How to become an information security analyst
Written by Michael Feder
Reviewed byKathryn Uhles, MIS, MSP,Dean, College of Business and IT
It’s 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,.
To avoid these incidents,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?
is a professional in the field of cybersecurity. They plansecurity strategiesto help companies protect their computer systems from outside threats. Once these strategies are set, security analysts carry out the plans to protect the company’s networks. They are highly trained professionals withstrong analytical skillsand 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’s 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’s 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 forcomputer companies, testing the security of different programs. Another option is to work in thebusiness and financial sectors, creating security standards that protect customers’ financial information.
Security analysts also work forconsulting 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 holda bachelor’s degree in a computer science field, according to the . Abachelor’s degree in a technology-centered field,such ascomputer science,information technology orcybersecurity,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’s degree, such as a certificate program or amaster’s 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 thesoft and hard skillsneeded to excel in this field, with the support of well-qualified instructors.
Programming
Cybersecurity professionals need to be proficient inmultiple programming languages. These languages may include.
Understanding how to code is required for two reasons. Information security analysts need to understand programming languages to effectively interpret data presented to them toidentify 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 needstrong 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 inpreventing 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’s cybersecurity.
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, according to BLS. That’s about16,800 openingseach year over the decade.
BLS Occupational Employment Projections, 2022-2032 is published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This data reflects BLS’ projections of national (not local) conditions. These data points are not specific to ۴ý students or graduates.
Information technology program options at ۴ý
Whether you’re seeking to gain a basic understanding of information technology or cybersecurity, or you’re a working professional looking to expand your skill set, ۴ý (UOPX) offersonline course collections, bachelor’s and master’s degrees.Learn more about undergraduate and graduateonline technology degrees from UOPXand start your IT journey today!
- Bachelor of Science in Information Technology— In this program you'll learn skills including business process, cybersecurity, information systems, operations and systems analysis.
- Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity—This online program teaches skills such as security policies, network security, cybersecurity and more.
- Master of Science in Cybersecurity— 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 ۴ý 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,Kathryn Uhles has served ۴ý in a variety of roles since 2006. Prior to joining ۴ý, Kathryn taught fifth grade to underprivileged youth in ۴ý.
This article has been vetted by ۴ý's editorial advisory committee.
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