Head of the CSIRT (Computer Security Incident Response Team)
Are handling pressure, teamwork and management your strengths? Why not become head of the CSIRT? Level of education: Bac+5 - Starting salary: €4,000 - Experienced salary: €6,000
- Why is the head of the CSIRT role essential?
- What is a head of the CSIRT?
- Discover incident response on video
- Main duties of the head of the CSIRT
- Key skills to become head of the CSIRT
- Which training to become head of the CSIRT?
- What is the salary of a head of the CSIRT?
- Career prospects for a head of the CSIRT
- Why is this job in high demand?
- FAQ about the head of the CSIRT job
Level of education: Bac+5
Employability: Good
Starting salary: €4,000
Experienced salary: €6,000
Mobility: Average to low
ROME code: M1802
FAP code: M2Z
Why is the head of the CSIRT role essential?
With cyberattacks becoming ever more sophisticated, the head of the CSIRT plays a strategic role. They coordinate the work to identify, analyse and respond quickly to security incidents, limiting their impact on the organisation. The role is essential to protect sensitive data, keep operations running and strengthen the company’s resilience against cyber threats.
What is a head of the CSIRT?
The head of the CSIRT leads a team specialised in handling cybersecurity incidents. Their role is to oversee the detection, analysis and resolution of cyber incidents while developing preventive strategies. They act as a conductor, coordinating the work of various experts and communicating with stakeholders to ensure an effective response.
Discover incident response on video
Main duties of the head of the CSIRT
Planning and strategy:
- Develop incident management processes.
- Set up response plans for cyberattacks.
Supervision and coordination:
- Oversee the analysis of threats and vulnerabilities.
- Coordinate the work of internal teams and external partners.
Incident response:
- Identify and contain cyberattacks.
- Carry out post-incident analyses to improve future strategies.
Prevention:
- Raise employees’ awareness of good cybersecurity practice.
- Carry out regular security audits.
Key skills to become head of the CSIRT
Technical skills:
- Analysis of threats and cyberattacks.
- Command of security tools (SIEM, EDR, IDS/IPS).
- In-depth knowledge of networks and information systems.
Personal qualities:
- Leadership and team management.
- Ability to make quick decisions under pressure.
- Communication skills to deal with a wide range of people.
Which training to become head of the CSIRT?
Academic path:
- Bac+5 in cybersecurity, IT or risk management.
- Specialised programmes at schools such as CSB.SCHOOL.
Recommended certifications:
- CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional).
- CISM (Certified Information Security Manager).
- CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker).
| Certification | Estimated duration | Average cost |
|---|---|---|
| CISSP | 4-6 months | €5,000 |
| CISM | 3-4 months | €3,000 |
| CEH | 2-3 months | €2,500 |
What is the salary of a head of the CSIRT?
The salary varies with experience, company size and business sector.
| Experience level | Gross annual salary (in France) |
| Junior (1-3 years) | €45,000 – €60,000 |
| Experienced (3-7 years) | €60,000 – €80,000 |
| Senior (>7 years) | €80,000 – €120,000 |
Career prospects for a head of the CSIRT
A head of the CSIRT can move on to strategic positions such as:
- Chief information security officer (CISO).
- Cybersecurity consultant.
- Incident response expert for government agencies or multinationals.
Why is this job in high demand?
With cyberattacks on the rise, companies are looking for experts who can protect their digital assets. Building effective CSIRT teams has become a priority, and qualified professionals in this field are highly sought after.
FAQ about the head of the CSIRT job
How long does it take to become head of the CSIRT? About 5 to 7 years, including studies and initial experience.
Which sectors recruit the most? Banks, insurance companies, technology companies and public institutions.
Is a certification compulsory? No, but certifications such as CISSP or CISM increase your opportunities.
Is the job stressful? Yes, crisis management can be intense, but the challenge is motivating.
Description of the profession in the ANSSI directory
The head of the CSIRT may be asked to help manage incidents caused by reasons other than information system security, such as fraud carried out through IT means.
How to access into the job?
Education: Bac+5, specialising in cybersecurity with a strong systems and networks component Professional experience: at least 5 years within a CSIRT
Our Intra-company training
CSB.SCHOOL offers to train your employees and help them develop their skills in the field of cybersecurity. After a thorough study of your needs by our development manager, you will be put in touch with our teaching experts on the identified theme.
Bac+5 Cybersecurity Manager
This programme is designed for positions of responsibility and for highly specific cybersecurity needs. It lets you deepen and refine your knowledge and skills in one of our three specialisations: Industrial (OT), Security Operations Management (SOC) or Governance, Risk and Compliance (GRC).
The complete career guide
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