A Security Analyst detects and prevents cyber threats to an organization. That means your job will involve ferreting out weaknesses in your infrastructure (software, hardware, and networks) and finding creative ways to protect your company. In the morning, you might be researching the effectiveness of new security measures. In the afternoon, you might be dealing with an active security threat. In a small organization, you could also be handling Security Administrator tasks.
It can be quite an active & engaging role. Security Analysts often acquire a dizzying array of technical skills and gain plenty of experience in pen testing, intrusion detecting, auditing, and more. Some choose to stay in the job for most of their careers, while others use it as a stepping stone to higher-level opportunities, including top management positions (e.g. CISO).
Security Analyst Job 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
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