In the wake of technological advancements, the number of cyberattacks is increasing daily. Amid the global pandemic, people across the globe are falling prey to phishing email attacks. Cybercriminals are getting sophisticated in their strategy, and businesses around the world are becoming vulnerable by the minute. Employers are on a constant look-out for cybersecurity professionals that can help them safeguard their business and sensitive information. A security analyst is one such cybersecurity specialist that plays that vital role in the hierarchy of the organization.
One way for you to attain the skills needed to become a security analyst is to sign up for a degree, where the course maps directly to the skills required. But, before we talk about this, let’s first take a look at what being a security analyst entails.
Who is a security Analyst?
A security analyst is a cybersecurity specialist who works with different departments of an organization to identify and rectify flaws in the company’s security system. Their job role involves rectification of faults and providing solutions and procedures to improve the overall security network of the organization. Moreover, they must ensure that no sensitive information is compromised from an organization in case of a cyberattack.
The Role of a Security Analyst
The most important job role of an Information Security Analyst is to ensure that the security and defense mechanism of an organization is up to date. In case of a breach in the company, a security analyst is a front line to counter the attack. Their duties include –
- Understanding threats and know how to prevent data theft
- Investigate security breaches and prepare damage and threat reports
- Work with executives and other employees to identify and find the most efficient, effective data protection practices
- Monitor computer systems and networks from security violation
- Performing internal and external security audits
- Install and upgrade computer security software
- Train users to employ security procedures
Above all, they must analyze and verify the security of third-party vendors and to train them on the company’s security requirements.
What skills do you need to be a security analyst?
Cybersecurity aspirants who wish to become a security analyst must possess some skills to excel in this field. The skillset required to become a security analyst is a combination of technical skills and some cyber security-specific skills. They are –
- Network security
- Firewall
- UNIX
- Linus
- Security engineering and event management (SIEM)
- Information assurance
- System and network configuration
- Security architecture
- Cryptography
- Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)
- Penetration Testing
- Ethical Hacking
- Incident Response Management
Watch – How Can a Degree in Cybersecurity Put You Ahead of the Curve? |
How to Become a Security Analyst?
While there is no set pattern for aspirants to follow to become a security analyst, candidates must have a technical background. Firstly, aspirants need to have a bachelor’s degree in Information Technology or Computer Science and related disciplines. Secondly, an aspiring security analyst with an experience of 1 to 2 years in IT can easily move into this role.
What is the salary of a security analyst?
According to PayScale, the average salary of a security analyst in the United States is $75,915. While this amount reflects the overall average salary, an entry-level cybersecurity analyst who has an experience of less than one year can expect to earn $62,220. Most importantly, pay levels increase as candidates grow in experience. Also, a mid-career cybersecurity analyst with 5-9 years of experience can earn an average salary of $87,660, a candidate with over 15 years of experience can expect around $100,630.
Picture Source – PayScale
Become a Security analyst with EC-Council University
EC-Council University offers both degree programs as well as a Graduate Certificate Program (GCP) for Security Analysts. Candidates who wish to pursue a short-term course in Information Security can opt to pursue a graduate certificate program. On the other hand, candidates who want to pursue a full-time course in Information Security and already have a bachelor’s degree in IT can pursue a Master of Science in Cyber Security, specializing as a Security analyst.
Graduate Certificate Program (GCP) – Security Analyst
This short-term program in cybersecurity analysts focuses on testing methods and techniques to identify and mitigate risks to the security of a company’s infrastructure. It also details on providing application and network-based security vulnerability assessments, penetration tests, and securing wireless networks.
Program Mappings to Certificates-
- EC-Council Certified Security Analyst (ECSA)
- Licensed Penetration Tester (LPT)
Program Duration – 3 to 9 months
Master of Science in Cyber Security – Security Analyst
The security analyst specialization under MSCS has been designed to focus on testing techniques and methods to effectively identify and mitigate risks that pose a threat to the security system of a company’s infrastructure. Most importantly, when a candidate chooses a security analyst as their specialization, they will be trained in various domains through specialized online ethical hacking and penetration testing courses.
Program Duration – 2 Years – 12-week terms (4 per year)
Certifications mapped to this degree –
- Certified Network Defender (C|ND)
- Certified Ethical Hacker (C|EH)
- EC-Council Certified Security Analyst (ECSA)
- Licensed Penetration Tester (L|PT)
Faqs
Similar Reads
https://blog.eccu.edu/network-security-explained-part-1/
https://blog.eccu.edu/the-role-of-network-security-in-a-cybersecurity-team/
https://blog.eccu.edu/cybersecurity-jobs-for-the-fastest-growing-tech-sector/
