Information Security Analyst Job Description, Skills, and Salary
Are you searching for an information security analyst job description? Get to know about the duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and skills requirements of an information security analyst. Feel free to use our information security analyst job description template to produce your own information security analyst job description. We also provide you with information about the salary you can earn as an information security analyst.
Who is an Information Security Analyst?
An information security analyst is a high-profile ICT professional that takes the necessary measures to ensure the safety of a company’s mission-critical and sensitive data, being a step ahead of hackers or cyber attackers. They achieve this through the provision of innovative solutions to prevent exposure of valuable pieces of information which may be damaged, compromised, or stolen by cyber attackers. They are also involved in the development, implementation, and protection of compliance policies of an organization to ensure there is no inappropriate penetration of their databases by introducing firewalls and encrypting transmitted data to ensure the safety of crucial pieces of information as they are being transmitted or received.
Information security analysts are updated with news about digital viruses, consider if renewed or updated versions of protection apps should be installed, and makes the information available to the organization or its clients. The Information security analyst is also in charge of organizing and conducting training for both new and old employees, equipping them with the right knowledge on information protection and organizational security. They also modify or maintain system security files to incorporate or add new information, and software, change individual profiles and make corrections. Information security analysts promote awareness of internet security in the organization by improving server and network speed and system data security. They keep records of tests, emergency and security measures, and procedures. The legal obligations of Information security may undergo renewal from time to time and as such the analyst must be updated on regulatory obligations.
An information security analyst is expected to exhibit certain important qualities to be proficient in service. A look at the job title will affirm the importance of having great analytical skills for job seekers. It is a key tool needed for testing the efficiency of security procedures and detecting possible flaws that may lead to network invasion or breaches in transmissions. This requires an in-depth knowledge of digital systems and networks. You are also expected to have strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills because you may need to salvage or remedy uncovered breaches. the job title suggests strong analytical skills are key, as is in-depth knowledge of computer networks and digital systems. This is needed for assessing the effectiveness of security measures and spotting flaws that could lead to breaches.
Proficient information security analysts are keen on details. They are individuals with a good sense of information and data, being able to detect the little changes in system functions that may foster system insecurity. Having this skill makes it easy to identify and arrest hiccups and thereby preventing the organization from incurring a severe loss. As you are staying updated on system security measures, it is necessary to have a good knowledge of the activities and measures applied in a cyber attack. The malevolent techniques implemented by attackers in penetrating computer systems and networks such as denial of service and malware installation attacks are constantly evolving and hence the need for equipping yourself regularly as an information security analyst to combat these menace effectively even before their arrival.
If you are considering becoming an Information Security Analyst, you must first obtain a degree in Information Communication Technology, Computer Studies, Data science, or any related studies. Provided the Degree covers the general programs or syllabus or they are related to system security programs like going for a degree in Cybersecurity. You may want to advance more by going for a degree in Information Management and Systems. This degree program is structured to equip students in designing, creating, installing, and managing an organization’s system security. Pursuing certifications is a good way to keep up with the continuously evolving measures of cyber security. Here is a list of certifications to consider: Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Reverse Engineering Analyst, Certified Ethical Hacker, and lots more. However, the CISSP credential only reflects your knowledge in collective information and data Security but Certified Reverse Engineering and Certified Ethical Hacker credentials go a long way to identify your area of specialization in cyber security.
Most Information Security Analysts work round the clock. Information security analysts are often on duty(call) outside the regular work hours when handling cases of urgent. Some may work above forty hours in one week. Information Security Analysts are always involved in creating damage recovery schemes for their organization and this is utilized in cases demanding urgent attention. This scheme ensures the continuous and effective running of the Information Technology department. The recovery scheme includes preventive procedures such as constant copying and transfer of data and pieces of information to offsite locations. Part of the recovery scheme is the restoration plan for system functioning after an attack. Information security analysts are continuously evaluating these measures to ensure they remain valid. Information Security Analysts must stay current on all IT trends as this exposes them to new tasks and possible new attack locations.
Information Security Analyst Job Description
What is an information security analyst job description? an information security analyst job description is simply a list of duties and responsibilities of an information security analyst in an organization. Below are the information security analyst job description examples you can use to develop your resume or write an information security analyst job description for your employee. Employers can also use it to sieve out job seekers when choosing candidates for interviews.
