“What exactly does a security engineer do?” “How can I become one without prior experience?”
If you’ve ever wondered about these questions, you’re not alone. In this article, we interviewed a security engineer currently working at a major tech company in Japan to get an insider’s perspective on what the job is really like.
What is a Security Engineer?
A security engineer is responsible for ensuring the safety of a company’s systems and services. They identify and resolve vulnerabilities, protect data from cyberattacks, and work closely with developers and infrastructure teams to build secure systems from the ground up.
Their role isn’t just about spotting risks—it’s also about proposing realistic solutions that balance usability and security. They often collaborate with various departments to make sure secure design practices are implemented across the company.
Three Main Areas of Security Engineering
Security engineers typically specialize in one or more of the following domains:
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Product Security
Focuses on helping development teams build secure applications and services from the design phase. -
Infrastructure Security
Ensures that the underlying systems—cloud environments, networks, and servers—are properly protected. -
Corporate Security
Involves safeguarding internal IT systems, employee devices, and organizational policies.
What Does a Security Engineer Actually Do?
The day-to-day tasks of a security engineer vary but may include:
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Reviewing system designs
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Conducting vulnerability assessments
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Monitoring logs and threat intelligence
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Responding to security incidents
One key aspect is thinking like an attacker—considering how a system might be misused or exploited and proactively mitigating those risks.
They also need strong communication skills, as they often work with people outside the security team who may not be familiar with technical jargon. Explaining risks and solutions in an accessible way is a big part of the job.
Career Paths and What Makes the Job Rewarding
Career Trajectories
There are two main directions security engineers can pursue:
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Specialist Track: Deepen expertise in specific areas like penetration testing, malware analysis, or cloud security.
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Management Track: Take on leadership roles, guiding teams and shaping company-wide security strategies.
Our guest mentioned that their role has evolved over time to include more business considerations, such as evaluating security risks from a product or customer perspective.
Why It’s a Fulfilling Career
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Protecting real users and services from threats
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Staying up-to-date with cutting-edge technologies
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Working cross-functionally to improve products
Although it’s often viewed as a “defensive” role, it can actually be quite proactive and strategic—helping shape how services are built and delivered.
How to Become a Security Engineer: Learning Roadmap
According to our guest, here’s a practical step-by-step approach for those starting from scratch:
Step 1: Build Fundamental IT Knowledge
Start by understanding the basics:
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Operating systems and networking (especially Linux)
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Programming (e.g., Python, Shell scripting)
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Web technologies (HTTP, HTML, Cookies, etc.)
Step 2: Learn Basic Security Concepts
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Study the OWASP Top 10 to learn about common web vulnerabilities
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Try hands-on security challenges (CTFs: Capture The Flag)
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Use resources like YouTube tutorials and government-published materials (e.g., IPA Japan)
Step 3: Practice and Share
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Build and test your own intentionally vulnerable web apps
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Share your learnings on GitHub or through a blog
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Participate in internships or community study groups
Step 4: Consider Certifications (Optional)
Certifications aren’t mandatory, but can be helpful:
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CompTIA Security+
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Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
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Registered Information Security Specialist (Japan)
These credentials can strengthen your resume and demonstrate your commitment to the field.
Final Thoughts
Security engineers need more than just technical knowledge—they must also think critically, communicate clearly, and stay curious. The work is fast-paced, impactful, and deeply rewarding for those who enjoy solving complex problems with a broader perspective.
The good news? Even if you’re new to IT, it’s never too late to start learning. With consistent effort and the right resources, you can build the skills needed to enter this dynamic and growing field.
We hope this article inspires you to take the first step toward becoming a security engineer.
This article is based on the following video conversation we recorded and has been revised and expanded for clarity and depth.
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