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Are you searching for a network security analyst job description? Get to know about the duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and skills requirements of a network security analyst. Feel free to use our job description template to produce your own. We also provide you with information about the salary you can earn as a network security analyst.

 

Who is a Network Security Analyst?

A network security analyst is a consultant who protects a company’s technology against cybersecurity threats. A network security analyst is responsible for developing, maintaining, debugging, and securing systems software used by institutions and organizations. They are in charge of creating the network systems that the business will use to run its everyday operations, manage its workforce, and store records and sensitive data. To prevent software glitches and defects, they are also responsible for doing routine maintenance and debugging on the networks. They also take several steps to build a safe server for the network system to prevent the entry of dangerous software and hacker attacks.

Additionally, network security analysts spend time educating staff and administrators on how to use the systems software and addressing any issues or queries from users. As a network security analyst, you will proactively examine the hardware, software, phone lines, and other online-connected resources of a business. You can strengthen a company’s internet presence by coaching business executives and collaborating with technological teams. A Network Security Analyst is also known as Information Security Officer, Information Security Specialist, Information Systems Security Analyst, Information Systems Security Officer, IT Security Analyst, Information Technology Specialist, Network Security Analyst, Security Analyst, and Systems Analyst.

A computer is used by almost all established businesses, because computer applications assist businesses in storing information, completing tasks quickly, and even conducting online sales of goods and services. Computers, however, also expose businesses to built-in cybersecurity threats. Network security analysts are employed by many businesses to guard against these threats. As a network security analyst, you protect a company’s phone systems, computer networks, and any other online-connected devices that might be vulnerable. You’ll assist in locating and setting up applications that safeguard a company’s data. You might also assist IT professionals in creating specialized software to safeguard particular facets of a company’s network or online databases.

A career as a network security analyst is often a great way to put your technical expertise and knowledge to use in service of a significant course. You must have a thorough awareness of the hardware and software components of networks, as well as of their vulnerabilities and potential exploits if you want to succeed as a network security analyst. Additionally, you’ll need the capacity to think critically about prospective risks and devise countermeasures. It’s crucial to have a strong background in computer science and networking to work as a network security analyst. You should also be knowledgeable about the typical attack strategies and tactics employed by hackers. To stay informed of new threats and vulnerabilities, it’s also critical to keep up with recent advancements in the industry. Most often, network security analysts require an undergraduate degree in technology. Furthermore, you’ll need to become acquainted with the most recent cybersecurity protocols and programs. Certifications and prior work experience in a related field can help you achieve this goal.

 

Network Security Analyst Job Description

What is a network security analyst job description? A network security analyst job description is simply a list of duties and responsibilities of a network security analyst in an organization. Below are the network security analyst job description examples you can use to develop your resume or write a network 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 a network security analyst include the following:

• Examine security lapses and malware infections, and collaborate as a team with IT staff to put fixes into place.
• Create network security policies and procedures, including guidelines for the setup and upkeep of hardware, software, and other security infrastructure.
• Keep an eye out for strange activity in security systems, such as attempted illegal access or malware infestations.
• Review and approve new purchases of computer hardware and software to make sure that they adhere to security standards.
• keep a list of all the company’s data to aid in identifying potential security concerns.
• Conduct penetration testing and vulnerability assessments to find security system weaknesses.
• Design and implement security measures to safeguard information technology systems from illegal access or usage.
• Install and set up network hardware such as switches, routers, firewalls, and proxy servers.
• Create strategies to protect computer files from unintentional or unlawful change, destruction, or disclosure as well as to handle data processing requirements during an emergency.
• Evaluate the most recent reports of computer infections to decide whether to update virus-protection programs.
• Avoid contaminated digital transfers, encrypt data communications, and install firewalls to protect sensitive data during transmission.
• Conduct risk assessments and run tests on the data processing system to ensure the effectiveness of data processing operations and security measures.
• Adjust computer security files to add new software, fix bugs, or alter user access permissions.
• Examine infractions of computer security policies and discuss solutions with the offenders to prevent further offenses.
• Interact with users about concerns such as the necessity for computer data access, security breaches, and programming updates.
• Lead the charge against security lapses as well as predict and lower the chance of upcoming security warnings, accidents, and disasters
• Define, plan, execute, maintain, and improve security policies, controls, and measures.
• Report on the effectiveness of the present security policies, incident handling procedures, disaster recovery plans, and other security-related data.
• Help with the development of training courses and upgrades to secure the network and educate the staff.
• Monitor the network and do intrusion detection analysis periodically to ascertain whether there have been any attacks on the system.
• Analyze network traffic to spot irregularities, and check for holes in the information security measures.
• Assist in the forensics analysis needed to identify the threat’s origin.
• Collaborate with stakeholders at all organizational levels to explain the state of information security, alert them to potential threats, and offer suggestions for security-improving measures.
• Keep abreast of new IT security threats and weaknesses.
• Conduct research and attend conferences, professional association meetings, and technical symposiums to learn about the most recent advancements in information security technology.
• Endeavor to always update the security systems.
• Retain pertinent data and keep an eye on security access.
• Conduct internal and external security audits as well as vulnerability testing and risk analyses to evaluate security.
• Identify the cause of security breaches through analysis, and update incident response and disaster recovery strategies.
• Verify and plan security measures with external vendors.
• Establish policies for IT personnel and give them security awareness training.
• Record policies, procedures, and testing for computer security and emergency response.
• Keep track of usage and control access to protect the information in computer files.
• Implementation of the computer system plan should be coordinated with the staff of the establishment and outside vendors.
• Train users and disseminate security awareness to ensure system security and boost server and network efficiency.
• Conduct risk assessments to find potential vulnerabilities in computer networks.

