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    • Chief InfoSec Officer
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Become a Security Analyst

What Does a Security Analyst Do?

The Short Version

A Security Analyst detects and prevents cyber threats to an organization.

Every day, you will ferret out the weaknesses of your infrastructure (software, hardware and networks) and find creative ways to protect it.

Security Analyst Responsibilities

In any given week, you may be required to:

  • Plan, implement and upgrade security measures and controls
  • Establish plans and protocols to protect digital files and information systems against unauthorized access, modification and/or destruction
  • Maintain data and monitor security access
  • Perform vulnerability testing, risk analyses and security assessments
  • Conduct internal and external security audits
  • Anticipate security alerts, incidents and disasters and reduce their likelihood
  • Manage network, intrusion detection and prevention systems
  • Analyze security breaches to determine their root cause
  • Recommend and install appropriate tools and countermeasures
  • Define, implement and maintain corporate security policies
  • Train fellow employees in security awareness and procedures
  • Coordinate security plans with outside vendors

AdvertisementFeatured Schools

School Name Level Program Learn More
Utica College Undergraduate Certificate Online Certificate in Cyber Security
* Associate degree required - 4 specializations available
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Utica College Bachelor Online Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity
* You must have 57 completed college credits, or an Associate degree, to apply. 4 specializations available.
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Champlain College Bachelor Online BS in Cybersecurity
* Industry ranked #1 cybersecurity program by SC Magazine
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Champlain College Bachelor Online BS in Computer Forensics & Digital Investigations
* Industry ranked #1 cybersecurity program by SC Magazine
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Arizona State University Bachelor Online Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (Networking & Security specialization)
* US News #2 in the nation for Online Bachelor's Degree Programs - Forbes Best Value College.
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Southern New Hampshire University Bachelor Online BS in Cyber Security
* Affordable tuition. Transfer up to 90 credits.
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Maryville University Bachelor Online Bachelor of Science in Cyber Security
* 3 specializations available
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Maryville University Bachelor Online Bachelor's in Management Information Systems request info
Capella University Bachelor Online Bachelor of Science in Information Technology - Information Assurance and Cybersecurity request info
Utica College Graduate Certificate Online Certificate in Cyber Security
* Bachelors degree required - 7 specializations available
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Utica College Master Online Master of Science in Cybersecurity
* 5 specializations available
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Arizona State University Master Online Master of Arts in EMHS - Cyber Security Policy and Management
* US News #1 in the nation for Innovation - Forbes Best Value College.
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Southern New Hampshire University Master Online MS in Cyber Security
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Syracuse University Master Online Master of Science in Cybersecurity
* Complete in 15 months without relocating
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Maryville University Master Online Master of Science in Cyber Security
* Graduate in as few as 18 months
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Capella University Master Online Master of Science in Information Assurance and Cybersecurity
* 3 specializations available
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Georgetown University Master Online Master of Professional Studies in Technology Management request info
University of California - Berkeley Master Online Master of Information and Cybersecurity
* GRE/GMAT scores required for admittance
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Capella University Doctorate Online Doctor of Philosophy in Information Technology or Doctor of Information Technology - Information Assurance and Cybersecurity request info
University of California, Berkeley Short Course UC Berkeley Data Science for Executives - online short course request info
Harvard VPAL Short Course Cybersecurity: Managing Risk in the Information Age - online short course request info
Massachusetts Institute of Technology Short Course MIT Sloan Artificial Intelligence: Implications for Business Strategy online program request info
Massachusetts Institute of Technology Short Course MIT Sloan Blockchain Technologies: Business Innovation and Application online program request info
Saïd Business School, University of Oxford Short Course Oxford Fintech Programme: 10 weeks, online. Learn more. request info

Security Analyst vs. Security Administrator

Confused about the difference between a Security Analyst and a Security Administrator? Analysts and Administrators are peers, but they do not have the same job responsibilities.

  • Security Analysts are responsible for analyzing data and recommending changes to higher ups. But they are usually not the ones responsible for authorizing and implementing changes. Their main job is keeping attackers out.
  • Security Administrators ensure that systems are working as designed. Unlike analysts, they make changes, apply patches and set up new admin users. Their main job is keeping systems up.

In both cases, the immediate supervisor is usually a Security Manager.

Security Analyst Career Paths

The next logical career steps for a Security Analyst include:

  • Security Architect
  • Security Engineer
  • Security Manager
  • Security Consultant

From there, you can work your way towards becoming a:

  • Security Director
  • CISO

Similar Jobs

The role of “Security Analyst” encompasses job titles such as:

  • Data Security Analyst
  • Information System Security Analyst
  • IT Security Analyst

Security Analyst Salaries

According to Payscale, the median salary for a Security Analyst is $67,296 per year (2018 figures). Overall, you can expect to take home a total pay of $42,391 – $101,091. This includes your base annual salary, bonuses, profit sharing, tips, commissions, overtime pay and other forms of cash earnings, as applicable.

Security Analyst Job Requirements

Work Experience

This will depend on the complexity of your organization’s security needs. The majority of job postings ask for 1-5 years of experience. Many folks with 5+ years of experience don’t want the stress of working as an Incident Responder and will opt for a lifelong career as an analyst instead. Employers are usually happy to accept them.

Degree Requirements

There is no firm and fast degree requirement for Security Analysts. Nevertheless, most employers are going to be looking for a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Cyber Security or a related field.

Having said that, there are a lot of current analysts who have gone through weird and wonderful routes. If you don’t have a technical degree, you may be able to impress hiring agencies with experience, training and certifications.

Hard Skills

Consider honing your technical skills in:

  • IDS/IPS, penetration and vulnerability testing
  • DLP, anti-virus and anti-malware
  • TCP/IP, computer networking, routing and switching
  • Firewall and intrusion detection/prevention protocols
  • Windows, UNIX and Linux operating systems
  • Network protocols and packet analysis tools
  • C, C++, C#, Java or PHP programming languages
  • Cloud computing
  • SaaS models
  • Security Information and Event Management (SIEM)

Soft Skills

Soft skills like writing, teaching and public speaking are equally important. As part of your job, you’ll be expected to draft policies, talk over issues with upper management and explain how your security plans fit into the larger corporate picture.

Overall, analysts are expected to be curious, creative thinkers who are deeply interested in the latest security developments and tools.

Certifications for Security Analysts

Security certifications look good on résumés, but they’re not always necessary for certain positions – check the job requirements. In addition, some of these certifications (e.g. CISSP) require a number of years of experience:

  • CEH: Certified Ethical Hacker
  • ECSA: EC-Council Certified Security Analyst
  • GSEC / GCIH / GCIA: GIAC Security Certifications
  • CISSP: Certified Information Systems Security Professional
Note: Take a look at our Guide to Cyber Security Certifications for more information and advice.

School Rankings

  • Top Schools
  • Top 18 Online Cybersecurity Bachelors Degrees
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Useful Resources

  • Moving From General IT Jobs Into Cyber
  • Free Online Cyber Security Courses (MOOCs)
  • A Quick Guide to Security Clearances
  • A Guide to Cyber Security Certifications
  • Government Cyber Security Careers
  • Internet Safety for College Students
  • The Big List of Cyber Security Resources

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