{"id":34,"date":"2022-03-01T18:09:46","date_gmt":"2022-03-01T18:09:46","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/he-cyberdegrees-org-sonic.lndo.site\/?p=34"},"modified":"2023-03-20T20:05:51","modified_gmt":"2023-03-20T20:05:51","slug":"security-analyst-career-overview","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.cyberdegrees.org\/jobs\/security-analyst\/","title":{"rendered":"Security Analyst Career Overview"},"content":{"rendered":"

Security analysts, also known as information security analysts, monitor, prevent, and stop attacks on data. These professionals create and implement firewalls and software systems to protect an organization's data and networks. As the world increasingly relies on technology and digital interfaces to store and share information, cybersecurity analyst and related positions may enjoy higher demand.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

Information security analysts may work in the public sector, as freelance consultants, or for businesses and corporations. These professionals hold at least a bachelor's degree in their field; however, some employers seek cybersecurity analysts with master's degrees.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics<\/a> (BLS), information security analysts earned a median annual salary of $102,600 in 2021. Explore this growing industry, including topics like what an information security analyst does and frequently asked questions about IT security careers.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\n \n \n <\/a>\n\n\r\n

History of Cybersecurity Analysts<\/h2>\r\n\r\n

The need to protect computers began before the creation of the internet, during the 1960s. Organizations began using passwords to protect their computers from others that might be able to use the machines.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

In the 1970s, after the creation of the Advanced Research Projects Agency Network <\/a>(ARPANET), Bob Thomas, a researcher, created a small program that was able to travel through a network while leaving a trail. He named the program CREEPER.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

The inventor of email, Ray Tomlinson, upgraded CREEPER to be self-replicating. This created the first worm – and the first instance of a virus. To heal the system, Tomlinson then made a program to hunt and delete CREEPER. He named it REAPER, now known as the first antivirus software.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

Thomas and Tomlinson's work revealed weaknesses within the ARPANET, and similar systems. Many companies and governments at the time were creating networks by linking their computers via telephone lines. Protecting these networks became a priority. <\/p>\r\n\r\n\n

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\n Find out about diversity in the cybersecurity field<\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/sonic-icon>\n <\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\r\n\r\n \n
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Top Online CyberSecurity Programs<\/h2>\n \n

Explore programs of your interests with the high-quality standards and flexibility you need to take your career to the next level.<\/p>\n \n <\/sonic-editorial-listings>\n\n <\/section>\n\n\r\n\r\n\n \n \n <\/a>\n\n\r\n

Similar Specializations and Career Paths<\/h2>\r\n\r\n

Information security encompasses data security careers, while cybersecurity refers to protecting data from cybercrime.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

Most security analysts have at least a bachelor's degree in cybersecurity<\/a>, computer science, computer information systems, or a related field. Employers also seek candidates with field experience.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

Additional certifications may be necessary. Certifications validate the necessary skills required for the position, depending on the field. According to the BLS, the top-paying industries for information security analysts are information, finance, and insurance.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Specializations and Career Paths<\/caption>\r\n
Career<\/th>\r\nDescription<\/th>\r\nRequired Education<\/th>\r\nRequired Experience<\/th>\r\nAverage Annual Salary (February 2023)<\/th>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/thead>\r\n
Chief Information Security Officer<\/a><\/td>\r\nOversees information security for the entire company<\/td>\r\nAt minimum a bachelor\u2019s degree in cybersecurity or related field. A master\u2019s degree can also help with gaining employment.<\/td>\r\nSeveral years of experience across many related positions are required for this position.<\/td>\r\n$173,190<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
Security Consultants<\/a><\/td>\r\nEnsure internet security for individuals and corporations<\/td>\r\nAt minimum a bachelor\u2019s degree in a niche area. A graduate degree may help candidates earn a higher salary<\/td>\r\nExperience plus intensive training bootcamps may make a candidate more desirable for a security consultant role<\/a>.<\/td>\r\n$92,540<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
Security Administrator<\/a><\/td>\r\nOversees issues related to IT security and safety<\/td>\r\nEntry-level positions require a bachelor\u2019s degree in information technology<\/a> or a related field.<\/td>\r\nExperience plus intensive training may allow candidates to qualify for high-paying positions.<\/td>\r\n$68,610<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
IT Auditor<\/a><\/td>\r\nConducts auditors of computer security systems<\/td>\r\nMost employees prefer bachelor\u2019s degrees in computer science, information technology, or a related field.<\/td>\r\n3-5 years of experience<\/td>\r\n$74,585<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
IT Security Architect<\/a><\/td>\r\nAnticipate potential threats and develop systems to preempt them.<\/td>\r\nAt minimum a bachelor\u2019s degree in information technology, computer science, or a related field.<\/td>\r\nProfessionals may gain experience during completion of their undergraduate programs.<\/td>\r\n$134,980<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n

Source: Payscale<\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n

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\n Explore cybersecurity jobs in the government sector<\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/sonic-icon>\n <\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\r\n\n<\/div>\n\r\n\r\n \n
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Top Online CyberSecurity Programs<\/h2>\n \n

Explore programs of your interests with the high-quality standards and flexibility you need to take your career to the next level.<\/p>\n \n <\/sonic-editorial-listings>\n\n <\/section>\n\n\r\n\r\n\n \n \n <\/a>\n\n\r\n

What Does an Information Security Analyst Do?<\/h2>\r\n\r\n

Protecting an organization's information is a security analyst's primary goal. Analysts aim to identify weaknesses in networks' security systems, patch or respond to issues, and prevent future breaches. Security analysts may use various software, including programs designed to encrypt and protect data, to increase and strengthen security.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

Within larger companies and organizations, security analysts may work with teams of network, information technology (IT), and computer specialists. They often work with these other professionals to design security protocols and systems, and to protect company data from hacks and breaches.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

Information security analysts play crucial roles within their companies. They empower businesses and organizations to better protect customer and user data, in turn maintaining the integrity and reputation of those organizations.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

Traditionally, information security analysts worked with organizations in vulnerable economic sectors, such as the military, oil and gas companies, and banks. Other companies now hire security analysts to help protect their assets.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

Information security analysts may take on new roles as they advance within the field. For example, entry-level security analysts may assume lower-level IT security jobs<\/a>, helping users navigate new systems and installing new software. More experienced analysts may design and implement entire security systems and firewalls, overseeing teams of security and IT professionals.<\/p> \r\n\r\n

An IT security analyst may work on anything from managing files and credentials to hacking systems to discover weaknesses. Advancing in an information security analyst role may require a consistent commitment to improving.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

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Key Soft Skills for Security Analysts<\/h3>\r\n\r\n
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