Network Security Analysts ensure an organization’s information security systems are safe and efficient.
Network Security Analyst Job Description, Key Duties and Responsibilities
If you are looking for information about the network security analyst job description, to learn about the key duties, tasks, and responsibilities that are commonly associated with the role, then you are on the right page.
You will also discover in this post the major requirements you may be expected to fulfill to be hired for the network security analyst position if you are seeking the job.
Please, continue reading:
What Does a Network Security Analyst Do?
The network security analyst is a part of a larger IT team and is responsible for the design, implementation and maintenance of computer and information security systems.
Their job description entails monitoring networks to detect any intrusion or hostile activities.
It also involves taking measures such as carry out design, implementation, and administration of technical cybersecurity defenses for firewalling, segmentation, network intrusion detection, and prevention; network access monitoring and control, network vulnerability scanning, penetration testing, etc., to defend against malicious attacks on the systems.
The network security analyst is also responsible for information security policy development and maintenance and design of security policy education, training, and awareness activities to enlighten their colleagues/workforce on information security best practices.
They are responsible for network vulnerability scans which they perform on a regular basis; assist in the resolution of information security incidents, and also perform user access reviews of the organization’s network and application environments.
The network security analyst role also involves serving as an active part of the Incident Response (IR) process by undertaking a periodical review and testing of the procedure.
It also entails participating in investigating alerts and confirming incidents as a part of the response team.
Network security analysts provide support to relevant stakeholders, including auditors, consultants, and other parties, with information security audits and risk assessments.
They also assist with testing and updating the Information Technology Department’s disaster recovery plan.
They also assist in fine-tuning the organization’s network detection competency by utilizing findings from the incidence response process, and hence contributing in the lesson learned phase of the incident response process.
They may also be occasionally required to assume responsibility for the planning of security assessments and other projects.
To work as a network security analyst requires substantial knowledge and technical experience in the area of responsibility.
However, some organizations may also require a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or in a related field.
The network security analyst performs various functions, including the management, administration, and maintenance of information security systems in an organization.
The major tasks, duties, and responsibilities a network security analyst typically performs are shown in the job description example below:
Continually monitor the company’s intrusion detection systems
Create technically detailed reports based on findings of intrusions and events
Assist in conducting computer incident investigations
Perform assessment and analysis on anomalous network and system activity
Responsible for troubleshooting and problem-solving security related client issues
Required to provide quality customer service to clients
Proffer recommendations on modifications to access control lists to prevent and mitigate intrusions
Responsible for the design, implementation, and maintenance of network technology services to ensure confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the company’s information assets
Responsible for the deployment and administration of network access control lists, firewall rule sets, Virtual Private Networks (VPN), Network Access Control (NAC), etc.
Undertake the administration and maintenance of the department’s competence for real-time alerting and digital forensics
Responsible for the implementation of the unit’s vulnerability scanning program
Collaborate with the IT department to ensure timely implementation of controls, including patching, with minimal impact on the business operations.
Network Security Analyst Requirements – Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities for Career Success
If you are seeking the job of a network security analyst, you will have to prove to employers or recruiters that you can effectively perform the work description that will be handed to you if hired by fulfilling certain requirements.
Shown below are major requirements you might be asked to meet by recruiters if you are seeking the network security analyst’s position:
Education: Applicants for the network security analyst job require a Bachelor’s degree or initiative and a personal interest in Information Technology Security and equivalent experience
Knowledge: They must demonstrate strong knowledge of computer security concepts and knowledge of computer programming and scripting languages. Also, previous scripting and coding experience are desired but not necessarily a requirement for securing a network security analyst job
It is also vital that they are familiar with computer forensic tools FTK, or other network forensic applications
It is also crucial that they have an advanced understanding of current threats and trends present in the information security and technology field as well as advanced knowledge of network technologies and protocols
They also require an understanding of network hardware devices and experience configuring Access Control Lists or other firewall or router configuration experience
Depending on the needs of the recruiter, they may also require knowledge of Linux/UNIX and Windows OS security: network security analysis tools such as Snort, TCPDUMP, Wireshark, and other Host or Network-based Intrusion Detection Systems; and experience with system vulnerability assessment
Certifications: They must have the ability to quickly obtain and maintain active security certifications such as CEH, DFR, CySA+, GCIA, GCIH, GICSP, or SCYBER) and IAT II (CCNA, CySA+, GICSP, GSEC, Sec+, or SSCP
People skills: They require the ability to relate with and influence people from different background
Communication skills: They require the ability to clearly and effectively convey both technical and non-technical information to clients
Flexibility: They must be able and willing to work rotating shifts when necessary.
Conclusion
If you are an employer or recruiter needing to make a good description of the network security analyst job for use in hiring for the position, you can apply the sample job description provided above as a template in writing one for your organization.
By posting a detailed network security analyst work description, you can increase your chances of attracting the perfect candidates that you desire for the position.
If you are interested in the network security analyst career and want to learn about the duties and responsibilities that define the role so s to be able to make informed decision about the career, you will also find this post helpful.
Did this article improve your understanding of what network security analysts do? Please, leave a comment in the box below. You may also share your job description if you work as a network security analyst.
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