Security is important in high-profile technology companies and large business enterprise environments. As cyber terrorism continues to rise, so does the requirement for information security analysts in companies, says Prof Hemant Kumar Jain
With the rise in the number of hackers and data breaches throughout companies and Government organisations, there’s a greater need to keep private and top-secret entropy safe from cyber attacks. That’s where information security analysts come into the picture. A security analyst is accountable for maintaining the security and integrity of data. They have to have an understanding of every aspect of information security within the company. Their main job is to examine the security measures of an organisation and find out how valuable they are. They are responsible for implementing training required to teach staff on proper security measures both offline and online.
Scope
Data has become the lifeblood of corporate liveliness. Any turnaround of cyber affluence can hold responsible for the company’s reputation, or wipe out company’s resources. Therefore, there is a high requirement for precisely schooled and certified security analysts even in a time of economic slowdown.
The Bureau of labor Statistics anticipates network systems and data communications analyst positions to spring up at a high rate in the coming years.
The federal Government, which adjoins an excessive amount of sensitive data, is the drawing card in security professional hiring. Security is very important in high-profile technology companies and large enterprise business environments. As terrorism continues to increase, so does the requirement for security analyst in companies.
Skills
People who want to work in this particular area need strong problem-solving and analytical skills and proper understanding of computer systems. Information security analysts must be familiar with security rules and principles. The individual should also have the following qualities to step further in this particular profession.
Serious thinking: Using logic and reasoning to recognise the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or access to the problems.
Active listening: Giving full interest to what other people are saying, bringing time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate and not interrupting at unfortunate times.
Management skills: Consider the relative costs and benefits of probable actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Systems analysis: Finding out how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations,and the surroundings will affect outcomes.
Job Prospects
Information security analysts work in a multiple number of positions within computer organisation, consulting firms and financial institutions. Employers often invite their analysts to supervise networks for the smallest of security gaps. Security specialists also identify, explore and counterbalance cyber threats as the breaches occur. Specialised analysts install and use multiple security systems and different types of software, such as data encryption, firewalls, and programmes to secure socket layers.
Other tasks include performing security infiltration testing in which a cyber threat is replicated in order to assess the efficiency and effectiveness of the obtainable network’s security. Security analysts also find the intensities within every aspect of data protection protocols and decide where possible weaknesses can be subjugated.
Eligibility
Most analysts should have a bachelor’s degree in computer science, programming, engineering, management with specialisation in IT etc from a reputed college. Some organisation favours candidates with specialised knowledge of information security, which may be incurred through a formal training. Certain positions require work understanding or advanced degrees, such as MBA in Information Systems.
A number of specialised certified course such as Certified Information Systems Security Professional and Certified Information Security Manager are offered by companies.
Remuneration
The average pay is Rs 4 to Rs 5 lakh per year. Most people with this job move on to other positions after few years of experience. The highest paying skills associated with this job are security risk management and information security and infrastructure.
The author teaches information technology at ERA Business School, Dwarka, New Delhi.