 

Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Information technology, programming, or other disciplines is required.
• Previous experience of about 1-5 years in the field or a similar one.
• Advanced training certifications are a plus.
• Must be able to work in a fast pace environment.
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal.
• Critical thinking skills.
• Excellent analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Must be always updated with the latest technology and best practices in information security.

 

Essential Skills

• Communication skills: Network security analysts interact often with other team members, clients, and other stakeholders. For non-technical people to understand complex technical information, they may also need to explain it. Therefore, effective communication skills can help network security analysts in clear plain technical information and express their thoughts and opinions.
• Research skills: Network security analysts must have strong research skills. Research skill is essential because, network security analysts need to have access to knowledge regarding potential, threats, risks, and vulnerabilities. Additionally, they must be able to identify data on security hardware and software.
• Analytical skills: Network security analysts must possess analytical abilities to recognize issues and evaluate hazards in computer networks. To create solutions for network problems, they also need to possess good problem-solving skills. Network security analysts should constantly be searching for methods to strengthen and safeguard their systems. They might collaborate with additional IT experts or network administrators to put the analyst’s recommendations into practice.
• Problem-solving skills: The ability to solve problems is a necessity for network security analysts. Whether it’s a technological issue or a human error, they must be able to discover the issue’s origin and come up with a solution. For instance, a security analyst must be able to identify and resolve the problem at the core of a hacker’s attempt to access a database.
• Technical skills: The capacity to efficiently use software, programs, tools, and equipment is referred to as technical skill. This includes having a working knowledge of hardware, software, and operating systems. To access a company’s server from home, for instance, a network security analyst might need to use a virtual private network.
• Critical thinking skills: The capacity to assess a situation and make decisions based on the available data is a critical thinking skill. You might have to decide how to respond to a scenario as a network security analyst. You may need to choose whether to turn off the system or let the hacker continue if, for instance, they are trying to access a database. You can choose wisely by using your critical thinking abilities.

 

How to Become a Network Security Analyst

Step 1. Obtain a degree

A bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, computer engineering, or a closely related subject is often required for network security analysts. Candidates with a four-year bachelor’s degree or a two-year associate degree in a similar profession may also be hired by some employers. Candidates with a master’s degree in information systems, computer science, or a similar discipline are preferred by many employers. These degrees often include courses in network administration, software development, information security, cryptography, risk assessment, penetration testing, and digital forensics.

Step 2. Acquire work experience

The minimal educational qualification for this position is a bachelor’s degree, however, having relevant work experience will help you stand out to employers. Before starting a job as a network security analyst, think about getting some computer networking and security experience. This may entail undertaking voluntary computer or network work at your workplace or for a nonprofit organization. Network security analysts typically learn on the job. The policies and processes of the business, the network’s architecture, and the relevant software and hardware may all be covered during this training. Learning about the organization’s risk assessment and management procedures may also be included in the training. You might also consider getting a job as an intern during your studies to obtain practical experience in network management and security analysis. Building professional relationships during an internship can open up job prospects after graduation.

Step 3. Obtain certifications

A professional’s credentials can be confirmed through certifications for both current and potential employers. Network security analysts can obtain certificates to hone their professional skills, demonstrate their knowledge of their job description, and progress in their careers. You can pursue certifications like the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP). For network security analysts, this certification is generally regarded. Having this certification validates your expertise in the industry and makes it simpler for you to grow in your career or get employment. Your knowledge of subjects including risk assessment, network security, encryption, disaster recovery planning, and more will be tested on the CISSP exam. To be qualified for the CISSP, you must have at least seven years of relevant experience working full-time in information technology, computer/network administration, or a related field.

Step 4. Join professional organizations

Network security professionals can enroll in training and certification programs offered by professional organizations like the Information Systems Security Association (ISSA). You can network with other experts in the area, learn about new advancements in network security, and discover job opportunities by joining the ISSA. You can sign up for the ISSA for free as an associate member or pay a fee to become a full member.

 

Where to Work as a Network Security Analyst

Network security analysts work for many companies and institutions in various sectors which include marketing, education, finance, science and technology, engineering, healthcare, government offices, and nonprofit organizations. While some of them work independently, they are also employed by companies that offer network security services to these sectors. Network security analysts often work with a team of other IT professionals, such as network administrators, systems analysts, and computer programmers, to plan, execute, and handle network security issues. They may also work with other units in a firm, such as the marketing, finance, and human resources units, to make sure that the firm’s network security meets the needs of all users. Network Security Analysts usually work in an office setting during regular business hours and may be on call always to respond to emergencies. They may work for a single company or for a consulting firm that offers services to several clients.

 

Network Security Analyst Salary Scale

The salary scale of network security analysts varies depending on different factors such as level of education, years of experience, and the size of the company. They may also earn extra pay in the form of bonuses. The average Network Security Analyst salary in the US is $92,525 per year. The salary scale typically ranges from $81,179 to $108,351 per year. The average Network Security Analyst salary in the UK is £57,165 per year.

The salary scale typically ranges from £30,000 to £126,750 per year. The average Network Security Analyst salary in Canada is C$63,603 per year. The salary scale typically ranges from C$57,063 to C$71,527 per year. The average Network Security Analyst salary in Nigeria is 4,830,000 NGN per year. The salary scale typically ranges from 2,412,000 NGN to 7,488,000 NGN per year.

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