How to Become a Security Analyst

Step 1: Understand the job description and responsibilities of a Security Analyst

What does a Security Analyst do?

The Corporate Safety & Security Senior Analyst compiles data and analyzes results of audits, inspections, daily logs, and incident reports to assess security vulnerabilities, measure program effectiveness, and identify the need for additional resources. Administers, coordinates, and evaluates security programs that support the strategy, policies, and standards established for the physical safety of all visitors, employees, or customers to the organization's facilities and the security of property and assets. Being a Corporate Safety & Security Senior Analyst assists with the development of training, education programs, and communications on security policies and topics to ensure staff is prepared for potential security issues, crisis response, disaster recovery, evacuation, workplace violence, and other emergency events. Coordinates any required security clearance processing or investigative research for employees or job candidates with applicable entities. In addition, Corporate Safety & Security Senior Analyst monitors communications and stays informed about local, state, provincial, or federal security-related information, directives, and events. May coordinate or assist with investigations and critical event responses in coordination with law enforcement and other officials. Understands law enforcement methods, tactics, and procedures. Typically requires a bachelor's degree or equivalent. Typically reports to a head of a unit/department. Being a Corporate Safety & Security Senior Analyst work is highly independent. May assume a team lead role for the work group. A specialist on complex technical and business matters. Working as a Corporate Safety & Security Senior Analyst typically requires 7+ years of related experience.

People's Opinions on Security Analyst responsibilities

Security Administrators - ensure that systems are working as designed by making changes, applying patches and setting up new admin users.

10/28/2019: Modesto, CA

Information security analysts focus on three main areas.

10/01/2019: Monterey, CA

This works with improving the security of its computer data and improving network and server efficiency.

11/30/2019: Santa Cruz, CA

Information security analysts often work for consulting firms, financial and business companies, or computer companies.

11/01/2019: Nashua, NH

A information security analyst reviews computer security violations and often time addresses procedures with the violators to prevent repeated offenses.

11/24/2019: Altoona, PA
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Step 2: Learn best tips to become a Security Analyst

Best tips for those who want to become a Security Analyst

Here are some tips to become a Security Analyst.

People's Opinions on best tips

Improve your underlying IT knowledge.

12/20/2019: Rapid City, SD

Study for an industry qualification.

12/01/2019: Columbia, SC

Create your own test environment.

11/16/2019: Madison, WI

Network with prospective employers.

12/17/2019: Augusta, GA

Obtain relevant work experience.

11/12/2019: Raleigh, NC
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Step 3: View best colleges and universities for Security Analyst

Best colleges and universities for Security Analyst

  • SUNY College of Technology--Alfred
  • Manhattan College
  • Pennsylvania College of Technology
  • SUNY College of Technology--Delhi
  • Vermont Technical College
  • Tuskegee University

Step 4: Think about whether is it worth to be a Security Analyst

Is being a Security Analyst Worth it?

People's Opinions on lifestyles

A security analyst will often work for tech companies, financial firms, or consulting firms.

12/07/2019: Amarillo, TX

Instead of just analyzing log data, the analyst can reconstruct the full network down to the packet-level to see who was talking to whom and which protocols were in use.

11/07/2019: Abilene, TX

Security analysts and security engineers both work in the security department, but their roles are very different.

10/06/2019: Pueblo, CO

Security analysts often have at least a few years of experience within the industry.

10/21/2019: Youngstown, OH

Senior analysts may have decades of experience and may operate strictly as experts and consultants.

11/20/2019: Trenton, NJ
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Step 5: Prepare relevant skills for being a Security Analyst

What skills do you need to be a Security Analyst?

There are skills required to succeed in every role, and this one is no different.  Strategic knowledge of the follow skills will be required: Access Control.  Your ability to stand out from the competition depends on these skills, as well as your resume, interview, and other factors.

People's Opinions on Security Analyst skills

Security for Hackers and Developers Get your Skill IQ.

10/09/2019: Asheville, NC

Within a Security Operations Center (SOC), security analysts typically work at one of three levels depending on experience.

10/16/2019: Jackson, MS

Level 2 analysts should be able to attribute suspicious activity to specific threats.

11/27/2019: Phoenix, AZ

Highly experienced Level 3 analysts undertake detailed analysis and forensic investigation on cyberthreats.

12/22/2019: Green Bay, WI

As you trawl through log records, you should be able to quickly identify suspicious or dangerous activity, having mastered the security fundamentals.

11/03/2019: Fort Wayne, IN
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Step 6: View average salary for Security Analyst

How much does a Security Analyst make?

The average salary range for a Security Analyst is from $79,600 to $117,800. The salary will change depending on your location, job level, experience, education, and skills.

Salary range for a Security Analyst
$79,600 to $117,800

Step 7: Find relevant Security Analyst jobs, and apply.

Looking for Security Analyst jobs?

Here are some Security Analyst jobs in the United States.

Search Security Analyst Jobs in the United States

Step 8: Explore Career Path of Security Analyst

Step 8: Explore Career Path of Security Analyst? Corporate Safety & Security Senior Analyst