Information Security Analyst Degree: Why Education is Important to the Field

Almost every day you will hear about data breaches. To combat these potential threats, companies require a skilled and trained workforce of information security analysts. The job market of these professionals is booming, and if you browse any information technology job board, you’ll be surprised by the wealth of information security postings. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has predicted a 28 percent job increase in this industry by the year 2026. This is much higher than the average 11 percent increase for all occupations.

Also commonly referred to as IT security analysts, information security analysts, security analysts, information security officers or computer specialists, these professionals are responsible for protecting company or organization’s sensitive data as well as staying ahead of cyber attackers. They can do this by executing security measures that can prevent vital information from being compromised, damaged or stolen by cyber criminals.

What Jobs do Information Security Analysts Perform?

Protecting company data: Information security analysts are responsible for protecting company information technology systems from hackers and ensure that they are secure. One of the jobs has resulted from reliance on computer networks that requires protection, especially due to the increasing cases of cyber-attacks lodged against company networks.

Innovate safety practices: For them to carry out their tasks, they come up with safety practices that all company members should follow. They also set up security standards to increase a company’s network security and to also eliminate and minimize cybersecurity breaches. Security standards are critical to any organization because a lot of information is stored online.

Encrypting data: Information security analysts know how to encrypt data and install firewalls to safeguard sensitive data. They also help in creation and usage of passwords among other forms of identity authentication to restrict only authorized individuals from accessing information. They also come up with security measures to protect organization’s networks from viruses that can compromise data.

Network vulnerability testing: Another important task that information security analysts perform is to determine the state of a company’s security network through penetration testing. This is where information security analysts act like hackers, and they attempt to break into the system in different ways that cyber criminals can try. They note the vulnerable spots that criminals can exploit, and based on their results; they recommend ways to strengthen the company’s cybersecurity system.

Monitoring the security of a company’s network: Information security analysts are tasked with the responsibility of monitoring the security of a company’s network on daily bases. In case they suspect a breach, they investigate immediately and employ security measures to stop further infiltration into the company’s system.

In such a situation, information security analysts should also enhance the company’s security measures to ensure that it doesn’t happen again. After an attack, these professionals prepare a detailed report about the attack and how far the attackers infiltrated into the system, what was compromised, and the level of damage.

Developing and testing an organization’s disaster recovery plan: IT security analysts should come up with a procedure that directs what IT professionals should do in case of an emergency. The recovery plan also includes the measures that should be undertaken to prepare for an emergency.

For instance, the plan can instruct staff working in the IT department to make regular backups and transfer the backups to off-site locations. During a disaster, the organization’s systems and networks will remain stable. The plan also has instructions on how to restore the full functionality of a company’s system after an emergency.

Why is Formal Information Security Education Important?

Would you want to be represented in court by a person who read law books but never graduated from a law school? Formal education in information security is equally important because it ensures that only the right people acquire the right knowledge. This involves attending online training courses or taking in-person classes through metrics that ensure the occurrence of knowledge transfer and evaluation of outcomes.

In most cases, the law requires that a person should have a formal education before performing certain tasks. Although currently there aren’t any laws that exist in the information security industry that require individuals to have a formal education, informal education can take you several years.

Why Should a Good ISA Continue Learning after Formal Education?

Information security analysts have the task of continuing their education. This is important because technology is always changing and these professionals need to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and be able to handle potential breaches. Data is valuable more than ever, and as computers continue to become an important tool in the lives of people and companies, there is a need for professionals who can protect information that is moved between networks.

Are you interested in becoming an information security analyst? If you want to earn a Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer and Information Science with a Major in Cyber and Network Security, ECPI University offers this program at an accelerated pace. For more information, connect with a friendly admissions advisor today.

It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!

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