How to become An Information Security Analyst

Most organisations in today’s business environment rely heavily on information systems in their daily work. Alongside its development as the lifeline of various enterprises and activities, data has also become less secure. Information Security Analysts use their skill in planning and executing security measures to shield an organisation’s computer and networking systems from infiltration to protect valuable data.

• Security Engineer
• Network Security Administrator
• IT Security Consultant
• IT Security Analyst
• Security Analyst
• Cybersecurity Analyst
• Information Security Specialist
• Cybersecurity Specialist
• Computer Security Specialist
• Information Security Officer
• Information Systems Security Analyst

What do Information Security Analysts do?

An Information Security Analyst would typically need to:

• Monitor, prevent, and stop attacks on private data; work with teams of network professionals, information technology experts, and computer specialists; design, run and update various software, security protocols, and programs that encrypt data to enhance its security
• Identify weaknesses in the networks of security systems after thorough research
• Provide suggestions to employees to prevent future breaches from occurring and maintain data security
• Empower businesses and organisations to protect customer and user data better; maintain the integrity and reputation of these organisations
• Stay informed of all activity taking place within the networks they work to protect; pay attention to incoming code, identify hostile activity and respond to it accordingly
• Compile ongoing reports about the safety of the networks they work on to document security issues, along with measures the analyst took in response
• Research new trends and advances in security and information technology and conduct penetration testing accordingly to develop standards for their organisation; stay updated on software and other potential threats; employ suitable best practices for network security
• Help computer users when they need to install or learn about new security products and procedures

Information Security Analysts typically meet and collaborate with other IT professionals in their office-based workplace to protect data and network infrastructure. Work is likely to involve the usage of computers for extended periods. You may have to undertake occasional travel to meet with different clients.

Working hours are typically 35 to 40 hours per week, 9 a.m to 5 p.m, Monday to Friday. However, in the event of a cyber breach or potential breaches, Information Security Analysts may work overtime to counter the threat.

Information Security Analysts may need to work beyond this schedule, depending on projects and the specific nature of the work. Some companies may require Information Security Analysts to work on a shift basis, including evenings, nights and weekends, to allow for quick responses in case of cybersecurity breaches.

Short-term contract work is possible, mainly through recruitment agencies or if you work on a self-employed basis as a consultant. You may also take up freelance work.

Finding a new job might seem challenging. An Information Security Analyst can boost their job search by asking their network for referrals, contacting companies directly, using job search platforms, going to job fairs, leveraging social media, and inquiring at staffing agencies.

Information Security Analysts are generally employed by:

• Security Consultancies
• Multinational Corporations
• Information Technology & Network Providers
• Financial & Commercial Institutions
• Government Agencies
• Transport Companies
• Media Houses
• Educational Institutions

Professional associations and organisations, such as the International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium, are crucial for Information Security Analysts interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation. Membership in one or more adds value to your resume while bolstering your credentials and qualifications.

• An immense workload, especially if new software is being run within the organisation or when a cyber threat hacks the organisation’s security framework
• Susceptibility to eye diseases and declining vision since the work assignments of Information Security Analysts are computer-intensive
• Lack of time for self-care since the job is highly demanding and stressful
• Updating knowledge and technical skills frequently to keep pace with rapid technological

While a degree may help students stand out in the job market, potential candidates will do well to add some experience to their résumé. Typically, an entry-level Information Security Analyst does not require extensive work experience, and reasonable awareness and participation in any computer-related avenue may suffice.

An intermediate-level Information Security Analyst position requires several years of experience in information security. However, some employers may accept experience gained in any computer-related field. This type of on-the-job experience demonstrates to potential employers that candidates know how to apply their knowledge in real-world situations, making hiring the candidate more viable.

Gaining work experience keeps you aware of newly emerging technologies and methods, which can help you stay ahead of potential cyber breaches.

A bachelor's degree in a field related to computer or technology, coupled with network & system administration and programming experience, is generally required to become an Information Security Analyst. While exact requirements may vary between employers, most prefer a bachelor’s degree in science, technology, engineering or mathematical avenues.

Relevant subjects for prospective Information Security Analysts in high school and university include cybersecurity systems, computer science, computing & information systems, software/electrical/network engineering, mathematics, physics, and other IT/security/network-related fields. Other academic pathways include learning new scripts, codes, programs, and platforms on your own. Keep in mind, however, that employers often seek candidates with specific educational backgrounds, which may determine whether you self-teach or earn a formal degree.

