engineer ensures that a company’s security measures meet industry standards and regulatory requirements. They assess security controls, identify gaps, and implement fixes to keep systems secure and compliant with frameworks like ISO 27001, NIST, and SOC 2. Their job includes conducting audits, managing risks, and working with IT and legal teams to maintain security policies. Ultimately, they help protect the business from security threats and regulatory penalties.

What Skills Are Needed for a Security Compliance Engineer?

To thrive as a Security Compliance Engineer, you need diverse skillset blending technical expertise with a strong understanding of regulations and essential soft skills, here are the key skills for a Security Compliance Engineer:

  • They need to really understand security regulations and frameworks like GDPR, HIPAA, NIST and ISO 27001 – think of them as the rules of the game.
  • They've got to have strong technical knowledge in areas like network security, encryption, and access control to build and maintain secure systems.
  • Risk assessment and incident response are crucial – they need to be able to spot problems before they happen and know what to do when they do.
  • They also need to be good at auditing systems to ensure everything is compliant.
  • And it's not just about tech–being able to communicate clearly and solve problems effectively is a big part of the job too.

How to Become a Security Compliance Engineer

If you’re aiming to become a Security Compliance Engineer, here’s a clear path to get you there:

1) Get the Right Education

First off, getting the right education is definitely your foundation. A degree in cybersecurity, computer science, or something similar gives you the core knowledge. But don't worry if a traditional degree isn't in the cards – cybersecurity boot camps and certificate programs can be fantastic alternatives to quickly get you up to speed on the essentials. They often focus on the most in-demand skills, which can be a real advantage.

2) Learn Industry Frameworks

Next, you absolutely need to learn industry frameworks. Think of frameworks like ISO 27001, NIST, SOC 2, and HIPAA as the rulebooks for security compliance. Knowing them inside and out is crucial because organizations use these to structure their security efforts and meet regulatory requirements. Luckily, there are tons of online courses out there that break these down and make them easier to understand.

3) Build Technical Skills

Then comes building those technical skills. This is where the rubber meets the road. You'll need to get hands-on with things like network security (keeping the bad guys out!), encryption (scrambling data so it's unreadable to unauthorized people), access controls (making sure only the right people can see the right things), and auditing tools (checking if everything is actually secure and compliant). The practical experience here is gold, so try to get involved in labs, personal projects, or anything that lets you actually use these skills.

4) Gain Real-World Experience

That leads perfectly to gaining real-world experience. Theory is great, but seeing how things work in a real company is invaluable. Starting in an entry-level IT security, compliance, or risk management role can give you that practical insight. Don't underestimate the value of internships or even freelance projects — they can all contribute to your understanding of how security compliance works in practice.

5) Get Certified

To really stand out, getting certified is a smart move. Certifications like CISA (for auditing skills) or CISSP (a broader, more advanced security certification) show employers that you've got a recognized level of expertise. They can definitely boost your credibility and open up more opportunities.

6) Develop Soft Skills

Let's not forget about developing those soft skills! Being technically brilliant is important, but you also need to be able to explain complex security stuff in a way that everyone can understand. Clearly communicating security policies, being able to think on your feet and solve problems when things go wrong, and having a keen eye for spotting areas where a company might not be compliant are all crucial in this role.

7) Stay Updated

Finally, in the world of cybersecurity, things change constantly, so you need to stay updated. Keep reading industry news, follow security experts, and never stop learning about the latest threats and compliance updates. It's a field where being a lifelong learner will really pay off!

Conclusion

In conclusion, becoming a Security Compliance Engineer is about more than just rules and regulations. It's about building trust, safeguarding data, and playing a crucial role in a secure digital future. It's a challenging but highly rewarding career path with significant impact.