Definition of a Security Analyst
The security analyst plays a vital role in keeping an organization’s proprietary and sensitive information secure. He/she works inter-departmentally to identify and correct flaws in the company’s security systems, solutions, and programs while recommending specific measures that can improve the company’s overall security posture.
Responsibilities of a Security Analyst
Security analysts are ultimately responsible for ensuring that the company's digital assets are protected from unauthorized access. This includes securing both online and on-premise infrastructures, weeding through metrics and data to filter out suspicious activity, and finding and mitigating risks before breaches occur. If a breach does occur, security analysts are often on the front line, leading efforts to counter the attack.
Security analysts are also responsible for generating reports for IT administrators and business managers to evaluate the efficacy of the security policies in place. They will then help to make the necessary changes for a more secure network and may also create training programs and modules to educate employees and users on proper security protocols.
Furthermore, security analysts are responsible for keeping the company's security systems up to date and creating documentation and planning for all security-related information, including incident response and disaster recovery plans.
Other specific responsibilities include:
Security Analyst Skills
Here are some important areas of expertise that today’s security analysts should possess and why:
In addition, security analysts are expected to have expertise in cyber security, firewalls, network security, information assurance, Linux, UNIX, security information and event management (SIEM), application security, security engineering, and security architecture. They must also keep up with the latest trends in cyber security.
The most successful analysts are detail-oriented and have an analytical mindset. For the most part, security analysts work with scenarios – and this could mean poring over thousands and thousands of pages of data to look for anomalies. Interpersonal skills are also crucial; analysts need to train company staff on better security protocols and regularly communicate with executive leadership.
Security Analyst Background Requirements, Salary, and Outlook
The security analyst role comes with an above-average stress level, according to data from U.S. News & World Report, but it also comes with above-average opportunities for advancement and salary. The information security analyst role is ranked 7th among Best Technology Jobs, lands at 19th among the Best STEM Jobs, and ranks 52nd among The 100 Best Jobs.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median salary for security analysts in 2016 was $92,600 annually, or an hourly rate of about $44.52. The typical entry-level education for a security analyst is a Bachelor’s degree in computer science, programming, or other related program. Most companies seeking entry-level security analysts require one to five years of on-the-job experience in a related role, such as a systems administrator.
Employment outlook is positive, with an expected growth rate of 18% between 2014 and 2024. An estimated 14,800 additional security analysts will be needed by 2024. Security analysts who desire to advance in their careers may pursue opportunities and roles such as security consultant, security architect, security engineer, systems analyst specialist, senior analyst, eventually advancing to positions such as CISO or Director of Security.
Security Analyst Certifications
There are several certifications beneficial for existing analysts pursuing ongoing education as well as for other security professionals looking to become security analysts: