In today’s world, monitoring computer infrastructure and protecting information networks is the broader job description of a security analyst.

Controlling of file access and management of credentials, maintenance of firewalls, updating of networks are some of the primary job responsibilities of a security analyst. It also includes the prospects of the vulnerability of systems and checking the technical weakness of the organization.

A bachelor’s degree in information security, cybersecurity, or similar fields is the primary education required for such jobs. Apart from these routes, industry-recognized certifications are also of great help in landing such jobs. So how do you become a good security analyst?

1.       Research – The position of a cybersecurity analyst contains many jobs that could lead to a lot of opportunities. Since there is no shortage of career opportunities in this field, it is essential first to understand the kinds of roles you may be interested in. In addition, specific training may be required even for entry-level roles in an organization. Hence, it is essential to map your education, technical skills, and training to plan the kind of role you feel would be the best to fit in.

2.       Education – A bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity or similar degrees such as those in the field of mathematics, engineering, or computer science are sufficient to qualify for the role of a security analyst. Specific cybersecurity certifications recognized by the industry can serve as a bonus apart from particular training such as those in military services that most organizations accept.

3.       Certifications – A particular requirement of this profile is that any level of job requirements comes with having done some certifications. Different roles need a different set of certificates, which makes it extremely important to go through the specific requirements before applying for the role of a security analyst.

4.       Network – An excellent professional network can be a boost in any field. However, it is one of the basic needs to land up in a good job profile in the case of security analysts. This helps you stay informed about the latest openings when you start looking.

What does a Security Analyst do?

A security analyst works on the information systems of an organization. Since a large amount of information is stored digitally, there is a need to ensure an organization’s data and security. Hence a security analyst can be found in organizations, be it banks, security establishments, or the military.

An advanced understanding of both the software and the hardware is required to become a security analyst. Also needed is the knowledge of how databases are managed and data stored through the networks in the organizations.

Although there is no lack of cyberattacks a company can be a victim of these days, some prominent ones include social engineering attacks, ransomware attacks, and theft of sensitive information from someone working in the organization.  Therefore, a security analyst must be ready on all fronts to thwart such attacks and protect the information and data of the organization both at external and internal levels.

Skills and Experience Required

The skills and experience required for being a security analyst differ from the kind of role being sought. For example, some job descriptions include checking the organization’s internal security systems or training the team for managing minor security issues. Still, good research can help filter the kind of jobs that fit you the best.

What roles do security analysts perform?

A security analyst is not a one-task job. You may be performing many roles in an organization, such as being a systems designer, policymaker, trainer, or even a teacher. Although a security analyst is on the defensive side of the system, defending it from the attacks of the outer world, he/she is also required when such an attack happens. Most of the time is spent on drafting the policy decisions of the organization and procedures, which defines the measures that need to be taken both before such attacks and after the malfunctioning of the systems. The priority remains to thwart such an attack at any cost. The updating of systems and software is usually the aftermath of such policies and procedures to plug in the loops of the network and operating systems.

Job description of a security analyst

Though many job descriptions call for specific certifications, some job requirements are a standard for such posts. Some of these include –

• Building and maintaining firewalls and encrypting data transmission.
• Develop policies and procedures to prevent the systems from cyber-attacks.
• Protecting files and system data against unintended modification or malware attacks.
• Stay updated on the latest security tools and recent attacks to develop solutions to protect the systems from such attacks.
• Monitoring of the current system networks of the organization and protect the information
• Training the staff and educating them about the possible security threats they may inadvertently encounter while communicating with external network systems.

The last decade has seen a substantial rise in the demand for security analysts. MoreThe industry’s specific and more organizations prefer to have internal security analysts, although such posts were restricted to military services and other such security establishments in earlier times.