How to Become a Security Analyst?

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Physical security isn’t the only protection an organization needs. As cyber security threats become prevalent, safeguarding an organization’s data has also gained prime importance these days. Here, the role of Security Analysts comes into play. They ensure that a company’s data and network are protected from external access. A career in Cyber Security can be extremely rewarding. If you are passionate about building a career in the IT sector, then this is a great career to consider. This blog covers this career profile in detail. Check out the skills required , eligibility, courses, colleges and scope here.

Who is a Security Analyst?

A security analyst is responsible for protecting the security of a company’s data. A security analyst should be aware of every aspect of Information Technology (IT). They are responsible for maintaining relations with business administrators and communicating about the shortcomings in the security system.

Skills Required

  • IT Knowledge: A deep understanding of Information Technology is essential to becoming a security analyst. Strong knowledge of Networking is important too. Security analysts should keep themselves updated with the latest information technology practices.
  • Analytical Thinking: You must be logical and possess problem-solving skills. Cybersecurity vulnerability is common and why hackers gain access to a company’s sensitive data. So a person with analytical thinking will do the part here because before making any decision, they’ll analyze every aspect of the information. 
  • Communication Skills: You must be able to explain and convey complex procedures in simple ways. Ensuring that all the employees understand the cyber security measures is a big task. So effective communication is a must.
  • Detail Oriented: Being a Security Analyst is a complex job. So focusing on even the smallest details is important.
  • Documentation and Writing Skills: You’re also required to document your tasks and processes. You must be able to write with clarity and in detail to make it easy for other employees to understand.

Also Read: These Critical Thinking Skills Will Redefine Your Future

Job Responsibilities of a Security Analyst

  1. The typical responsibility of a security analyst is to use their skills to detect breaches to identify the root cause, test security measures to find out cybersecurity vulnerabilities, install software and ensure all networks have proper security to prevent any threat from foreign entities.
  2. Developing document reports about security policies and recommending changes to the business administrators. 
  3. Conducting and training employees regarding information and security prevention.
  4. Documenting physical and cyber security information.
  5. Collaborating with third parties to meet security requirements.

Guide to Become a Security Analyst

  1. First step is to earn a bachelor’s degree: Interested candidates must first complete a bachelor’s degree program in a related stream such as Computer Science, Information Technology etc.
  2. Gain experience: You will have to start gaining experience in an entry-level position in a relevant sector. It will help you gain necessary practical experience while also sharpening your technical skills.
  3. Attain certifications: There are a number of certifications available that will help you acquire the necessary skills for this career. Since the study materials and exams for most of these are available online, you can acquire these while working as well.
  4. Pursue a master’s degree: Once you have started your career as a Security Analyst, you can consider pursuing a master’s degree in the field. Depending on the career path that you choose, you may want to choose between a technical or a management degree to advance your career.

Eligibility/Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, information assurance, programming, or a related field or MBA in Information Systems.
  • Graduates do not need to hold a degree in Information Security Analysis. Entry-level jobs may require a certification or associate degree.
  • Relevant work experience. Many bachelor’s degrees provide the students with internships as a credit to offer them experience in the field.

Top Universities/Colleges

University/College Country Courses offered
Northeastern University US Masters of Science Cybersecurity
King’s College London UK Advanced CyberSecurity MSc, PG Diploma, PG Certificate Online
Emlyon Business School France MSc in Cybersecurity and Defense Management
Linnaeus University Sweden Network Security Programme

Courses

  1. Ethical Hacking
  2. Penetration Testing
  3. Intrusion Prevention
  4. Incident Response
  5. Computer Forensics
  6. Reverse Engineering

Also Read: Best Engineering Courses For Future

Certifications for Security Analyst

  1. Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
  2. CompTIA Network+
  3. Certified Penetration Tester (CPT)
  4. CWAPT
  5. Certified Reverse Engineering Analyst (CREA)
  6. CompTIA’s Network+
  7. CompTIA’s Security+
  8. CompTIACybersecurity Analyst
  9. CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner
  10. CompTIA Security Analytics Expert certification
  11. The EC-Council Certified Ethical Hacker Certification
  12. Certified Security Analyst Training
  13. The GIAC Information Security Fundamentals
  14. The GIAC Security Essentials Certification
  15. Certified Information Systems Security Professional

Duration

Degree Duration
Bachelor’s degrees in Cyber Security  3-4 years
Master’s courses in Cyber Security  1-2 years
PhD programmes in Cyber Security 3-5 years

Scope

According to The US Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Information Security Analyst’s Outlook, cybersecurity jobs are among the fastest-growing career areas in the US. According to BLS, cybersecurity jobs are expected to grow 31% through 2029.

