An information security analyst oversees an organization’s computer networks and systems. They use analytical skills to identify flaws in a company’s digital security system, which helps keep its sensitive and proprietary information secure. They also use this mined data to recommend various network security and efficiency strategies. In the event of a system breach, an information security analyst leads company efforts to counter such entry and prevent one from occurring again. These efforts can either thwart a breach or minimize the damage it causes.

It is a given that technology is constantly changing. This includes the hardware and software needed for data transmission, storage, analysis, encryption, and beyond. The effectiveness of an information security analyst depends largely on keeping up-to-date with both current and emerging security systems and cyber attack strategies. Although these methodologies fluctuate, the underlying mission of keeping a company’s vital information safe remains constant.

Information security analysts typically do the following: Monitor their organization's networks for security breaches and investigate when one occurs. Use and maintain software, such as firewalls and data encryption programs, to protect sensitive information.

An information security analyst protects an organisation's computer networks, systems, and databases from cyber-attacks and data breaches. 

An information security analyst’s job description might specifically include:

·       Detecting, monitoring, and mediating various aspects of security—including physical security, software security, and network security

·       Performing compliance control testing

·       Developing recommendations and training programmes to minimise security risk in the company

·       Being aware of evolving threats in cyber security space by communicating with external sources

·       Collaborating with other teams and management within a company to implement best security practices

• Protecting Systems and Networks: Information security analysts implement and maintain security measures like firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and data encryption software. They also keep these systems up-to-date and functioning properly.
• Identifying Vulnerabilities: Security analysts constantly assess an organization's IT infrastructure for weaknesses. This involves penetration testing (ethical hacking) to simulate cyberattacks and identify potential entry points for malicious actors.
• Security Monitoring and Analysis: They monitor network activity for suspicious behavior that might indicate a security breach. They'll investigate security incidents, analyze the root cause, and take steps to contain the damage.
• Security Policy Development: Information security analysts may also help develop and implement security policies and procedures to ensure employees understand best practices for protecting sensitive information. This can include data handling protocols and user awareness training programs.
• Incident Response: In the event of a security breach, information security analysts play a crucial role in the response effort. They'll help isolate the breach, recover lost data, and implement measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Pursuing a career as an information security analyst may be attractive to anyone who has always had an intense interest in learning how things work, to the point of taking gizmos and computers apart and putting them back together. While this could be the spark that eventually ignites an interest in a technology career, the typical journey to become an information security analyst is one that’s built on a combination of focused education and experience.

Most positions for information security analysts require a bachelor’s degree in a computer- or technology-related field. These undergraduate degrees can stem from generalized programs such as computer science or programming, or they can be linked to programs pointed toward the security elements of the computer world, such as a Bachelor’s of Science in Cybersecurity.

Those who wish to take a deeper dive into computer-based security on an undergraduate level may want to pursue a degree like a Bachelor’s of Science in Management Information Systems. This type of education can help students apply their developing computer security skills in a business management context — a role that goes beyond the realm of spotting a bug or virus or learning the latest computer security techniques.

While a degree may help students stand out in the job market, it is recommended that potential candidates add experience to their résumé. Typically, an intermediate-level security analyst position requires several years of experience in information security, although some employers may accept experience gained in a computer-related field. This type of on-the-job experience demonstrates to potential employers that candidates know how to apply their knowledge in real-world situations, which makes hiring the candidate more viable.

As is the case with most careers in the technology industry, a key element of on-the-job experience is focused on staying abreast of newly emerging technologies and methods in cybersecurity. These advances can range from state-of-the-art firewall systems, to new strategies built around incident responses. 

In addition to keeping current with cyber safety issues, it’s equally important to keep abreast of the latest developments on the other side of the equation, i.e., the cyber attack side. Malevolent attempts to penetrate computer networks and systems, such as malware implementation and denial of service (DoS) attacks, are constantly taking on new appearances. It’s up to information security analysts to be up to the task for taking on these new versions and variants.

One of the best ways for information system analysts to keep up with the constantly changing face of cybersecurity is to pursue certifications. Some employers require that job candidates — and even current employees — possess specialized technology certifications, as these provide further validation of a candidate’s skill set and core competencies.

Some credentials, such as Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), reflect knowledge in general information security. However, there are other specialized certifications that indicate that a professional has deeper knowledge of a specific aspect of cybersecurity. 

Although it does take years of on-the-job experience to work up to becoming an information security analyst, it may be faster with an advanced degree like a Master’s in Cybersecurity. A program such as this typically merges academic coursework with practical work experience in a business environment. This experience component not only helps refine skills associated with cybersecurity, but also helps to gain insight into the business side of the profession. Exposure may include real-world case studies and analysis of the legal ramifications of the profession.