IT security is already a paramount concern, and it’s necessity and complexity will only grow in coming years. If you are looking for a career path that provides lucrative and intellectually stimulating opportunities to work with a wide variety of employers, consider becoming an IT security analyst. Your skills will be in demand from day one.
Job Description
IT security analysts work with an organization’s computer networks and systems to identify potential vulnerabilities. It is also common for them to be a part of teams that work to close these vulnerabilities, or respond to issues after a security breach. They are called on to provide short term solutions and long term guidance while adapting their skills to respond to ever-evolving IT security threats. These analysts work for technology companies, larger corporations that have expansive technical infrastructures, public institutions of all sorts, and in consulting roles.
Educational Requirements
IT security analysts typically have undergraduate degrees in computer science or some other computer related field. They gain security expertise by earning certifications like the CompTIA Security+ and Cisco Certified Network Associate. In some cases, these analysts may need to gain security clearance before working on particularly sensitive systems.
Duties
- Develop and implement policies guiding IT usage enterprise-wide.
- Develop controls to safeguard information systems from outside threats
- Stay up to date with changing best practices for IT security
- Conduct internal and external security audits
- Serve as a member of a corporate security response team
- Communicate clearly in oral and written form and be able to thrive in tense environments
Job Outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the 2012 median pay for an IT security analyst was $86,170 per year. In that same year, 75,100 professionals were working in this field. It is estimated that the number of available positions will grow by 37% by 2022, much faster than the average growth for other fields.
Vacant Position
A company in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, Virginia area is looking for an IT security analyst to work with clients at the Department of Defense. Candidates must have experience with DoD clients
and be familiar with the policies and procedures they use to guide IT security. Candidates must also have an active security clearance. To learn more about this opportunity, view our related IT Security Analyst job listing.
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