With increasing concern over the ubiquity of data systems, many universities have created new master’s degree programs in cybersecurity to train a new generation of Information Security Analysts in specialised avenues of cybersecurity. A master’s degree is not compulsory since most employers seek a combination of education and experience, but earning higher qualifications may provide higher pay, greater job security, and expanded career opportunities.

Certification demonstrates an Information Security Analyst’s competence in a skill set, typically through work experience, training, and passing an examination. Some well-established areas for certification include ethical hacking, information systems auditing, cyber defence, penetration testing and more. Certification from an objective and reputed organisation can help you stand out in a competitive job market, boost salary potential, and increase your chances of advancement.

Performance, experience, and the acquisition of professional qualifications drive career progression. Employees with consistently high levels of performance may be eligible for promotion every two to three years.

Information Security Analysts can become Web & Application Developers, which would require a similar but advanced fluency in various computing languages, such as Java and Python.

They can also become Data Scientists or research professionals in the field of computers or network information. These, however, require higher education via a master’s degree or PhD in any specialisation in computer sciences.

Some analysts even go on to business school to obtain a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) to become entrepreneurs.

Candidates with the necessary skills, experience, and education have the best job prospects. Aspiring Information Security Analysts who keep updating their skills to match current technological trends and advances hold a competitive edge in the job market.

Through training programs and schools for Information Security Analyst, entry-level, mid-career, and senior-level analysts can develop the marketable skills they need to perform at a high level. These skills include learning new coding languages, understanding the anatomy of a modern computer and its functions, gaining insight into the expanding economies of scale of tech startups, and much more.

You may work towards global certification in cyber defence, penetration testing, and incident response. You may also choose between self-directed and instructor-led continuing education opportunities available for IT professionals. Certification and training programs are also available in core IT skills, infrastructure, cybersecurity, and project management.

Candidates may complete training in various formats, including through videos and instructor-led classes. Some nonprofit organisations seek to protect public and private organisations from cyber-attacks and offer access to informative newsletters, videos, webinars, case studies, and research papers.

Cybersecurity vs Information Security

The terms cybersecurity and information security (infosec) are often used interchangeably, but there exist subtle yet significant differences between the two concepts. While cybersecurity is the broader practice of defending information technology assets from attack, information security is a specific discipline under this umbrella.

Cybersecurity aims to protect against attacks in cyberspace and usually deals with cybercrimes, cyber and law enforcement. Information security seeks to protect data from any threat, be it unauthorised access, disclosure modification and disruption.

Professionals trained in advanced persistent threats handle cybersecurity while information security professionals lay the foundation of data security and prioritise resources before eradicating threats or attacks. Also, network security and application security are closely related to infosec. The CIA Triad Information security aims to allow useful networks and data to stream while filtering the bad ones out. Three primary supporting and mutually dependent infosec principles are confidentiality, integrity, and availability, also called the CIA triad. Confidentiality posits that only those with appropriate authorisation should be able to access information. Integrity signifies keeping information consistent, accurate and trustworthy. Availability emphasises ensuring the easy accessibility of information by those with proper authorisation.

Potential Pros & Cons of Freelancing vs Full-Time Employment

Freelancing Information Security Analysts have more flexible work schedules and locations. They have full ownership of the business and can select their projects and clients. However, they experience inconsistent work and cash flow, which means more responsibility, effort and risk.

A full-time Information Security Analyst has job security with a fixed, reliable source of income and guidance from their superiors along with health benefits, insurance and retirement plans. Yet, they may experience boredom due to a lack of flexibility or due to the repetitive nature of some information security tasks. When deciding between freelancing or being a full-time employee, consider the pros and cons to see what works best for you.

The Netherlands is the most vulnerable European country to cybercrime, with an alarmingly high rate of 17.64%. https://www.paymentscardsandmobile.com/ranked-the-countries-most-at-risk-of-cyber-crime/

As the world increasingly relies on technology and digital interfaces to store and share information, the ubiquity of data systems increases, thereby raising the probability of cyber attacks and breaches. Information Security Analysts act as the guardians of the digital world and our valuable data by helping organisations prepare and fight such breaches, thus creating a defensive yet effective data system.

Leverage the right technologies to weed out inefficient processes and automate repetitive and tedious security processes. This tactic helps optimise the speed of security operations and increase the time devoted towards hunting cyber threat actors, foiling incoming breaches and other such strategic tasks.