The duties and responsibilities of an information security analyst include the following:
- Protecting systems and information transmission structure including data encrypting programs and firewalls
- Upgrading systems to ensure software security such as installing and updating system antivirus software
- Testing and evaluating recent technology
- Performing attack or penetration evaluation
- Analyzing information technology demands and providing objective instructions or council on the implementation of Information Security measures
- Collecting end users and referring to them while improving the system’s functions
- Monitoring system networks to detect security crises or possible issues
- Investigating software breaches and all other cybersecurity challenges
- Operating organization’s software, and databases and implementing security measures
- Preparing reports that a documentary of security breaches and the extent of impact they caused
- Conducting penetration analysis. This is when Information security analysts intentionally system attacks to identify vulnerabilities or breaches in the systems
- Researching the current Information Technology Security techniques or trends
- Developing and maintaining the security standard of their organization’s systems and ensuring they match with the standard operating procedures of the licensing bodies and their organization
- Recommending security improvement measures to senior security analysts or management
Qualifications
- The first thing to think of when considering becoming an Information Security Analyst is obtaining a degree in Information Communication Technology, Computer Studies, Data science, or any related studies. Provided the Degree covers the general programs or syllabus or they are related to system security programs like going for a degree in Cybersecurity. You may want to advance more by going for a degree in Information Management and Systems. This degree program is structured to equip students in designing, creating, installing, and managing an organization’s system security
- Minimum of 3 to 5 years of work experience as a software security agent, Information analyst, Information Security Analyst, or similar role
- Proficiency in the use of OS and MAC
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
- High knowledge of penetration techniques and testing procedures
- Experience in network vulnerability identification and mitigation
- Possessing an MBA in Information Security may be advantageous
Essential Skills
An information security analyst is expected to exhibit certain important qualities to be proficient in service. Some of these qualities are listed below.
- Excellent Analytical Skills: A look at the job title will affirm the importance of this skill to job seekers It is a key tool needed for testing the efficiency of security procedures and detecting possible flaws that may lead to network invasion or breaches in transmissions. This requires an in-depth knowledge of digital systems and networks. You are also expected to have strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills because you may need to salvage or remedy uncovered breaches. the job title suggests strong analytical skills are key, as is in-depth knowledge of computer networks and digital systems. This is needed for assessing the effectiveness of security measures and spotting flaws that could lead to breaches.
- Detail Oriented: Proficient information security analysts are keen on details. They are individuals with a good sense of information and data, being able to detect the little changes in system functions that may foster system insecurity. Having this skill makes it easy to identify and arrest hiccups and thereby preventing the organization from losing
- Ingenuity: This is defined as the ability to deal with challenges, often in a clever, inventive, and original way. It is a vital skill to master as an information security analyst because it enables you to provide creative solutions to technical issues. This helps you stay proactive in anticipation of information security crises or risk factors and implement updated protection procedures ahead of attackers. This approach will certainly help in detecting an attack before its occurrence
- Problem-solving Skills: To achieve success as an Information security analyst, you must be ready at all times to respond accurately to system security notifications and uncover and remedy attacks or possible attack signals in computer networks and systems
- Great Time Management: The ability to take ideal decisions in carrying out your duties as an Information Security Analyst within work periods to ensure there isn’t a breach available for cyber attackers to penetrate
How to Become an Information Security Analyst
- Obtain a Bachelor’s Degree: If you are considering becoming an Information Security Analyst, you must first obtain a degree in Information Communication Technology, Computer Studies, Data science, or any related studies. Provided the Degree covers the general programs or syllabus or they are related to system security programs like going for a degree in Cybersecurity. You may want to advance more by going for a degree in Information Management and Systems. This degree program is structured to equip students in designing, creating, installing, and managing an organization’s system security.
- Gain Work Experience: While obtaining a degree may help job seekers stand out among their counterparts, it is important to include your work experience in your résumé. To gain the position of an Information Security Analyst, you may be required to have several years of experience working as an Information Security agent or an intern in Information Security Analysis under the supervision of proficient analysts.
- Attain Regular Training and Certifications: As you are staying updated on system security measures, it is necessary to have a good knowledge of the activities and measures applied in a cyber attack. The malevolent techniques implemented by attackers in penetrating computer systems and networks such as denial of service and malware installation attacks are constantly evolving and hence the need for equipping yourself regularly as an information security analyst to combat these menace effectively even before their arrival. Pursuing certifications is a good way to keep up with the continuously evolving measures of cyber security. Here is a list of certifications to consider: Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Reverse Engineering Analyst, Certified Ethical Hacker, and lots more. However, the CISSP credential only reflects your knowledge in collective information and data Security but Certified Reverse Engineering and Certified Ethical Hacker credentials go a long way to identify your area of specialization in cyber security.
- Advance by obtaining a Master’s degree in Cybersecurity: This may be optional but it is important to give yourself into higher learning provided Information Security Analysis is involved. Securing a job may also be accelerated with your master’s degree in Cybersecurity as such programs like this are relatively practical experience with academic activities.
Where to work as an Information Security Analyst
Information Security Analysts can work in a lot of companies and organizations. For this article we will be mentioning some of the organizations or firms that can employ Information Security Analysts below:
- Financial organizations like Banks, Insurance companies, and businesses
- Consulting firms
- Educational institutions
- Telecommunication companies
Information Security Analyst Salary Scale
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary in 2007 for Information Security Analysts is about $95,500 yearly. They also opined that this field is fast growing with a 28% job increase by 2026, which is by far, faster than the range for other professions. The prime pointer for this growth is that it is expected that cyber attacks would be on the increase as technology continues evolving. Salary increments may be based on job location and years of work experience.
