How to become a security configuration manager: Skills, roles and career path

Security configuration managers have a crucial role to play in protecting business networks, systems and software from cyber threats.

In this blog, we take a detailed look at:

• What this role entails
• What makes it so important
• Skills and qualifications needed to be a security configuration manager
• How to plan and launch your career in this field

What is a security configuration manager?

A security configuration manager is the individual responsible for ensuring that a company’s systems and applications are properly set up and maintained to minimise vulnerabilities and mitigate cyber security risks.

Professionals in these roles have to take on a range of responsibilities, including:

• Documenting baseline security configurations and requirements for specific systems
• Applying and enforcing security settings to prevent unauthorised access and changes
• Conducting regular assessments to check for deviations from baseline security expectations
• Designing and implementing procedures to identify and fix misconfigurations

We’ll take a closer look at the key responsibilities of a security configuration manager later in this blog.

Why security configuration management is critical for cyber security

It has never been more critical for businesses to be alert to evolving cyber threats and to have clear strategies for protecting their networks and systems.

In its Global Security Outlook 2025, the World Economic Forum (WEF) said individuals and organisations now exist in “a cyberspace that is more complex than ever before”.

The WEF warned of escalating risks including “the growing prowess of cybercriminals, rapid advances in emerging technologies and widening cyber capabilities”.

In this uncertain environment, it’s vital that businesses maintain security configuration management best practices to ensure that systems are hardened against potential attacks and the company is complying with industry regulations.

Key responsibilities of a security configuration manager

On a day-to-day basis, security configuration managers assume a range of responsibilities to help maintain organisational cyber security standards.

If you pursue a career in this field, your regular duties will include:

• Overseeing policies and procedures

It will be your responsibility to create and refine the cyber security protocols your business uses for encryption, access control, firewall configuration, incident response and other key tasks.

• Regular security auditing and configuration management

Focused security audits and regular reviews of how systems are configured help to identify vulnerabilities and evaluate risks that could require an immediate response. 

• Helping to ensure regulatory compliance

From GDPR and the Data Protection Act to industry-specific standards such as ISO 27001, there are various rules and regulations your business may have to abide by. Effective security configuration management can help to maintain compliance.

• Incident response

In the event of a breach, the security configuration manager will have a central part to play in identifying the root cause, planning a response and reducing the risk of such an event happening again in the future.

• Improving organisational awareness and training

You may also be expected to raise organisational awareness of cyber security. This could involve designing and delivering training programmes and helping to build a culture based on responsibility and accountability.

Necessary skills and certifications

Acquiring the right combination of skills and certifications will help you improve your CV when the time comes to apply for a security configuration manager role.

Skills

The most valuable skills to demonstrate to employers hiring for this role include:

• Technical expertise in relevant areas such as network security, operating systems, encryption and authentication
• Knowledge of regulations and standards such as GDPR, PCI DSS and the NIST Cybersecurity Framework
• Problem-solving and analytical capabilities
• Understanding of common cyber threats and attack vectors
• Non-technical skills such as clear communication, adaptability and collaboration

Certifications 

While not always mandatory, the following certifications can put you in a stronger position to secure a job and boost your earning potential:

• Certified Information Systems Security Professional
• Certified Ethical Hacker
• CompTIA Security+
• Certified Information Security Manager
• Certified Information Systems Auditor

Steps to get a job as a security configuration manager

There are various career pathways that could take you into a security configuration manager role.

A typical education and professional development trajectory for this job could look something like this:

1. Complete a bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as computer science, IT or network security
2. Obtain relevant certifications, such as those listed above
3. Start to build professional experience, potentially in a position such as network administrator or cyber security analyst
4. With three to five years’ general IT and cyber security experience under your belt, look for chances to specialise in roles such as security architect or configuration engineer
5. Building on specialist experience, seek out opportunities to progress into management or leadership roles

Launching your career in security configuration management

Factors such as the rapid development of AI and machine learning, geopolitical uncertainty and cyber skills gaps mean business demand for professionals with expertise in security configuration management is likely to increase in the near future.

Developing the right combination of skills, certifications and hands-on experience in this field can significantly enhance your long-term career prospects and earning potential.

Keep an eye on CyberSecurityJobsite.com to stay up-to-date on the latest vacancies across the industry.