MightyRecruiterSecurity analysts are in charge of keeping an organization’s sensitive data away from unauthorized individuals. They do this by continuously monitoring network activity, configuring hardware and software designed to protect against information breaches, and running tests to reveal system vulnerabilities. They may recommend enhancements, develop standards and educate users to prevent cyberattacks and intrusions.
Ingenuity is often highlighted in a security analyst job description. It’s necessary to think in the mind of a criminal and anticipate how someone might try to break in to take measures to prevent it. Attention to detail is key in such a role, as security analysts often have to watch for small signs of danger and changes in performance.
Your security analyst job description should mention your need for an excellent problem solver. Successful troubleshooting often requires extensive investigation to discover and resolve flaws that may be unique to a particular network.
Security Analyst Job Summary
Do you have the eye of a skilled detective? Our corporation is looking for a security analyst to help us maintain confidentiality in all business processes. Part of your job is ensuring both networking equipment and client machines are up to date with the latest software and firmware updates. You’ll use your acumen along with monitoring tools to detect and address suspicious activity. You’ll receive training and full support from the manufacturers of our state-of-the-art equipment. We’ll be listening to and implementing your recommendations to tighten any areas of vulnerability. In case of attack, you and your colleagues will be trusted to make snap judgements to minimize loss and restore functionality.
Job Responsibilities
- Carry out drills and risk assessments to ensure the practical function of established protective measures, recommending and implementing adjustments as needed
- Configure and adjust virtual private networks, encryption channels and firewalls, balancing performance alongside ease of use and prudence
- Monitor log files, network traffic and recorded events for unusual activity, researching trends and consulting with others to assure staff data is safe
- Manage rights and permissions, creating and modifying user groups of similar profiles, changing and customizing access properties upon request
- Establish procedures for how data is backed up and archived, maintaining compliance with federal regulations
- Develop information policies to govern how employees and contractors handle email, messaging, printing and mobile devices
- Troubleshoot and resolve issues thoroughly, be it individually, as a team or with outside assistance, documenting findings for the benefit of other IT staff
- Contribute to annual training program to update employees on IT policy changes and help stop preventable breaches
Job Skills & Qualifications
Reqiured:
- Five years’ experience in a network or database administration role in an enterprise environment
- Active CISSP, OSCP or GCIA certification
- Able to meet deadlines and work under pressure
Preferred:
- Python knowledge to automate certain tasks
Security Analyst Job Responsibilities
Jobseekers often put a great deal of time into their work history section to grab the attention of hiring managers looking for experienced and qualified workers. Likewise, to attract the most qualified applicants, you should put time and energy into crafting an effective responsibilities section as the most substantial part of your security analyst job description.
To let jobseekers know quickly whether their experience and skills match up with your expectations for the day-to-day duties of the job, your security analyst job description should include these responsibilities in the form of a list of 6-8 key items. While you don’t need to go into extreme detail, you should be clear about the most important tasks an employee will need to successfully perform. Starting each bullet point with a strong verb will have more impact than weaker verbs like “do” and “be.”
Below are some examples of security analyst job responsibilities:
- Monitor security systems and upgrade as necessary to ensure appropriate safeguards remain in place to protect private data
- Respond to breaches in security in a timely and effective manner
- Implement data encryption and firewalls to protect both outgoing and incoming digital transfers
- Document procedures, policies, quality assurance test results and data related to company security plan
Security Analyst Job Specifications
You may be tempted to treat the qualifications and skills section of your security analyst job description as an afterthought. However, this section is crucial for getting applicants who are well-equipped to handle the job. Whereas the job responsibilities section outlines day-to-day expectations, the qualifications and skills section is where you explicitly describe what an applicant needs to perform those responsibilities. Taken together, these two sections present a fuller picture of your requirements, so give the qualifications and skills section the necessary attention.
It’s a good idea to get input from the hiring manager or the person who will be responsible for supervising the new employee once hired. These individuals have the best understanding of the position and the type of person needed to fill it. With their input, you can make your security analyst job description stronger through a qualifications and skills section that effectively draws in qualified talent and deters those who would be less likely to do a good job.
The following are examples of security analyst job specifications you might include:
- Previous experience with network analyzers, keystroke monitoring software, integrity verification programs and media tracking
- Bachelor’s degree in intelligence and security analysis, cyber security or similar field, and at least 5 years’ experience
- Ability to set up secure network infrastructure and produce security reports
- Understanding of management principles critical for strategic planning, problem-solving and delegation