Job Profiles

  1. Application Security Analyst
  2. Data Security Analyst
  3. Security Compliance Analyst
  4. Information Security Analyst
  5. Cyber Security Analyst

Top Recruiters

Company  Average Annual Salary
EY INR 10 Lakhs
Apple INR 1 cr
Deloitte INR 60 Lakhs
Intel INR 90 Lakhs
Wipro INR 7 Lakhs
Bank of America INR 60 Lakhs
Cisco Systems INR 75 Lakhs
American Express INR 75 Lakhs

Top Countries for Security Analysts

The average salary in India per year is INR 5.45 Lakhs. Singapore is the highest paying country for Security Analysts.

Country  Average Annual Salary
UK INR 35 Lakhs
USA INR 78 Lakhs
France INR 50 Lakhs
Singapore INR 48 Lakhs
Canada INR 60 Lakhs
Australia AUD 113,000 (~INR 61.50 Lakhs)

Also Read: Trending Courses After Engineering That You Must Consider

FAQs

Can I become a Security Analyst after 12th Arts in India?

Yes, you can pursue a cyber security course. You’ll be required to go for the BCA cyber security. You are required to pass their 12th in any stream with a minimum aggregate score of 50%. In some cases, the candidates need to have English and Math as compulsory subjects. (Tramadol) Entrance examinations such as SET, IPU CET, PESSAT, etc are also common.

Does a Security Analyst need to know how to code?

Yes, a security analyst must have coding knowledge.

Physical security isn’t the only protection an organization needs. As cyber security threats become prevalent, safeguarding an organization’s data has also gained prime importance these days. Here, the role of Security Analysts comes into play. They ensure that a company’s data and network are protected from external access. A career in Cyber Security can be extremely rewarding. If you are passionate about building a career in the IT sector, then this is a great career to consider. This blog covers this career profile in detail. Check out the skills required , eligibility, courses, colleges and scope here.

Who is a Security Analyst?

A security analyst is responsible for protecting the security of a company’s data. A security analyst should be aware of every aspect of Information Technology (IT). They are responsible for maintaining relations with business administrators and communicating about the shortcomings in the security system.

Skills Required

  • IT Knowledge: A deep understanding of Information Technology is essential to becoming a security analyst. Strong knowledge of Networking is important too. Security analysts should keep themselves updated with the latest information technology practices.
  • Analytical Thinking: You must be logical and possess problem-solving skills. Cybersecurity vulnerability is common and why hackers gain access to a company’s sensitive data. So a person with analytical thinking will do the part here because before making any decision, they’ll analyze every aspect of the information. 
  • Communication Skills: You must be able to explain and convey complex procedures in simple ways. Ensuring that all the employees understand the cyber security measures is a big task. So effective communication is a must.
  • Detail Oriented: Being a Security Analyst is a complex job. So focusing on even the smallest details is important.
  • Documentation and Writing Skills: You’re also required to document your tasks and processes. You must be able to write with clarity and in detail to make it easy for other employees to understand.

Also Read: These Critical Thinking Skills Will Redefine Your Future

Job Responsibilities of a Security Analyst

  1. The typical responsibility of a security analyst is to use their skills to detect breaches to identify the root cause, test security measures to find out cybersecurity vulnerabilities, install software and ensure all networks have proper security to prevent any threat from foreign entities.
  2. Developing document reports about security policies and recommending changes to the business administrators. 
  3. Conducting and training employees regarding information and security prevention.
  4. Documenting physical and cyber security information.
  5. Collaborating with third parties to meet security requirements.

