As the world becomes more digital, it has become increasingly important to keep data safe from hackers. A career as an Information Security Analyst is a great way to make sure that no one can access your company’s information and steal its secrets.

Information Security Analysts are responsible for developing security plans and maintaining systems that protect sensitive or confidential information. They also help design and implement policies on how employees should handle sensitive data in their day-to-day work. If you’re interested in helping to build a safer online world, this might be the perfect job for you!

Want to learn more about becoming an Information Security Analyst? This article will give you all of the details on what it takes to succeed in this exciting field!

1. Who Is an Information Security Analyst?

An information security analyst is typically a technology professional who specializes in network, infrastructure, application, and wireless security. He/she has a broad set of technical skills that allow him/her to accomplish more than one role within the field.

2. What Does a Information Security Analyst Do?

Information security analysts are responsible for evaluating and assessing systems to ensure that they are secure from outside attacks. They implement a variety of strategies to protect their organization’s network, hardware, software, data, and other assets from security breaches by identifying risks and vulnerabilities. This involves collecting data on how different systems are performing, identifying security risks, and working with vendors to ensure their products meet company standards. Information security analysts also recommend ways the company can improve the protection of its data through new software or hardware.

3. Information Security Analysts Education Requirements

Information Security Analysts’ education requirements are varied but typically include an undergraduate degree in Information Technology (IT), Computer Science (CS), or Information Systems (IS). However, many companies will also hire people with a strong background in mathematics as well as those who have earned a professional Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook.

4. Information Security Analyst Salary

The median salary for an Information Security Analyst is $90,000 per year as of 2018, with the best-paid earning more than $120,000 annually.

Security professionals are in high demand, and the information security analyst salary reflects that. According to PayScale, an Information Security Analyst with five years of experience can expect to earn $85,000 annually on average. An Information Security Analyst who has been in the profession for 10 years or more will typically make around $122,000 per year.

5. Information Security Analyst Job Requirements

To become an Information Security Analyst, you usually need a bachelor’s degree in information technology, computer science, or a related field and two to five years of experience. It’s also helpful to have some project management experience and know-how to program. Because security is such a large part of the IT field, it’s helpful if you have certifications in security systems and threat management.

6. Information Security Analyst Job Duties

Information Security analysts conduct risk assessments and help create plans to reduce the number of security risks. They also monitor potential hacking attempts, network intrusions, and other information technology-related issues. They evaluate new technology and systems for security vulnerabilities. Analysts often recommend new solutions or make changes to existing systems to improve security.

The following are additional job duties for an information security analyst:

• Assess the effectiveness of computer and network security controls in place at an organization, such as firewalls, antivirus software, intrusion detection systems, and passwords.
• Research, test, and implement new security controls as necessary to keep up with new threats or vulnerabilities. These include hardware devices that help monitor network activity for intrusion attempts or unauthorized access.

Some examples of these tools are:

• Intrusion Detection Systems
• Computer Forensics Tools
• Content Filtering Software

7. Is an Information Security Analyst a Good Career?

The information security analyst has great pay, and it depends on what you’re looking for, but generally, information security analyst, it is a good career path.

An information security analyst is typically responsible for analyzing and managing risk within their company. They conduct regular audits to identify vulnerabilities and potential threats – such as hackers – so that they can mitigate the amount of vulnerability and risk of data theft or destruction. There are also software, hardware, network, and database security analysts who examine systems and networks to meet business and government standards. Generally, these analysts must have at least a bachelor’s degree in computer science or cybersecurity, with many employers preferring those with an associate’s degree or more. So yes, I think it’s a good career path.

8. What Skills Do You Need to Be an Information Security Analyst?

IT security analysts are significantly involved in the development of their company’s disaster recovery plan, which is a procedure that IT staff follow in the event of an emergency. These preparations ensure that an organization’s IT department can continue to function. Preventive actions such as periodically copying and transferring data to an offsite location are included in the recovery plan. It also includes contingency plans for restoring proper IT functionality following a disaster. Analysts test the steps in their recovery plans on a regular basis.

Information security analysts must stay current on IT security and the most recent methods used by attackers to infiltrate computer systems. Analysts must investigate new security technology to determine which will best protect their company.

