What are the Requirements to be an Information Security Analyst?
Information is valuable more than ever and with everyone’s digital footprint growing daily, organizations bear the burden of keeping personal information secure. For instance, medical histories, bank transactions, and financial records exist in the form of data stored in the digital web and in desperate need of protection.
Cue the growing industry of cybersecurity, particularly information security analysts (InfoSec analysts). Analysts are the ears and eyes of the cybersecurity team in an organization. Their role involves protecting digital assets and minimizing downtime of digital services.
Information Security Analyst Job Description
The primary role of InfoSec analysts is compiling information as well as creating and implementing policies to meet changing security needs depending on the technologies applied by their employer. Information security analysts are also responsible for frequently monitoring usage metrics, keeping up to date with the latest tactics of hackers, performing risk assessments and testing of systems, recommending security enhancements and purchases, installing data encryption and firewalls to prevent data loss and service interruptions, and training staff on security procedures.
When a cyber-threat or breach infiltrates an organization’s system, information security analysts work closely with the incident response team to solve the issue and prevent future attacks. Demand for InfoSec analysts is only on the rise according to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, a 28% growth is expected in this field from 2016 through 2026. But there is a dire shortage of highly trained and qualified cybersecurity professionals.
Skillsets and Qualities Necessary for Information Security Analyst Positions
Employers are interested in information security professionals who possess a handful of technical skills, including:
- Use of computers and peripheral equipment
- Ability to identify complex issues in network architecture
- Familiarity with penetration and vulnerability testing
- Ability to write custom scripts providing a wide range of security alerts
- Network, security information and event management
- Knowledge of intrusion detection and prevention systems
- Experience in directing incident response team
- Knowledge of establishing and maintaining detection protocols and firewalls
- Anti-virus and anti-malware knowledge
- Knowledge of implementation of cloud computing
- Use of current scripting language such as Java, C, C++, Python, PHP
- Program structuring, coding, and debugging
- OS and terminal knowledge of Unix, Linux, and Windows
But it takes more than technical skills to be a successful information security analyst. You must possess a healthy balance of soft and hard skills to accomplish your tasks. Soft skills like critical thinking and complex problem-solving skills are equally important. Analysts should also be effective communicators with active writing, teaching, listening and public speaking skills.
This is crucial because they are expected to draft policies, interact with various members of the members of the organization, explain how security plans fit into the large business picture and deliver complex information in a simple way. InfoSec analysts are expected to be curious, creative thinkers with a profound interest in latest security developments, techniques, and tools. Additionally, one needs to be detail and service oriented and thorough in time management, teamwork, ingenuity, and judgment and decision-making.
Education Experience Needed
Don’t be intimidated by the extensive list of skills and qualities highlighted above. As an information security analyst, you will be responsible for complex, technical skills and for this reason, it’s so critical to undergo a formal education. These are exactly the proficiencies and skills you’ll master in a formal education program.
Education is important as it allows for the transfer of knowledge that puts professionals in this field in a better position to perform the required tasks. That said, job applicants in this field are required to possess a bachelor’s degree in either information technology, computer and information science, or information systems. Having some sort of work experience on your resume is also a plus. When your primary task will be to secure the data and information systems that the organization relies on, you must demonstrate an understanding of your role.
In the world of technology, certifications after your graduation are a sort of a badge of approval. It’s a way of showing that you’re equipped for the job and ready to take on your tasks. There is a wide range of certifications available and those in highest demand for information security analysts include:
- Certified Information Systems Auditor
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional
- Certified Information Security Manager
Do you have that deep interest in joining the fight against cybercrime? If your answer is yes, then it’s time to start preparing yourself to qualify for one of those in-demand positions. Consider enrolling in a Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer and Information Science with a Major in Cyber and Network Security - Cybersecurity Track program. ECPI University offers this degree course at an accelerated rate. For more information, connect with a knowledgeable admissions representative today.
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Gainful Employment Information – Cybersecurity Track - Bachelor's
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