Security Analyst
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Data protection is vital!
Whether it is your personal information, company’s data, or login details for your account – it matters!
There are people who want to get their hands on those things. Of course, there are also people who are there to stop that from happening.
Today, we are talking about the underrated heroes – the people with the Security Analyst jobs!
If you are not sure if starting a career in security analysis is favorable, let me share a curious fact:
The demand for this position is expected to increase by 32% between 2018 and 2028!
Are you hooked now?
Leftronic is here to give you all the necessary info on how to get hired as a security expert.
Onward with a detailed explanation of the position first…
What is Cyber Security Analysis?
Cyber security analysis plays a vital role in protecting businesses, government agencies, public organizations and individuals from unwanted attacks. Everyone is vulnerable to cyberattacks and harmful information. All computer systems and networks are in danger if not properly protected.
Thus, the process of cyber security analysis helps protect the given structures. Security analysis is also viewed as the analysis of tradable financial instruments.
Security analysis divided into the fundamental analysis, which usually examines fundamental business factors like financial statements, and technical analysis, which is more concerned about price trends and momentum. Additionally, quantitative analysis is viewed as a combination of the other two.
Why is Cyber Security Important?
Information security analyst jobs are important for many reasons. Whether we are talking about financial institution networks, government databases or simply personal computers, cyber attacks can cause a lot of damage.
The damaging effects of cyberattacks can cause organizations to lose money and time. But sometimes it becomes much more devastating for a firm as they also lose trust.
For instance, hackers can infiltrate credit card firms and can make millions of dollars disappear in just a matter of minutes. It can also be really dangerous if a wrong person has access to certain military information. Cybercrime statistics also indicate that identity theft is one of the most dangerous types of breaches that an individual can go through. Even small businesses are taking measures against the impact of security breaches.
All in all, these threats have to be taken seriously as they could leave to irreversibly damaging effects.
That’s why people who are able to protect companies and individuals from these types of attacks are valued.
And therefore we have the position of a…
Cyber Security Analyst
A security analysis is the first line of defense from outside attacks. The job of a security analyst is to protect the networks and websites from cyber threats that come in different forms like malware viruses, denial-of-service attacks, and hackers. They aim to keep proprietary and sensitive information safe and secure.
The Analyst will subsequently identify and correct flaws in the system of a company. The idea is to come up with solutions and programs that can prevent attacks. At the same time, an information security analyst is there to recommend innovative new measures against ensuing or possible future threats.
Threats are constantly evolving and a security analyst needs to be constantly vigilant. They have to follow the development of technology in order to prevent advanced attacks when they happen.
So – know your enemy! It’s the best strategy.
But let’s talk a bit more about the general duties of a security analyst:
Security Analyst Responsibilities
The role of a security analyst is to plan and carry out security measures aimed at protecting an organization’s computer network and systems. Their job is to make sure that all systems are running smoothly.
The most basic responsibilities include preventing theft of financial and personal information. They also need to block intruders from accessing any proprietary data and divulging it. Additionally, their job is to assess and mitigate risks while at the same time enhancing system security.
With the development and increase of cyber attacks, it is under the security analyst job description to expand their skills and learn new types of defenses required.
Typically, they will also do the following:
- Monitor the organization’s network for security breaches and carry out an investigation when one occurs.
- Document reports about security breaches and the extent of the damage caused.
- Install software like data encryption programs and firewalls in order to protect sensitive information.
- Conduct penetration testing to test out the vulnerabilities of a system before an attack happens.
- Develop best practices and security standards for an organization.
- Research the latest IT security trends.
- Recommend security improvements.
Cyber security jobs also involve creating a disaster recovery plan for an organization. This is a type of procedure that IT employees need to follow in times of crisis. They devise plans will ensure that the operations within an IT department continue on. The disaster plan will include regularly transferring data to a different location. It should also include plans restoring proper IT functionality after the disaster has happened.
Security Analysis Work Environment
Even though computer security analyst jobs are sought by various fields, they are most specific in the Computer System Design sector.
So you can find analysts in these fields the most:
- Computers System Design & Related Services – 26%
- Finance & Insurance – 18%
- Management of Companies and Enterprises – 10%
- Information – 8%
- Administrative & Support Services – 6%
This can be a valuable piece of information for novice security analysts looking for a job.
