How to become a System Security Analyst

How to become a System Security Analyst

How to become a System Security Analyst
Sahil Dahal

The need for computer security arose before the internet was created in the 1960s. Businesses have begun to employ passwords to protect their systems from unwanted users. System security is now developed, tested, integrated, run, and maintained by system security analysts.

Data is one of the most valuable assets in today's digital age. Every corporate organisation's systems include sensitive data that could result in significant adjustments. Depending on one's skills, a system security analyst may work in a single department or a multi-departmental team to perform security tests, identify gaps, and build programs to close such loopholes.

Here is an article on "How to Become a System Security Analyst" if you believe you are qualified.

Who is a System Security Analyst?

Systems security analysts are computer experts. They evaluate data, software, and hardware threats from administrative, physical, and technical security hazards. 

They work to identify, stop, or lessen the effects of security lapses and worries. Students specialising in system security analysis often pursue careers in computer hardware and software rather than programming. 

Security analysts can operate on a variety of computers and information networks. They can be found wherever vast amounts of data are being kept, exchanged, or used by a computer, including business databases, banking networks, office networks, and military intelligence. 

An experienced security analyst will likely know about advanced hardware, software, data management, and storage concepts.

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What are the roles and responsibilities of a System Security Analyst?

  • Develop strategies to protect computer files and meet emergency data processing requirements. 
  • Limit access to data and collaborate with privacy officers to safeguard private data as required by law.
  • Assist authorized users in avoiding actions that could jeopardize the privacy, integrity, or availability of data. 
  • Prevent hackers from disabling computers or seeing, altering, or erasing data on servers and media.
  • Ensure the use of cybersecurity-enabled products or other compensating security control technologies to minimize identified risks to an acceptable level. 
  • Conduct vulnerability testing and security assessments on technology infrastructure. 
  • Design, implement, and maintain security infrastructure such as antivirus software, firewalls, VPN devices, intrusion detection systems, and authentication systems 
  • Develop and update security procedures for fast response to security alerts.
  • Monitor security alerts and events and respond following defined security processes. 
  • Acquire threat intelligence for better understanding and protection against threat actors. 
  • Conduct security audits and manage security documentation

Qualities to Be a System Security Analyst 

Attention to detail: One must be accountable for accuracy to prevent mistakes when working on a computer system if one chooses to pursue a job as a system security analyst. These characteristics undoubtedly significantly impact a system security analyst's profession. He/she should have an eye for detail and exercise diligence regarding accuracy.

Numerical ability: System security analysts must deal with many numbers in their careers, including costs, anticipated hazards, and uncertainties. Although system security analyst roles do not require core mathematical knowledge, estimates must be relaxed and secure.

Technical skills: System security analysts must thoroughly understand computer programming, applications, and related technologies. Technical expertise is the knowledge and information needed to carry out the duties of a system security analyst. These abilities are helpful and typically relate to technological, mathematical, or scientific tasks performed by system security analysts during their work.

Organising skills: A system security analyst must possess organisational skills along with the capacity to maintain focus on daily tasks. One must constantly be aware of all software, data, and network structures. To maximise efficiency, a system security analyst must be able to organise the work and provide room for research and analysis.

Detail-oriented: Most of the work done by security analysts involves looking at minute details, such as lines of computer code or network commands. They should have an eye for detail, as small changes may significantly impact the system.

Steps to Become a Successful System Security Analyst

  • Build a solid computer science and mathematics foundation during high school.
  • Pursue a bachelor's degree in computer science, cybersecurity, information security, or a related field.
  • Focus more on technology-related coursework
  • Pursue internships and apprenticeships to gain initial job experience.
  • Enrol in cybersecurity boot camps, coding boot camps, cybersecurity online courses, or other online IT courses
  • Build on the job experience through initial placement and entry-level security analyst positions that will help you hone your technical skills as an analyst and gain leadership experience.  
  • Become licensed and pursue professional, industry-recognized certification
  • Supplement your academic education by pursuing a master’s degree in system analysis, cyber security, software engineering, computer engineering or related field. 

