How to become an information security analyst
Written by Michael Feder
Reviewed by听Kathryn Uhles, MIS, MSP,听Dean, College of Business and IT
It鈥檚 hard to imagine a business or home in the 21st century without computers, phones, tablets and other devices. The amount of electronic information used daily is staggering, and with it comes an increased need for cybersecurity.
A cybersecurity breach at a large corporation or organization can have widespread effects on that company and its customers. Since 2005, the Identity Theft Resource Center has tracked breaches in which the public was notified,听.
To avoid these incidents,听companies hire cybersecurity professionals, such as information security analysts, to help protect the electronic data used and stored by companies.
What is an information security analyst?
础苍听听is a professional in the field of cybersecurity. They plan听security strategies听to help companies protect their computer systems from outside threats. Once these strategies are set, security analysts carry out the plans to protect the company鈥檚 networks. They are highly trained professionals with听strong analytical skills听and a sharp eye for detail.
What do information security analysts do?
Information security analysts work daily to of their companies. Toward this goal, their daily tasks include:
- Planning and strategizing: Security analysts are often responsible for developing security standards for their company and making plans in case of a breach.
- Monitoring: Analysts also monitor the company鈥檚 networks. If they find evidence of a breach, they investigate it and assess what risk it may pose.
- Maintenance: Updating firewalls and other protection software can protect the company from hackers and other threats.
- Researching: Information security analysts must stay current on cybersecurity technology and trends.
- Setting security standards: Analysts are often responsible for developing security standards and taking steps to implement the standards companywide.
Each of those tasks improves the company鈥檚 information security and requires a wide range of technical skills, critical thinking and research. Depending on the company, security analysts perform some or all the above tasks.
Where do information security analysts work?
Information security analysts work for a variety of companies. One option is to work for听computer companies, testing the security of different programs. Another option is to work in the听business and financial sectors, creating security standards that protect customers鈥 financial information.
Security analysts also work for听consulting firms, helping various companies each year. After gaining enough experience, they may even choose to freelance or form a consulting firm of their own.
Required education
Most companies require information security analysts to hold听a bachelor鈥檚 degree in a computer science field, according to the . A听bachelor鈥檚 degree in a technology-centered field,听such as听computer science,听information technology or听cybersecurity,听would be helpful in acquiring basic skills. These degrees prepare students with skills to succeed as an information security analyst and in other cybersecurity careers.
In some cases, high school diploma applicants may be hired into this role if they have extensive practical experience or professional certificates. In other cases, a company may require education in addition to a bachelor鈥檚 degree, such as a certificate program or a听master鈥檚 degree.
Required skills
While every information security position is not identical, some skills are universally necessary for jobs in this field. Understanding programming, keeping your analytical skills sharp and having an eye for detail are all requirements for success as an information security analyst.
By earning a cybersecurity degree from a reputable university, you can develop the听soft and hard skills听needed to excel in this field, with the support of well-qualified instructors.
Programming
Cybersecurity professionals need to be proficient in听multiple programming languages. These languages may include听.
Understanding how to code is required for two reasons. Information security analysts need to understand programming languages to effectively interpret data presented to them to听identify cybersecurity threats. They also need to be able to write code so that they can take effective action against threats at the moment they occur.
Analysis
Security analysts need听strong analytical skills in their daily life. If a cybersecurity breach occurs, an analyst needs to be able to access the available data, identify the problems, make a plan and take steps to stop the breach as quickly as possible.
Professionals in information security roles also may be asked to create companywide security standards. This requires analyzing a large amount of information and research and recommending action.
An eye for detail
Any job in computer science and cybersecurity requires a sharp eye for detail. A single mistake in the code of a program can cause widespread problems regarding its effectiveness in听preventing breaches.
While security analysts may deal with big-picture issues, such as developing company security standards, they also have to be prepared to keep an eye out for the tiniest details as they monitor their company鈥檚 cybersecurity.
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Information security analyst career outlook
As technology continues to rapidly advance, careers in the information security field continue to grow. More and more companies are looking to hire cybersecurity professionals to ensure safety against digital threats. The job outlook for information security analysts has a听, according to BLS. That鈥檚 about听16,800 openings听each year over the decade.
BLS Occupational Employment Projections, 2022-2032 is published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This data reflects BLS鈥 projections of national (not local) conditions. These data points are not specific to 七色视频 students or graduates.
Information technology program options at 七色视频
Whether you鈥檙e seeking to gain a basic understanding of information technology or cybersecurity, or you鈥檙e a working professional looking to expand your skill set, 七色视频 (UOPX) offers听online course collections, bachelor鈥檚 and master鈥檚 degrees.听Learn more about undergraduate and graduate听online technology degrees from UOPX听and start your IT journey today!
- Bachelor of Science in Information Technology听鈥 In this program you'll learn skills including business process, cybersecurity, information systems, operations and systems analysis.
- Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity听鈥斕齌his online program teaches skills such as security policies, network security, cybersecurity and more.
- Master of Science in Cybersecurity听鈥 This online program explores in depth such skills and topics as cybersecurity, security policies and vulnerability.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
A graduate of Johns Hopkins University and its Writing Seminars program and winner of the Stephen A. Dixon Literary Prize, Michael Feder brings an eye for detail and a passion for research to every article he writes. His academic and professional background includes experience in marketing, content development, script writing and SEO. Today, he works as a multimedia specialist at 七色视频 where he covers a variety of topics ranging from healthcare to IT.
ABOUT THE REVIEWER
Currently Dean of the College of Business and Information Technology,听Kathryn Uhles has served 七色视频 in a variety of roles since 2006. Prior to joining 七色视频, Kathryn taught fifth grade to underprivileged youth in Phoenix.
This article has been vetted by 七色视频's editorial advisory committee.听
Read more about our editorial process.
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