data security specialist

A data security analyst (also known as an information security analyst) protects an organization’s data from outside attacks. They are in demand in all types of data-driven industries such as consulting, computer systems design, and financial services. Sound like a job you’d like to have? Read on.

Educational qualifications and training

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), a data security analyst is typically required to have a bachelor’s degree in computer information systems, computer science, or engineering.

A few employers insist on prior cybersecurity knowledge, for which you need to undergo specialized training. Sometimes work experience or a master’s degree — for instance, an MBA in Information Systems — may be expected.

In exceptional situations, employers may consider a person with post-secondary qualifications. A data security analyst should be creative, honest, and be capable of working in teams and leading them.

Training and certifications

Some of the more sought-after certification options include:

• Certified Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP) – is for technicians and analysts. It vouches for the professional’s ability to keep out malware and provide data security.
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) – is meant for IT security managers. The eligibility is minimum five years’ work experience in:
  • Software engineering
  • Information security law
  • Hardware security

To be certified, you must complete continuing education credits and clear criminal background verification.

These certifications are issued by the International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium (ISC2), a not-for-profit establishment that provides voluntary education and certification options.

Additional alternatives are vendor certifications by Microsoft and Cisco.

Moving up the hierarchy from information security analyst to officer or manager level requires work experience and often, additional qualifications.

Roles and responsibilities

The main duties of a computer or data security analyst are as follows:

• Establish safety protocols to protect all data managed by the company from, accidental or willful alteration, destruction, or leaks and caters to emergency data processing requirements.
• Keep track of antivirus effectiveness, updates, and renewals.
• Implement data encryption while transferring data. Stop unsafe data transmission and carry out confidential data transfers with firewall protection.
• Asses risk and efficiency of data processing systems.
• Revise information security files for:
  • Adding new software
  • Rectifying errors
  • Modify access status of individual users.
• Deploy and maintain data security software.
• Protect network against hacking.

With the number of attacks on data rising with every passing year, the responsibilities of the data security analyst have broadened. Some of the added tasks include:

• Post-breach data compilation for forensic analysis
• Coding
• System analysis and telecommunications