Computer Systems Security

Robert Rosen didn't think he'd end up in the computer systems security industry. After all, he majored in electrical Engineering at the University of Maryland and began his career by testing the reliability of military hardware. Today he is the CIO at the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), which is part of the National Institute of Health. He describes NIAMS as the government arm for medical research, where he provides support for research scientists.

Rosen is also the immediate past president of SHARE, a volunteer-based user group through IBM. It provides professionals with the opportunity to network and learn from those with experience in computer systems security. As president, he chaired the board of directors and led the organization. "At SHARE, we show companies how to use technology to make their business better," says Rosen. To help those just breaking into the computer systems security industry, the zNextGen program exists, and it's not just for 22-year-old graduates. "We're finding it's not just young people," says Rosen. "People are going back to school or getting into the field later on. They all have one thing in common, though - they want to be working in the mainframe field."

Since Rosen did not major in computer systems security (because it wasn't an option when he was in school), he learned everything he knows from on-the-job training or classes that he took after graduation. He recommends taking programming languages and IT tech classes to get a basic knowledge. This will give you a definite advantage because there aren't that many qualified individuals out there. "It's hard to find a good staff. People say it is not the field to go into and many people believe that," he says. As a result, not many people look to get a computer systems security education.

"It's a very good field to go into," assures Rosen. "There's more to it than just pure technology." Rosen says that there is a lot of interaction with people on the job. "You've got to deal with people and have the soft skills, all those things us natural geeks don't want to do. You've got to do it. Public speaking won't kill you," he says. The most important part of the job is the end-user, says Rosen. "The number one thing of importance in computer systems security is educating the end-user and making sure they know not to click on unknown email attachments or to give out their password over the phone. They are our first line of defense."

According to a Robert Half Technology survey, 28 percent of CIOs interviewed plan to increase their staff of IT individuals who can provide end-user support. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the computer systems security industry will grow much faster than the average due to the fact that more and more businesses are looking to protect themselves against security breaches.

But the best part of the computer systems security industry for this "geek at heart" as he calls himself is getting to help others. "What's satisfying is providing the capability to someone to solve a problem that's been vexing them for years," he says. "Not to mention, I get to play with neat technology."

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