But when it comes to actually being able to compete for a position, there are specific requirements.
Security Analyst Skills
Depending on the specific position you are being hired at and their requirements, the necessary skills are subject to change. But there are still some basic stuff you need to know.
Just being good at hacking is not enough!
Firms want a lot more from their employees so let’s go through some of the most important ones.
Information Technology Knowledge
Technology is constantly changing and evolving, a good security expert will need to adapt as well. Constantly being able to update your knowledge about the most recent data protection news, cybersecurity legislation, techniques and practices is important.
This will also help one’s security analyst career. Doing this on your own will shape your problem-solving skills, resulting in an overall better applicant.
Communication
Security analysts need to educate users on protection mechanisms. They are the best people that can explain how to protect your information online. Also, they help organizations understand how to keep their data safe in order to resolve common computer security threats.
In order to do that, a security analyst needs to have strong communication skills. We are talking both written and oral. Being able to communicate directly and strongly towards the users will help the overall security of a firm.
Analytical
Even junior security analyst jobs are going to require analytical skills. Being able to study computer systems, assessing potential risks, and coming up with possible solutions is a basic responsibility of the position. People with an analytical mindset will be able to come up with solutions and deal with these types of problems much easier.
Detail-Orientated
The key to successfully penetrating a certain system is to stay hidden. Thus in order to be able to find the discrepancies in the system a security expert needs to have a good eye.
Authentication is important here and being able to spot every detail, however small it may be, can be crucial in protecting the system successfully.
Creativity
A database analyst has to be always a step forward in front of hacks. This means being able to predict cyberattacks before they even occur.
Of course, this is immensely hard to achieve. This kind of forward-thinking requires a lot of creativity. But that is exactly what a good security expert needs to be.
Being creative in the sense that making assumptions about security is more than enough to recognize different types of computer security threats.
Having the necessary skills is a good way to start. But ultimately, employees are going to look for something more in a candidate.
We discuss those requirements next.
Education Requirements
When searching for security analyst openings you will be able to see that education requirements need to be fulfilled. Cyber security is an important aspect in today’s world and many companies are taking it seriously. More so, they require workers that are good at their jobs. Experience is one thing but even freshers still need to have a good educational background before they are hired.
A minimal requirement is a Bachelor’s degree in computer science, engineering or programming. This is a requirement even needed for entry-level cyber security jobs.
However, certain organizations will require a Master’s Degree in the given fields and multiple years of network experience.
Applicants who are looking for cybersecurity positions with government and military agencies should know that a background check is going to be an added requirement. All future employees need to go through various security checks so clearance is granted. It might seem that these organizations are rigorous when hiring a security analyst, but protection is the number one priority.
Although few, certain groups will provide additional training or offer tuition assistance for their workers to achieve the required credentials.
Apart from education and experience, applicants can acquire another requirement that can give them an edge. Certain certificates are praised by employers and some even add them as an initial requirement.
The next section covers this topic…
Cyber Security Analyst Certification
Having an industry certification in a related field like information technology or something similar gives an added advantage for an applicant. It is the fastest way of showing your potential employer how much you are worth.
Although there are literally hundreds of certificates available on the net currently, one has to know which would be the best one to choose. Having one surely stands out in your security analyst resume!
CompTIA has emerged as one of the finest and most reliable ways to obtain a certificate. So let’s see which one of them is the most beneficial.
CompTIA Security+
CompTia Security+ is viewed as the main security certificate for IT experts.
Skills acquired:
- Threat management.
- Network access control.
- Cryptography.
Valuable for IT jobs like:
- Information security analyst.
- Network engineers.
- Network administrator jobs.
CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+)
The CySA+ is described as the best solution to the expanding demand for highly skilled security analysts.
Skills acquired:
- Effectively detecting system threats.
- Using behavioral analytics and data to secure systems.
- Monitoring network behavior.
- Brainstorming solutions that protect against APTs.
CompTIA PenTest+
The CompTIA PenTest+ has only been around for a year. But it already presented itself as not only good for pen testing but for a host of other security credentials.
Skills acquired:
- Planning and scoping.
- Info-gathering and vulnerability identification.
- Pen testing tools.
- Reporting and communication.
- Protection against attacks and exploits.
CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+)
The CASP+ is described as one of the best cybersecurity certifications that can help you advance in your career. As far as security analyst jobs go, this certificate is required by the Department of Defense.
People who are looking to apply in the government sector should look into acquiring it. In fact, government employers will accept this certificate for any level of security professional. It also provides a positive way of advancing one’s cybersecurity career.
As the scope of cybersecurity work is growing there is going to be greater demand for professionals. A certificate will help immensely in obtaining one of these positions.
But does it pay well if it is so much in demand?
Security Analyst Salary
Thanks to the ever-expanding threat that are cyber attacks, people have started to value cybersecurity even more. Since information break also implies not only losing data but also a lot of money, certain companies don’t spare their security.
Thus the average pay for security experts has risen. The highest paid jobs are still found in the US. The majority of the greatest companies in the world come from the States. So it makes sense that you should see the highest earnings available there.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 112,300 people employed in the security sector in 2018. The median cyber security analyst salary was just around $98.350. The same statistics implied that the lowest-paid 25% were able to earn an average of $73,890, while the top-paid 25% earned $123,870 on average a year.
Statistics also show that the average salary has been increasing over time. It jumped from a median of $79,370 in 2010 to an average of $102,470 in a ten-year span.
Although not all places and companies pay the same, cyber security analysts potential salary could earn you a nice living. It all depends on the skill level, seniority, and location.
Location is a very important aspect for instance. Your earnings will greatly depend on the area you get hired.
Best-Paid Cities:
- New York, New York – $120,420
- Chambersburg, Pennsylvania – $122,080
- San Jose, California – $121,320
- Midland, Michigan – $118,720
- San Francisco, California – $118,580
Best Paying States:
- New York – $122,000
- New Jersey – $121,600
- District of Columbia – $118,080
- Connecticut – $112,900
- Virginia – $111,780
Average Salary on the Top Platforms:
- PayScale – $68,990
- Glassdoor – $76,410
- Indeed – $85,964
- ZipRecruiter – $91,744
Education and experience play an important part as far as salary goes. Cyber security salary with a master’s degree is going to be a lot higher opposed to people that don’t.
Average Earnings by Seniority:
- Top-Level: $170,000 average, $81.94 per hour
- Senior-Level: $131,359 average, $63.15 per hour
- Mid-Level: $98,350 average, $47.28 per hour
- Junior-Level: $73,636 average, $35.40 per hour
- Starting-Level: $56,750 average, $27.28 per hour
Thus, taking all of the given facts into the formula that we have devised one can understand how much you can be paid.
But where is the best place to find a Cyber Security job?
Location has to account for something, right?
Correct!
Let’s see where…
Top Locations for Security Analyst Jobs
You can’t start looking for a good job in cybersecurity without having an idea where to look. Going in blind might make your search a lot longer. So if you are really ambitious and you want to make a career out of it, you should really focus your search on specific areas where the demand is greater.
It will make your search a lot effective!
New York
Obviously the US is pretty big on cybersecurity nowadays. Business, government, and defense-related hubs seek security experts for various reasons and positions. Currently, security analyst jobs in NYC are the most sought for. You will find the highest number of both senior and mid-level information assurance experts currently needed here.
New York is not a surprise by any means. It is the world’s capital of finance. It already employs thousands of security experts and the number is only getting bigger. Besides finance firms, there are many government headquarters, hospitals, and educational systems that require protection from breach.
Washington D.C.
Washington D.C. is a no brainer when it comes to security. Being the headquarters for multiple government agencies, the city puts a great emphasis on security overall. Cyber security salary 2019 in Washington DC was among the highest in the country. Additionally, there are over 10,000 job openings already listed.
Here are just some of the average salaries in DC based on the security clearance roles:
- Department of Defense, Secret Clearance: $86,313
- Counterintelligence with a Polygraph Test: $114,953
- Department of Defense, Top Secret Clearance: $105,938
- Government Contractor with full scope lifestyle polygraph test: $129,957
- Counterintelligence with a Polygraph Test: $114,953
Chicago
Chicago’s prominence in cybersecurity does not come as a surprise. The Windy City is definitely one of the biggest business areas in the States. There are more than 4,000 security analyst jobs in Chicago currently and more are coming.
What is great about finding such a job in Chicago is that there are many Fortune 500 companies and large organizations looking for such people. Most employers are looking even offering important decision making roles. You will find openings for such positions for Security Architects or Chief Information Security Officers.
