What is an Information Security Analyst?

information security analyst

Rising concerns for cyber attacks by hackers in governments and at private companies have created the position of information and security analyst. Those who work as information security analysts are responsible for keeping information safe from data breaches.

Information security analysts protect information stored on computer networks. They do this with special software that allow them to keep track of who can access and who has accessed data. Also, they might perform investigations to determine whether or not data has been compromised.

The field of information security has seen significant growth in recent years, and the number of opportunities in this area is likely to increase over the next decade. The Bureau of Labor Statistics has predicted that opportunities in the industry will increase at a growth rate of 36.5 percent through the year 2022.

Job Tasks

Typical job tasks for those who work as information and security analysts involve a great deal of work with computers and an understanding of programming and computer science. Information security analysts encrypt data and implement firewalls to keep computer information protected. They devise computer security plans, and they also research computer security violations.

A larger part of an information security analyst’s work involves monitoring data use and access on a computer network. Analysts typically work together with computer users on an organization’s staff to explain and implement rules regarding access to the computer network. Information security analysts are responsible for making sure that an organization’s staff is aware of security issues.

Necessary Skills

Those who wish to have success in a career as a an information security analyst need to have a combination of problem-solving skills, analytical abilities, and a thorough understanding of the workings of computer systems. They need to be able to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing. Decision making and judgement abilities are very important to carry out the daily tasks that are required of an information and security analyst.

Analysts also must be thoroughly versed in security rules, regulations, and standards. Analysts must be informed in a wide variety of different areas, including electronics/computer science, telecommunications, engineering technology, public safety, and more.

Education and Training

The vast majority of information security analyst positions require that applicants have completed at least a Bachelor’s degree program. This Bachelor’s degree program should typically be in a discipline such as computer science, information science, or computer systems analysis. University curriculum for a student aspiring to become an information security analyst should include coursework in technology, science, engineering, and mathematics. In some situations, it may be possible for an individual to be hired as an information security analyst without a Bachelor’s degree.

Work Environment

Information security analysts can find themselves working at computer companies, financial companies, and consulting firms. They may also find positions working for government organizations. Any company or organization with data to protect may hire information security analysts, so analysts could find themselves working at a wide variety of different institutions.

Concluding Thoughts

Keeping data safe is of paramount importance both in the public and private sectors In today’s computer-driven world, an individual working as a information and security analyst fulfills a highly important role in the realm of data security.

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