• Monitor their organizations networks for security breaches and investigate a violation when one occurs.
• Install and use software, such as firewalls and data encryption programs, to protect sensitive information.
• Prepare reports that document security breaches and the extent of the damage caused by the breaches.
• Conduct penetration testing, which is when analysts simulate attacks to look for vulnerabilities in their systems before they can be exploited
• Research the latest information technology (IT) security trends.
• Develop security standards and best practices for their organization.
• Recommend security enhancements to management or senior IT staff.
• Help computer users when they need to install or learn about new security products and procedures.

9. Is Information Security Analyst Hard?

Information Security Analysts typically provide security and protection for data and systems by monitoring networks for potential vulnerabilities, managing risk and compliance programs, and conducting investigations. They may also monitor computer activity to prevent or detect unauthorized access. Information Security Analysts work in a variety of industries such as finance, healthcare, government agencies, manufacturing companies- etc. The job is not hard at all, but it does require dedication to the profession. An Information Security Analyst must understand the importance of confidentiality while ensuring that there are adequate safeguards against security risks; this includes understanding how information technology works on an intimate level – from applications to operating systems to hardware components.

10. What Can You Expect in an Information Security Analyst Career?

Information Security Analysts are the people who make sure a company’s data is protected. They work with software and hardware to help secure everyone else’s information as well as their own.

As an Information Security Analyst, you’ll be part of a team that protects against threats from both inside and outside. In order to keep up with the rate of cyber attacks, you’ll need to be flexible and adapt to the latest technological changes. You might be responsible for creating incident response plans to deal with security breaches, protecting against malware, identifying risks and vulnerabilities, monitoring networks, assessing risk levels, and more.

11. Best Information Security Analyst Certifications

Here are some of the best Information Security Analyst Certifications that you can earn to level up your career or differentiate yourself from others in the job market:

1. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP): This is a well-known accreditation for general information security understanding. The International Information System Security Certification Consortium (ISC)2 has issued it.
2. Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA): Professionals in audit control, assurance, and security utilise this credential as a barometer of their talents all across the world. The Information Systems Audit and Control Association issues it (ISACA).
3. Certified Information Security Manager (CISM): This certification is for those who want to plan, administer, and evaluate an organization’s whole information security system. ISACA issues the CISM certification.
4. Certified Reverse Engineering Analyst (CREA): This certificate is for people who wish to learn advanced techniques for defending against malware assaults, in which hackers install malicious software on the machines of their victims in order to steal data or personal information. The InfoSec Institute provides it.
5. Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH): This internationally recognized certification teaches you how to expose network flaws and vulnerabilities in the same way that a hacker would. The International Council of Electronic Commerce Consultants, based in the United States, has issued it (EC-Council).
6. GIAC Certified Intrusion Analyst (GCIA): This certification teaches how to detect intrusions by monitoring and analyzing network traffic. Candidates will also learn how to read and interpret traffic-related log files. This is one of a number of Global Information Assurance Certifications that are available.

12. Similar Career Options for Information Security Analysts

One can pursue these career paths that are similar to the Information Security Analyst field:

• Computer and information research scientist
• Computer systems analyst
• Computer programmer
• Computer support specialist
• Software developer
• Database administrator
• Computer network architect
• Network systems administrator
• Web developer

13. Top Courses at Colleges with Cybersecurity Majors

Although the number and variety of classes offered to vary by institution, many of the finest universities for cybersecurity focus on risk management, information systems security, and programming. Core, elective/concentration, and general education courses are required in most bachelor’s programs. A practicum, capstone, or internship may be required in some cases. Courses in cybersecurity bachelor’s degree programs are described below.

• Foundations of Information Security
• Digital Forensics
• Ethical Hacking
• Legal Issues in Information Security
• Managing Information Security

14. What Is the Difference Between an Information Security Analyst and a Cybersecurity Analyst?

The main difference between an information security analyst and a cybersecurity analyst is that the former is more focused on protecting company or organization data while the latter focuses on protecting their networks. An information security analyst job entails identifying risks to data, while a cybersecurity analyst job entails identifying risks to networks. If you’re not sure which term to use, think about who you want to study for your career.

Conclusion

Information Security Analyst is a career path that can be very lucrative. You will need to have an in-depth understanding of computer systems, networks, and software programs. The field has grown exponentially over the past few years due to data breaches at major organizations like Target or Anthem Blue Cross. Additionally, this industry requires you to keep up with new advances in technology because cybercriminals are constantly coming out with new ways of attacking your information security system for profit or espionage purposes. If you love challenges, enjoy working on complex projects independently, want job flexibility, and get energized by solving difficult puzzles, then look into Information Security Analyst!