Trade Schools with Cyber Security Programs
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Cyber security analysts, also called information security analysts, protect organizations’ computer systems from hackers. If a data breach occurs, passwords, addresses, credit card information, and other sensitive data could be leaked and used by those with no authorization. It’s the job of a security analyst to keep these networks secure.
Those interested in a career in cyber security should attend a trade school or college. After earning their degree in a computer-focused program, candidates can take part in internships to gain experience in the field. Individuals who build up their cyber security resumes have a greater chance of being hired by potential employers.
What Is a Cyber Security Analyst?
Cyber security analysts follow security protocols and procedures to protect a company’s computer system. They must continuously check for any signs of data breaches, unusual activity, or outside threats that could infiltrate the network.
Analysts install software to the corporation’s computers to keep all personal, confidential, or sensitive information secure. If a breach occurs, it could lead to issues such as identity theft, health or medical insurance fraud, or the loss of large sums of money. These workers must then teach coworkers, supervisors, and clients how to use firewalls and similar programs to keep them safe.
Cyber security jobs also create plans and protocols to follow if a breach occurs. These procedures help the company to act quickly and regain control of the network before too much damage is done. Analysts should do constant research to learn new hacking techniques and how to prevent further attacks.
What Are a Cyber Security Analyst's Job Duties?
Most importantly, cyber security analysts protect companies from security breaches. These workers monitor individual or corporate computer networks to prevent outside sources, such as hackers, from entering the system. Security breaches can lead to private and personal information being released to unauthorized users. Analysts must immediately investigate if a breach is detected.
Along with protecting computer networks, cyber security analysts:
- Install proper software to protect company’s information
- Create a recovery plan if a breach occurs
- Research information technology security trends
- Help coworkers and clients install new security products
- Report and documenting security breaches
What Types of Skills Should Information Security Analysts Possess?
Cyber security analysts must be quick-thinking and have top-notch problem-solving skills. These workers respond to security alerts for banks, schools, and other companies. They must find the issue and resolve it as fast and as accurately as possible to avoid an information leak.
Additionally, employers look for candidates with strong analytical skills. Computer analysts must carefully examine computer networks and systems to check for any risks or breaches. Employees then take these reports and decide how security policies can change or improve.
Because they must protect a company’s most private data, cyber security work can often be stressful. The ideal candidate works well under pressure and stays calm when fixing an issue. Breaches should be handled immediately, so there is no time for worrying or second-guessing.
How Do Information Security Analysts Maintain Their Workspace?
Many information security analysts work in an office with other members of the information technology department. They often have several computers or laptops on their desks, along with standard office supplies and other electronics. Filing cabinets, bins, and desk drawers help to keep these employees organized.
Why Do Analysts Need to Be Detail Oriented?
Cyberattacks can be tricky to catch if you are not paying attention. Computer security analysts must thoroughly check the systems details for inconsistencies in customers’ programs and minor changes in its performance. These are both signs of attacks.
How Do Cyber Security Analysts Promote Their Work?
Companies often promote the work of their cyber security analysts through advertisements online, in newspapers, or on television. Individual workers may receive business cards to pass out to friends, family, and potential customers to help reach a broader clientele.
What Are Useful Skills for People in This Field?
- Reporting issues or inconsistencies
- Working individually
- Following proper protocols and policies
- Accepting constructive and positive/negative feedback
- Providing customer service
- Teaching coworkers and clients
- Protecting confidential and sensitive information
- Maintaining computer systems and networks
- Recommending new practices
- Researching security trends
Are There Special Requirements for Cyber Security Analyst Jobs?
While interested individuals can take computer programming and similar courses at cyber security trade schools, most analysts receive at least a bachelor’s degree. Employers look to hire those with a certificate or degree in computer science, programming, or information insurance.
Some students even attend an accredited college or university an extra two years to receive a Master of Business Administration in information systems. These aspiring analysts take courses that involve both business and computer programming.
Along with a degree, hiring agents prefer candidates who have previous experience in the industry. Students can take part in internships or shadow programs where they learn the ins and outs of the job firsthand from someone in the field.
After graduation, those interested in a cyber security career can apply for specific certifications. These certificates show that the employee is knowledgeable in the field and understands the best practices needed to be an analyst.
What Is
the Outlook of Information Security Analyst Jobs?
Cyberattacks impact businesses both small and large. Companies like banks, retail corporations, healthcare facilities, and government associations must protect their customers’ information at all costs. Because of this, experts predict that information security analyst jobs will continue to grow about 32-percent in the next ten years.
On average, cyber security analysts earn approximately $76k based on experience and location. Entry-level candidates typically make about $53k per year, while those who have spent years in the industry receive upwards of $115k.
Cyber security analysts also earn different job benefits. These include paid time off, 401(k) retirement plans, and vacation time. Some may see a pay raise overtime as they gain more experience or move up in the company.
What Should Workers Expect?
Cyber security analysts maintain a mostly normal work schedule. Analysts typically work 40-hours per week, though there may be overtime if there is a data breach. Some employees need to be on call after hours in case of an emergency. Additionally, candidates should be ready to sit for long periods of time looking at a computer screen.
Where Can Prospects Find Work?
Entry-level and experience cyber security analysts can find work at places that handle sensitive or private information. These include:
- Banks
- Insurance agencies
- Corporate headquarters
- Administrative services
Can You Work From Home?
While most information security analysts work in an office setting or on the road during emergencies, there are some opportunities to work from home. Employees must make sure to have the proper software downloaded, access to the company’s computer networks and systems, as well as any other important information needed to complete their jobs.
Daily reports must be submitted to coworkers and any supervisors or managers to ensure that the work is done correctly. These are often sent via email or through the company’s secure networks.
Do Cyber Security Analysts Have Any Other Options?
Because of their knowledge of computers, cyber security analysts have many alternative career options. With some extra schooling and training, these workers can find jobs as computer programmer, database administrators, and software developers.
What are Alternate Careers for Information Security Analysts?
Some alternative career choices for information security analysts include web developers, computer systems analysts, and computer network architects. While these jobs complete similar daily tasks, they often require additional schooling or certifications. Each job needs a candidate who is familiar with computers and their systems, is a strong problem-solver, and has thorough reporting skills.