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IT security coordinators, sometimes known as information security analysts, plan and implement security measures to protect clients' information and data from unauthorised access, deliberate attack, theft and corruption. The work also involves putting in place controls to allow secure transfer of files and data across computer networks like the internet.

IT security coordinators deal with a range of threats to electronic information, which can include:

• Hacking.
• Viruses, worms, spyware and Trojans.
• Denial of service attacks - overloading servers with useless data to bring them to a standstill.
• 'Phishing' - luring users into passing confidential details to spoof websites.
• 'Pharming' - redirecting users to fake websites by hijacking genuine website addresses.
• Abuse of permissions by authorised system users.

Security coordinators use a number of different methods to combat threats and fix breaches. Although the work may vary, depending on the employer and the level of responsibility, it will normally include:

• Risk assessing systems and applications, and developing plans to minimise potential threats.
• Designing new security systems or upgrading existing ones.
• Testing and evaluating security products.
• Contingency planning for disaster recovery in the event of security breaches.
• Simulating breaches to test procedures (known as penetration testing).
• Investigating actual breaches and executing corrective actions.
• Reviewing security systems to test for weak points (known as vulnerability scanning).
• Making sure procedures meet national and international network security standards.
• Preparing reports and technical documentation.

Security coordinators are also responsible for supervising and training staff, and working with operations managers to develop a company's overall security strategy.

You can get into IT security by taking formal qualifications at degree level or higher, or by acquiring skills through workplace training. For both routes, employers will ask that you have proven experience as an IT professional with some responsibility for network security.

You can also use experience in related IT roles to move into this job, for example systems analyst, database administrator or network engineer.

Once you are working as an IT security coordinator, you can choose from many different development options including graduate training schemes and postgraduate awards in information security. You can also take one of several IT security certifications available to professionals in this sector. The most widely recognised certifications are outlined below.

• Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE)/ Systems Administrator (MCSA).

These are perceived as high level qualifications and provide tangible evidence of proficiency across Microsofts key technologies and products. Competencies include; installing, configuring and administering Windows based server networks, managment and maintenance, implementing and administering network security, designing implementing and maintaining security systems for server networks.

• CompTIA Security+.

This is often a pre-requisite for more advanced certification programmes, such as the Microsoft MCSA/MCSE and Cisco's CCNA/CCNP. The S+ is often regarded as a prerequisite for Security professionals and covers important areas such as; authentication, access controls, cryptography, public and private keys, network vulnerabilities, securing remote access, security topologies, risk analysis and security policy management.

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

Rates of pay are often negotiable dependant on experience and length of contract.
Salaries can fall anywhere between £25,000 and £60,000.

As an IT security coordinator you will normally work 35 to 40 hours a week but may be on a call-out rota to deal with problems that occur outside office hours.

Your work will be mainly office based, but if you work for a consultancy or are self-employed you will need to travel to clients' premises.

As an IT security coordinator, you need:

• An excellent knowledge of IT security systems, tools and procedures.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Strong analytical skills.
• Good project management skills.
• The ability to interpret and evaluate data accurately.
• An understanding of confidentiality issues.
• A commitment to keep up to date with emerging security threats, technologies and trends.
• An awareness of commercial pressures.
• The ability to work under pressure and to deadlines.
• A proactive approach and able to take responsibility.
• A knowledge of information security standards and legislation.

IT security coordinators work for public service organisations, local authorities, government departments, financial institutions and software manufacturers. Coordinators also work for specialist IT security consultancies.

Recent surveys of the IT industry suggest that information security is a top priority for IT directors and will continue to be so for the foreseeable future. Rapid changes in technology, such as the expansion of wireless networks (WiFi) and mobile technologies have seen a corresponding evolution in the nature of security threats. Therefore, opportunities for security professionals are excellent.

Progression options include moves into network management, IT project management and security consultancy. Experienced coordinators are employed by the police, security services and specialist law firms to carry out forensic investigation of computer-based crimes.