What is a Security Analyst? Explore the Security Analyst Career Path

The Day-to-Day as a Security Analyst

Security Analysts monitor their organization’s network to prevent and stop attacks on their private data. Security Analysts can find work full-time and on a freelance basis. Their jobs are usually onsite, but remote opportunities are becoming more abundant. They work for businesses, corporations, the government, computer and software engineering companies, the finance sector, and consulting firms. At larger organizations, a Security Analyst sometimes works on a team, with: network, information technology (IT), and computer programming professionals.

On a day-to-day basis, you’ll find Security Analysts monitoring the network, building firewalls, identifying weaknesses in the network’s security systems, fielding helpdesk tickets, helping non-tech staff members use systems, installing new software, designing new aspects of systems or firewalls, or attending IT department meetings.

What Skills Should Security Analysts Have?

Security Analysts must know how to: build firewalls, execute penetration tests and reports, and identify new threats and malware. They should have a strong foundational knowledge of networking. Depending on who they’re working for, they’ll need to be proficient in using the software that they prefer, which might include: ticket systems, malware prevention, encryption, virtual machines, or other IT software. They’ll also need to be able to identify new threats and malware. Security Analysts must be able to collaborate with teammates and stakeholders to design security protocols and systems.

They might also work with non-tech related employees on implementing security protocols in their machines and practices so they should be able to explain tech concepts to non-tech professionals as well. Cybersecurity is an ever-changing field and Security Analysts should expect to learn on the job, renew their certifications regularly, and teach themselves new technologies as necessary to maintain their position.

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Learn the Skills You Need to Become a Security Analyst

Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity is a combination of technologies and best practices that protect networks, computers, software programs, and data from attack, damage, or other unauthorized access. Cybersecurity uses computer networking, software, hardware, and standard protocols to protect data.

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CompTIA

CompTIA is an information technology industry association that provides certification programs, testing, training, and resources for information technology professionals. Their certifications include IT realms such as infrastructure, cybersecurity, and basic IT best practices and skills.

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Security Analyst Salaries

A Security Analyst in the United States makes, on average, $89,518 annually, according to Indeed.com.

Salaries for Security Analysts vary by region within the the United States. Listed below are some Security Analyst salaries for specific areas with the United States compared with the average national salary:

U.S. Average $89K source n/a
Fairfax, VA $119K source
+33.52%
Chicago, IL $116K source
+29.93%
Los Angeles, CA $112K source
+25.4%
New York City $107K source
+20.33%
Alexandria, VA $105K source
+17.43%
Washington, D.C. $104K source
+17.18%
Miami, FL $103K source
+15.35%
Houston, TX $96K source
+7.93%
U.S. Average $89K source n/a
Orange County, CA $84K source
-5.22%
Dallas, TX $57K source
-36.01%

Typical Qualifications to Become a Security Analyst

A bachelor’s degree in information technology, cybersecurity, or computer science is the standard minimum education requirement for Security Analysts, but some companies will hire cybersecurity bootcamp graduates in entry-level positions. Most employers expect candidates to have some sort of IT security certification, such as the CompTIA Security+. There are certifications for operating systems, coding languages, software, and specific security practices.

Searching for Security Analyst Jobs

Security Analysts can find work full-time and on a contract basis. Their jobs are usually onsite, but remote opportunities are becoming more abundant. They work for businesses, corporations, the government, computer and software engineering companies, the finance sector, and consulting firms. They can find jobs most efficiently through tech and information technology job boards, but positions are also posted on general job boards.

Security Analysts can look for jobs on these sites:

Security Analysts can find remote jobs on these sites:

Tips to Become a Security Analyst

Security Analysts are in high demand, but you’ll still need to put in the effort to educate yourself and put in the work to gain experience before landing this job. If you haven’t worked in IT before, you should attempt to land an entry-level role first such as Applications System Analyst, Senior Analyst, or Systems Analyst Specialist. If you have no IT experience, look into education, either through: online learning, a college program, or a cybersecurity bootcamp. On top of that, you should get at least two certifications, such as the CompTIA Security+ (CySa+) and the Certified Informations Security Professional (CISSP) from ISC2.

Once you’re educated, certified, and in an entry-level position, you can let your supervisor know that you’re looking to land a Security Analyst position in the future. They’ll best know if you can do that within the company you’re in, what skills you’ll need to gain before landing that position, and they might have advice for you. If you don’t want to stay with that company or they don’t have that opportunity for you, start networking! Get on LinkedIn and start making genuine connections with other cybersecurity professionals. Start with people working at an organization you’d like to work for and see if you can set up a coffee date or informational interview.

Refresh your resume, make sure all of your certifications are up-to-date, and get up to speed on the latest trends and technologies. Cybersecurity changes rapidly and it’s important to stay up-to-date on new malware, best practices, weaknesses, and technology innovations. You’ll want to keep an eye on the internet of things, the cloud, encryption technology, and deep learning methods in AI and Machine Learning. Sign up for a few daily or weekly roundup emails or start following your favorite cybersecurity sources on social media to stay up-to-date conveniently.

What Job Titles Would a Security Analyst Hold?

The Security Analyst position does not usually vary in responsibility between companies. This well-defined role usually goes by this exact name, only varying by one word or by department. You can find these positions at businesses, corporations, the government, computer and software engineering companies, the finance sector, and consulting firms.

IT Security Analysts can look for positions with these titles:

Security Analyst
Security Operations Analyst
Systems Analyst Specialist
Information Security Analyst

The Day-to-Day as a Security Analyst

What Skills Should Security Analysts Have?

Learn the Skills You Need to Become a Security Analyst

Cybersecurity

CompTIA

Security Analyst Salaries

Typical Qualifications to Become a Security Analyst

Searching for Security Analyst Jobs

Tips to Become a Security Analyst

What Job Titles Would a Security Analyst Hold?

Related Careers

Salary Comparison to Security Analyst

Security Engineer

IT Security Specialist