San Francisco
No list related to the IT sector is not complete without San Francisco. The tech and financial capital is the home of Silicon Valley and thus many important industries. The demand for security experts has also increased the cyber security salary in 2019 in California, overall. Interestingly enough, there are many high-paid mid-level jobs offered here that even reach a figure of $300,000 a year. But high salaries should be natural as the city demands the high costs of living.
Besides large tech companies, you will find many healthcare providers and school systems that are in need of security. Also, mid to upper-level positions are the most commonly found ones here.
Do not disregard the location of your job. It is an important part to consider when searching for one.
But now it is time to talk specifically about career paths.
Cybersecurity Careers
Working in cybersecurity most certainly guarantees a good career. Bravely jump on that bandwagon!
If even offer the opportunity to develop your skills and steer your career somewhere else.
There are many paths that one can follow in order to advance their careers in cybersecurity. Let’s mention a few of them:
Security Analyst
Security analyst jobs in 2020 are in demand. Their main role is to assess any vulnerability in the infrastructure and investigate by using the available tools. They need to employ all countermeasures that they have at their disposal to remedy the found vulnerabilities. They also need to recommend solutions and best practices for protection.
Average pay: $98,350
Security Architect
A security architect builds and maintains security architecture. They need to design the entire security system and all of its major components. The position may also include leading a crew of people that are building a completely new security system together.
Average pay: $121,020
Security Engineer
These types of information security analyst jobs include doing security monitoring, data/logs analysis, detecting security incidents, forensic analysis and incident response planning. They also need to follow the advance of technology and security threats. The idea is to utilize it to enhance security capabilities and implement improvements
Average pay: $107,095
Security Specialist
This is actually a broad title that is used interchangeably in different situations. Security consultants or security intelligence is viewed as the same thing.
Security specialists protect computers, software, data, and information systems against threats, viruses, worms or any kind of form of malware.
Average pay: $69,123
Security Administrator
A security administrator is required to manage and install a wide area of security systems. But they may also be asked to perform certain security analyst jobs as well. But this is only the case in smaller organizations. Bigger firms have different organizations and no overlapping of duties happens.
Average pay: $71,321
Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)
This is a high-level management position where a person is responsible for the entire security information division. A CISO will have a lot of staff members working under him or her that they need to manage. It is a position in line with a senior security analyst and may require some hands-on technical work from time to time.
Average pay: $156,659
Chief Security Office (CSO)
A Chief Security Office is a somewhat new position. With the growing threat of hackers and the development of technology, this position has become highly needed to protect valuable data. It is also a high-level management position where a person will manage an entire division. Their responsibility will be the development and oversight of policies and programs intended for data protection.
Average pay: $157,750
Before considering any cyber security fresher jobs, you should consider your options first. Starting in this industry is never easy but it can come with lots of benefits when you do make it.
Speaking of starters, let’s mention a few words on how to start.
How to Become an Information Security Analyst?
This will probably be the most important question that you will ask.
It is good to have technical abilities for starts. But in order to really advance at this position, you need both education and experience.
Step 1: Get a Degree
Almost all security analyst jobs in 2019 require some type of degree. In order to be eligible to apply for a job, employers are going to look for at least a Bachelor’s Degree. A preferable one is a degree in a computer or technology-related field. Even a degree in computer science or programming will be boastful for your profile. But if you really want to lean directly towards security elements of the computer world, a Bachelor of Science in Cyber Security is even better.
Step 2: Get Experience
In order to really be eligible for both on-site and remote security analyst jobs, experience is more than necessary. Employers usually look for candidates that have at least two years of working experience.
But certain employers will accept experience gained in a computer-related field. On-the-job experience is what employers value the most. This means that a candidate is already versed in certain technologies that are going to be necessary for the job.
It could be problematic if a candidate does not have any work experience at all. It greatly diminishes one’s chances of getting hired. Luckily, you can get the much-needed experience by applying for a cyber security analyst internship. Additionally, freelance work is a good way to gain on-hands experience in the field.
Step 3: Certification and Training
One of the most important aspects that you need to understand about cybersecurity is that the threats are constantly developing. You need to adapt.
A specific course can help with that.
This would be especially useful when applying for entry level security analyst jobs. Showing your future employer that you are ready to progress is an advantage.