Degree Programs for System Security Analyst

Bachelor’s degree programs

B.Sc. in Systems and Network Administration

B.Sc. in Computer Science

Bachelor of Science in Mathematics, Computers, and Statistics

Bachelor of Science in Computer Maintenance & Electronics

Bachelor of Computer Applications

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science Statistics

B.E. in Computer Engineering

B.Tech. in Computer Science

Master’s degree program

Master of Science in Computer Science

Master of Science in Statistics and Computer Applications

Master of Technology in Computer Science

Master of Science in IT Security Management

M.Sc. in Computer Security

Master of Science in Cyber Security

Master of Science in Cryptography and Computer Security

Salary of a System Security Analyst

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Systems security analysts' salaries vary depending on their level of education, level of experience, and the responsibilities they handle. Here is a list of country-wise annual salaries for a system security analyst.

Country

Average annual income of a System Security Analyst

USA

$77,474

United Kingdom

£31,856

Australia 

AU$77,842

Canada 

C$65,938

India 

₹584,130

China 

¥318613

Russia

2,000,000₽

France 

€41,311

Germany

€62,000

Advantages and Disadvantages of Becoming a System Security Analyst

Advantages

  • Handsome salaries
  • Plethora of opportunities due to job availability in various sectors
  • System security analysts are in high demand
  • Opportunities for freelancing
  • Career advancement opportunities are common
  • Job security and excellent working conditions

Disadvantages:

  • Many jobs require on-call or demanding hours
  • Requires a high level of technical and industry-specific knowledge
  • Staying up to date in technology requires constant learning
  • Tasks may be repetitive and boring
  • High-stress situations in response to security breaches
  • Freelancers or contract employees may require frequent travelling
  • Desk jobs are associated with various health issues, including back and posture issues.

Career as a System Security Analyst

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Many businesses employ consulting organisations to handle security duties. However, they still require internal staff to guarantee consultancy agreements function as planned. Internal compliance plays a significant role in the majority of in-house employment. This has to do with privacy compliance and auditing. The best and most innovative systems security analysts become “pen testers.” They conduct penetration tests (intentionally cracking the systems) to find security holes.

Core competencies/Specialization

  • Computer Network Defense
  • Data Privacy and Protection
  • Encryption
  • Identity Management
  • Information Assurance
  • Information Systems/Network Security
  • Information Technology Assessment
  • Infrastructure Design
  • Legal, Government, and Jurisprudence
  • Operating Systems
  • Risk Management
  • Software Development
  • System Administration
  • Systems Integration
  • Systems Testing and Evaluation
  • Telecommunications
  • Vulnerability Assessment

Job Titles

  • Information Assurance Security Officer
  • Information Assurance Operational Engineer
  • Information Systems Security Engineer
  • Information Systems Security Manager
  • Information Systems Security Officer (ISSO)
  • Network Security Vulnerability Technician (NSVT)
  • Information Security Analyst / Administrator
  • Security Analyst
  • Security Engineer
  • Information Technology Specialist
  • Computer Specialist
  • System Engineer
  • Systems Security Analyst
  • Cybersecurity Specialist / Analyst
  • Senior Information Technology Systems Analyst
  • Network Field Operations

How to Become a System Security Analyst: FAQs

Is system security analysis a rewarding profession? 

System security analysts are renowned in all IT marketplaces for being masters of all trades. They should be familiar with various software and hardware, including networks, servers, programming, and security. However, a lack of professional development presents a barrier for some system administrators.

What is the nature of employment for a system security analyst? 

The nature of a system security analyst’s job is both contractual and permanent. To succeed in the profession, they must work well in teams inside organisations. A system security analyst can also be hired temporarily, although usually permanently.

What does a Windows system administrator do? 

Windows administrators, also known as Windows systems administrators, are in charge of setting up, maintaining, and updating servers and systems based on the Windows operating system.

Additionally, they handle data privacy, configure user access, and ensure system reliability.

Do you require a degree to work as a system security analyst? 

Most companies prefer candidates with an undergraduate degree in computer science or a closely related field. However, in some circumstances, an associate's or certificate is sufficient, while some positions require a postgraduate degree.

What are the types of system security analysts?

The types of system security analysts are as follows:

  • Network administrator 
  • Computer programmer 
  • Computer systems engineer.

What are the requirements for a system security analyst's job? 

The majority of system security analysts work regular business hours. They perform their duties in offices equipped with advanced information technology. They may be required to work extra hours in events such as security breaches. They may be required to be on call in case of an emergency or digital security alert within their firm.

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