Building A Successful Career As An Information Security Analyst

Introduction

Information explosion is one of the major phenomena that increases the demand for information security analyst jobs across various organizations. An information explosion happens when there is a bulk availability of unverified information, which reduces its credibility and usability.

According to Statista, data loss and theft have increased by 68% due to improper data protection methods. The best way to reduce such cyber threats is to hire a security analyst and learn the best practices.This article covers the definition, demand, ways to apply for information security analyst jobs, and tips to help you find the best opportunity.

Who is an Information Security Analyst?

Information security analysts are highly skilled professionals who use technical skills and logical thinking to protect computer systems and data. 

With information technology developing, cyber threats, and risks also increase. This can be resolved and reduced in the future by experienced security analysts. According to the IBM cost of data breach report, it takes  an average of 292 days for a security analyst to analyze, eliminate, act, and prevent such cyber threats. Hence, a security analyst needs to stay prepared to act on these threats as they arise. A security analyst needs to ensure the safety and security of the data of both the employees of the organization and its customers. Hence, if you’re someone who is seeking a growth-oriented information security analyst job at a reputable organization, you need to understand the roles and responsibilities you’ll need to follow at work.

Roles and Responsibilities of an Information Security Analyst

Here are the main responsibilities of an Information Security Analyst:

1. Analyze risks:
   An information security analyst must be able to understand the risks of different types of information that a firm uses. They must accordingly be able to find out the risks in the information. They must also update the information policies of the firm.
2. Develop security policies:
   The security analyst must also develop different data protection methods for different types of data. These analysts must also ensure that the members of the organizations follow these methods and policies.
3. Monitor security issues:
   Working in information security jobs remotely also means constant security monitoring of data. The analyst needs to understand the cause of data loss and theft. The analyst must accordingly suggest methods and measures to reduce such issues in the future.
4. Conduct regular security audits:
   Information security analyst jobs also include regular analysis of security issues, which mostly happens every year. This analysis helps them understand whether the policies and protective measures they implement are impactful.
5. Offer training for digital asset protection:
   A security analyst is also responsible for the safety of the digital assets of a firm. Software, website data, domain, servers, and customer information are some important digital assets of a company. 
   These analysts protect the digital assets or confidential information of a firm. Information security jobs use encryption, firewalls, regular audits, and drafting incident response plans to secure these plans. They protect digital assets by offering training to the members of the firm.
6. Communicate new data protection methods:
   The information security analyst must effectively communicate new data protection methods to the employees. The analyst may teach the employees about these methods effectively. This is usually done through awareness programs and meetings.

With the improvement of technology, there is a scope for remote information security jobs these days. According to a survey by International Information Systems Security Certification (ISC2), 33% of information security professionals work remotely. 

Therefore, these analysts can work from anywhere in the world and connect with the team whenever there is a requirement.

How Can I Be A Good Information Security Analyst?

Here are some tips that can help you excel at your information security analyst jobs:

Have basic qualifications: 

1. Bachelor’s in Computer science or Mathematics from a reputed institution.
2. Basic knowledge of cybersecurity
3. Good verbal and written communication skills

Gain some practical experience: Before you enter information security analyst jobs, you must practice your theoretical learning. The best way to get a good practical experience is by joining webinars and seminars.Get the necessary certifications: Additional certifications and background qualifications can help you become a security analyst easily.

Skills Needed For Information Security Analyst Jobs

Here are some of the mandatory skills for information security analyst jobs:

1. Research skills: Knowledge of different information security threats, issues, and their causes.
2. Problem-solving skills:  Ability to analyze security challenges and implement appropriate protective measures. 
3. Communication skills:  A security analyst must have crisp written  and oral communication with team members.
4. Technical writing skills: Create written reports and make security guidelines for the team to follow.
5. Risk management skills: One of the major skills to have, specifically for remote information security jobs, is risk management. This means they must mark, manage, and eliminate any errors immediately.
6. Adaptability:  Another major skill that information security analysts must have is the ability to adapt to the work culture.
7. Networking: The employee must also be able to share the necessary information resources and connect whenever required. This is most important for information security analyst jobs, where communication with team members is based on employee availability.

Information Security Analyst Salary And Job Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, an average security analyst earns $120,360 annually. This means that the pay scale of an analyst is apt for their qualifications and eligibility.

Ready to take up information security analyst jobs?  Here are some of your roles and responsibilities:

1. Monitor  computer networks and report any suspicious activities or security violations.
2. Scan the systems for any vulnerabilities, threats, or viruses.
3. Investigate network issues, data loss, and piracy, and create reports on it.
4. Stay updated with industry regulations.
5.  Create, edit, and revise information security policies.
6. One of the major responsibilities of a remote information security analyst is to train new employees. They must introduce them to software, tools, and protective measures to keep the data safe.
7. Generate updated reports and analyses on the findings and find ways to resolve them immediately.

Additional Certifications To Have As An Information Security Analyst

Here are some of the certifications that improve your knowledge as a security analyst:

Certification Name	Benefits	Cost
Certified Information Systems Officer	Improve knowledge in data auditing.Learn about emerging technologies in information security analyst jobs.Understand ways to protect information sources.	$760
GIAC Security Essentials	Checks the understanding of a security analyst on terminologies and theories.Understand data piracy attacks and preventive methods.Get knowledge on how to build a network and test it.	$479
Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate	Learn necessary practices for information security analyst jobs.Know how information security works.	Free
Palo Alto Courses	Know the fundamentals of getting information security analyst jobs.Evaluate and understand different malware attacks.	Free
Introduction to SAN and NAS storage	Distinguish between Storage Area Network (SAN), and Network Area Storage (NAS).Understand how IT principles work for information security analyst jobs.	Free

Steps To Find Information Security Analyst Jobs

Here are the steps you need to follow to get information security analyst jobs:

1. Have a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity or higher as a qualification.
2. Obtain additional certifications in cybersecurity.
3. Use online job search platforms to find the best-paying information security analyst jobs in the industry.
4. Create a good tech resume that consists of your achievements, skills, and certifications.
5. Draft a strong cover letter highlighting your passion for information security analyst jobs.
6. Stay active on LinkedIn, Glassdoor, and other job search websites. These sites help you find information security analyst jobs of your qualifications.
7. Find a mentor—an experienced cybersecurity professional—to gain knowledge and build confidence as a Security Analyst.

Conclusion

Information security analyst jobs offer a competitive salary and growth in the future. They are also one of the jobs with opportunities to reduce cybercrimes and attacks, which have been increasing. Overall, working remotely as an Information Security Analyst helps build both reputation and income. Therefore, the best way to join this career is to start learning immediately and stay updated about the trends in the field.

FAQs