IT Security Analyst Job Description, Key Duties and Responsibilities

IT Security Analyst Job Description, Key Duties and Responsibilities

If you are looking for information about the job description of an IT security analyst, then you will find this post helpful. You will discover the various duties, tasks, and responsibilities that make up the IT security analyst job. Read on:

What Does an IT Security Analyst Do?

IT security analyst work as a part of a team responsible for the development, implementation, and maintenance of corporate-wide Information Security Policies, Programs, and Standards.

Their job description entails providing technical assistance and expertise in developing, accrediting, and deploying security components protecting against inside and external threats.

IT security analysts work within various sectors of the economy, including IT service providers, banking and financial services, government agencies, and healthcare companies, etc.

They are in charge of supporting the information security processes and Security Management Incident Response Policy.

They perform risk and technical vulnerability assessments, data classification, attack and penetration analysis, policy compliance and communication.

Their role also involves implementing processes to protect data confidentiality, integrity, and availability, as well as maintaining the technical mechanisms that enable these controls.

IT security analysts are responsible for identifying process risks, weaknesses, and controls, making recommendations and plans to address vulnerabilities.
They are also responsible for identifying compliance deficiencies and incidents, documenting the findings, monitoring the remediation, and responsible for their successful closure to increase the security and compliance.

The IT security analyst work description requires them to actively participate or lead projects assigned to the information security team that are in line with information security requirements, and as directed by the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO).

It also involves interacting with technical and business management and personnel to meet business requirements in a secure manner, as well as conducting research on security products to improve the posture of the organization.

The analyst evaluates new products, service offerings, and new internal applications to ensure that information assets are handled in accordance with laws, regulations, and organization’s information security policies.

They research new security tools and applications and assess their applicability to the team’s operational capability.

To become an IT security analyst requires a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or Information Technology, or in a related field.

They also require strong problem solving and analytical skills, excellent communications skill, and strong computer skills to perform their job successfully.

IT Security Analyst Job Description Example/Sample/Template

The IT security analyst performs various functions, including providing support for information security processes, and managing security incidences in the organization.

The typical IT security analyst job description consists majorly of the following tasks, duties, and responsibilities:

• Actively participates in the daily coordination and remediation of all security incidents in the organization
• Oversees the monitoring, investigating, and reporting of security related events
• Creates updates and oversees execution of security assessments and analysis of systems on a daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual basis
• Ensures successful compliance of HIPAA, NIGC, MICS, and PCI within the organization
• Conducts assessment on the security of new applications and programs prior to installation or upgrades
• Responsible for monitoring and responding to alerts within the information technology infrastructure
• Responsible for monitoring and ensuring that end-users adhere to Information Technology policies, standards, and best practices
• Responsible for ensuring that all servers and other IT related equipment is hardened for compliance and/or industry standards
• Ensures that company meets all security standards for internal or external audits
• Ensures that all information technology/service diagrams are up to date and appropriately documented
• Identifies and addresses computer vulnerabilities in internal servers, external servers, and applications
• Oversees the administration, documenting, and monitoring inventory control for all network equipment
• Follows the Security Incident Management Response Policy in responding to security incidents
• Guides the Incident Response Team in handling information security incidents
• Provides quick updates of security incidents to the network operations manager
• Improves information security posture through the application of findings from investigation of security incidents
• Responsible for validating and maintaining incident response plan and processes to address potential threats
• Responsible for the compilation and analysis of data for proper reporting and metrics
• Scans and patches applications when vulnerabilities may be present or released
• Performs daily audits of firewall(s), log management, intrusion detection systems, and content filtering controls
• Ensures all levels of staff are provided with relevant trainings on security matters.

IT Security Analyst Requirements – Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities for Career Success

If you are seeking the IT security analyst job, employers will likely expect you to fulfill specific requirements to be certain that you will be able to perform the purpose, obligations, and objectives of the position successfully.

Shown below are major IT security analyst requirements most recruiters may expect you to meet if you are seeking the position:

• Education: IT security analysts require a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or Information Sciences, or in a similar field from a four-year college or university
• Certification: It is required that IT security analysts are certified. Certifications from accredited bodies, including Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), CISA (Certified Information Security Auditor), GIAC/CISM/CCIE/CCNA, or other specialized security certifications
• Knowledge: They require 5 years of Information Technology experience, including Network Security experience. However the length of time is variable depending on the hiring organization. it is required that they have knowledge of national and international regulatory compliances, standards, and frameworks such as ISO, SOX, and PCI DSS
• They may also be required to possess knowledge of UNIX and Windows operating systems; good knowledge of networking and routing protocols; experience in Penetration Testing and hacking techniques; good understanding and knowledge of security concepts, protocols, processes, architectures, and platforms (authentication and access control technologies, intrusion detection, network traffic analysis, Web Application Firewalls, Encryption and Key Management, SIEM technology, incident handling, media/malware analysis, etc.)
• Computer skills: It is essential that they possess superior computer skills, and be proficient in software applications currently in use by the company
• Communications skill: They require both verbal and written communication skills to communicate with all members of the IT team in a professional manner, and in order to successfully accomplish departmental and company goals
• Presentation skills: IT security analysts must possess the ability to clearly and effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations
• Research skills: Their job requires them to carry out investigations on incidences as well as document findings; hence it is essential that they have the ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions
• Stress management: They must possess the ability to react to high pressure dynamic changing environments in a coordinated and rational manner
• Apt for learning: They must be willing to maintain and update current knowledge of industry best practices for strategy, design, and operational support for information technology security
• It is also important that they are naturally curious people with strong problem solving and analytical skills.

Conclusion

If you are a recruiter or HR manager hiring for the position of an IT security analyst, this post will help you to make a comprehensive description of the role to guide interested individuals in their application.

You are sure to be able to attract the best IT security analysts to your company by using the sample job description provided in this post in making one that perfectly defines the role in your organization.

This article is equally helpful to individuals looking to get into the IT security analyst career. It will help them to learn all they need to about what IT security analysts do and so be better prepared for the job.

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