Security is paramount for business success, and this is why positions as a security analyst are increasing globally. Security analysts are the backbone for a business’ online security, privacy, and protection of customer information. These professionals secure networks and prevent future cyber threats from obtaining unauthorized access to internal resources.

Job Description: What Does a Security Analyst Do?

There are two types of security analysts: the type that prevent attacks and threats to resources, and the type that responds to threats after a successful cyber attack. A security analyst provides the former services. It’s increasingly more difficult to defend against cyber threats since new viruses, Trojans and other types of attacks are created every day. A security analyst understands the foundation for these threats and helps businesses create documentation and procedures that defend against all forms of Internet attacks.

Security Analyst Job Responsibilities and Duties

A security analyst has several tasks and responsibilities each day. Your main responsibility will be to protect the network and create procedures that each IT employee must follow to ensure the best security. You must also provide insight on any current software or hardware that needs upgrades patching.

Most hackers attack files such as private documentation and backups. Your responsibilities require security of these files and any other sensitive digital assets. You’ll need to actively monitor all equipment and have the experience to know when suspicious activity occurs on the network.

Some of your other responsibilities include:

  • Create specific protocols that audit file changes such as updates, deletion, additions and moving
  • Penetration testing and monitoring of current digital assets
  • Perform risk analysis to identify any security issues that could lead to lost or stolen data
  • Monitor current security alerts to patch software such as operating systems with the latest versions
  • Prevent intrusions using current security hardware and software
  • Identify security breaches and take action to stop them and prevent them in the future
  • Implement the right software and hardware into current and future network environments
  • Define enterprise level security policies and actively enforce these procedures
  • Train employees to understand security and implement the right strategies
  • Work with law enforcement and vendors to manage security threats

These are a few responsibilities for security analysts, but you could have others depending on the corporation. Most of these responsibilities require years of experience, so applicants will probably need previous positions in the same field before taking a security analyst’s responsibilities. You can start with other positions that give you a foundation and work your way up to a security analyst position.

First, a security administrator position has some of the same tasks as a security analyst. The difference is that a security analyst must be able to perform root cause analysis and create policies that administrators must follow. Even desktop support or network administration gives you some of the experience you need as a security analyst.