Guide to Become a Security Analyst

  1. First step is to earn a bachelor’s degree: Interested candidates must first complete a bachelor’s degree program in a related stream such as Computer Science, Information Technology etc.
  2. Gain experience: You will have to start gaining experience in an entry-level position in a relevant sector. It will help you gain necessary practical experience while also sharpening your technical skills.
  3. Attain certifications: There are a number of certifications available that will help you acquire the necessary skills for this career. Since the study materials and exams for most of these are available online, you can acquire these while working as well.
  4. Pursue a master’s degree: Once you have started your career as a Security Analyst, you can consider pursuing a master’s degree in the field. Depending on the career path that you choose, you may want to choose between a technical or a management degree to advance your career.

Eligibility/Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, information assurance, programming, or a related field or MBA in Information Systems.
  • Graduates do not need to hold a degree in Information Security Analysis. Entry-level jobs may require a certification or associate degree.
  • Relevant work experience. Many bachelor’s degrees provide the students with internships as a credit to offer them experience in the field.

Top Universities/Colleges

University/College Country Courses offered
Northeastern University US Masters of Science Cybersecurity
King’s College London UK Advanced CyberSecurity MSc, PG Diploma, PG Certificate Online
Emlyon Business School France MSc in Cybersecurity and Defense Management
Linnaeus University Sweden Network Security Programme

Courses

  1. Ethical Hacking
  2. Penetration Testing
  3. Intrusion Prevention
  4. Incident Response
  5. Computer Forensics
  6. Reverse Engineering

Also Read: Best Engineering Courses For Future

Certifications for Security Analyst

  1. Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
  2. CompTIA Network+
  3. Certified Penetration Tester (CPT)
  4. CWAPT
  5. Certified Reverse Engineering Analyst (CREA)
  6. CompTIA’s Network+
  7. CompTIA’s Security+
  8. CompTIACybersecurity Analyst
  9. CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner
  10. CompTIA Security Analytics Expert certification
  11. The EC-Council Certified Ethical Hacker Certification
  12. Certified Security Analyst Training
  13. The GIAC Information Security Fundamentals
  14. The GIAC Security Essentials Certification
  15. Certified Information Systems Security Professional

Duration

Degree Duration
Bachelor’s degrees in Cyber Security  3-4 years
Master’s courses in Cyber Security  1-2 years
PhD programmes in Cyber Security 3-5 years

Scope

According to The US Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Information Security Analyst’s Outlook, cybersecurity jobs are among the fastest-growing career areas in the US. According to BLS, cybersecurity jobs are expected to grow 31% through 2029.

Job Profiles

  1. Application Security Analyst
  2. Data Security Analyst
  3. Security Compliance Analyst
  4. Information Security Analyst
  5. Cyber Security Analyst

Top Recruiters

Company  Average Annual Salary
EY INR 10 Lakhs
Apple INR 1 cr
Deloitte INR 60 Lakhs
Intel INR 90 Lakhs
Wipro INR 7 Lakhs
Bank of America INR 60 Lakhs
Cisco Systems INR 75 Lakhs
American Express INR 75 Lakhs

Top Countries for Security Analysts

The average salary in India per year is INR 5.45 Lakhs. Singapore is the highest paying country for Security Analysts.

Country  Average Annual Salary
UK INR 35 Lakhs
USA INR 78 Lakhs
France INR 50 Lakhs
Singapore INR 48 Lakhs
Canada INR 60 Lakhs
Australia AUD 113,000 (~INR 61.50 Lakhs)

Also Read: Trending Courses After Engineering That You Must Consider

FAQs

Can I become a Security Analyst after 12th Arts in India?

Yes, you can pursue a cyber security course. You’ll be required to go for the BCA cyber security. You are required to pass their 12th in any stream with a minimum aggregate score of 50%. In some cases, the candidates need to have English and Math as compulsory subjects. (Tramadol) Entrance examinations such as SET, IPU CET, PESSAT, etc are also common.

Does a Security Analyst need to know how to code?

Yes, a security analyst must have coding knowledge.

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