Step 4: Pursue a Master’s Degree
You will no doubt notice high competition when it comes to cybersecurity. Perhaps the greatest advantage that you will have is your degree.
Actually, certain employers do prefer having employers with higher education. Having a Master’s in Cyber Security goes a long way when searching for cyber security analyst jobs. It combines academic coursework with practical work experience. Which is exactly what employers are going to look for.
Step 5: Get Busy
Once you have all the elements necessary for working as a cyber-security expert it is time to go out there and present yourself. We already talked about location and the requirements, so having those in mind it should be easy to start looking for available job positions.
Start by looking for cybersecurity analyst jobs near me and everything else should come as natural. If you are a quality candidate, there is no doubt that you will be picked up by a certain firm fairly quickly.
Ultimately, there is another way one can start – freelancing.
Freelance
Starting your security career as a freelancer is a good idea. In fact, it is really helpful when it comes to obtaining added knowledge and experience.
Security analyst jobs from home have gained popularity in recent times. Since the need for cybersecurity is growing there are more people needed to provide such services. Certain companies outsource their work. Other smaller companies prefer hiring people who can work from home and provide good results.
There are a number of ways one can provide services from home. One is working as a full-timer and being paid a fixed salary. Freelance security analyst jobs often include a person working on a certain project for a period of time.
Additionally, working from home does have its benefits in terms of a salary. According to Glassdoor, an average salary for remote cybersecurity work is $76,410. The lowest earnings go as low as $50,000 a year while the best-paying companies for cyber security might offer a higher figure, reaching $116,000. But it still depends on the type of firm and the position you are applying for.
All in all, remote or freelance work is a good way to kickstart your career. Employers value workers who are willing to improve. Starting small and eventually making it big is an important personality trait. This could lead you to a much higher and more responsible position in the future.
To Conclude
If you have gone through the entire text, you now know more about how to find a security analyst position.
In a world where there is no privacy anymore, people need to make a lot more effort to protect their information. Social media has already made everything public and we are getting used to it.
This is dangerous!
This is just what hackers are waiting for. They want us to put our guard down. And that is when they strike.
Luckily, we have our own way of protecting ourselves.
Security analyst jobs are vitally important to make all of our important data secure. Whether it is personal, bank data, company information, or anything else for that matter, these experts are our knights in shining armors.
If you feel that this is your calling in life, be sure to check these positions out and learn more through Leftronic.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a security analyst do?
The role of a security analyst is to plan and implement security measures in order to protect a computer network or systems of an organization or company. Basically, a cyber security analyst is there to protect the company from any kind of hacks.
They do so by identifying and correcting faults in the company’s security system. The job also involves offering solutions and pragmas for protection and improving the company’s overall security.
How do I become a security analyst?
In order to become a great security analyst one needs to have a certain degree and work experience.
Internships and certain training can really help you get the needed experience. Freelancing is also good.
What degree do you need to be an information security analyst? Companies often require a Bachelor’s Degree as a minimum. Most of them prefer applicants with a Master’s Degree. You should get one in a computer or technology-related field.
There are now specific Cyber Security degrees too. They offer direct and related courses on the matter.
What education do you need to be a cybersecurity analyst?
Most employers seek a Bachelor’s Degree in either computer science or any other technologically related field. This is the basic requirement that a lot of firms make and you are rarely going to find a job posting without it.
However, if you want to apply for the highest paying entry-level cyber security jobs, you best get a Master’s Degree.
What does an information security analyst do?
There are many different duties an information security expert will need to perform on a daily basis. The job will vary on the seniority of the position and the firm itself. There is a difference in requirements when it comes to cyber security jobs without coding as opposed to the ones that include it.
However, some of the regular everyday tasks include monitoring computer networks for security issues, investigating security breaches, installing security measures, operating security software to protect the system, and documenting security breaches.
Which security certification is best?
Although there are many possible certificates related to security analyst jobs, they all serve the same purpose. Helping you gain an advantage and showing that, as a candidate, you have some hands-on experience. Research says that it even influenced the cyber security salary in 2019.
The one that is currently getting the most attention is the CompITA Secrutity+ certificate. It is good for beginners and advanced practitioners. It offers vast added knowledge and provides new versatile skills that can be further implemented in cyber security.