Information Security Analyst

QUALIFICATIONS

Low: An Associate Degree with/or Professional Network or Cyber-security Courses and Allied Certification Courses like Certified in the Governance of Enterprise IT (CGEIT);
On the Job Training (OJT), Apprenticeships, IT Workforce Job Training or Experience.
;

Medium: Bachelor’s Degree in Information Technology or Computer Science with majors in Math or Cyber-security including calculus, linear algebra, geometry, differential equations; CGEIT certification will be a big plus.

High: Post Graduation in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) or a Master’s Degree in Computer Science with majors in Cyber-security or CGEIT certification.

ANNUAL AVERAGE SALARY
(Credits: www.payscale.com)

PROJECTED GROWTH
(Credits: www.bls.gov)

Information Security Analysts an in-demand career, in which employment is projected to grow at a whopping 31 percent from 2019 to 2029.

SKILLS/ TRAITS NEEDED

Besides technical qualifications, the Information Security Analyst needs to have strong “hands-on” analytical and problem-solving skills, tracking the emerging cyber-security trends, creativity, excellent planning, strategizing, implementing, and communication skills; with a flair for research, and proficiencies at administering Information Security Software & Controls and developing and implementing sophisticated Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS), identifying cyber-breaches, malware, etc. and applying appropriate solutions to remedy it.

WORK FUNCTIONS

Information Security Analysts ensure that computer systems and networks are properly secured from vulnerabilities including cyber attacks, breaches, malware, and hackers. Their goal is to identify weaknesses in networks’ security systems prior to any possible cyber-attacks and proactively preventing them by creating firewalls or applying software patches, using the most up-to-date cyber-security protocols and software. Besides, they may also design, create and use various software tools and utilities i.e. programs designed to protect or encrypt and strengthen the security of digital data on computer systems. They generally work closely with teams of network administrators, computer specialists, and information technology (IT) experts, researching, preparing, strategizing, and implementing cyber-security plans, monitoring network and systems security, installing and commissioning complete cyber-security systems and firewalls, They are also sometimes called “Ethical Hackers” in IT parlance, contributing immensely to organizations in maintaining the integrity of data, and protecting it from hacks and breaches; thus they are an immensely valuable resource for any organization. They typically work with corporates, but can also start their own business as cyber-security consultants, freelancers, or solutions providers.