OVERVIEW
What is a Network Security Analyst?
A network security analyst is an individual who protects a company’s technology from cybersecurity risks. You will proactively analyze a company’s hardware applications, software programs, phone lines, and any other resources with an online connection. By consulting with company executives and working alongside technology teams, you’ll help to fortify a company’s online presence.
Network security analysts typically need a technology-related undergraduate degree. You’ll also need to develop a familiarity with current cybersecurity programs and protocols, which you can accomplish through certifications and experience in a related field.
RESPONSIBILITIES
What Does a Network Security Analyst Do?
One of several careers for IT students, a network security analyst spends time fulfilling a variety of responsibilities. On some days, you’ll likely spend time communicating with company representatives to determine their exact technology needs. On other days, you’ll spend time installing computer programs, firewalls, or other cybersecurity measures to proactively protect corporate computers, databases, networks, and phone systems.
The exact responsibilities of a network security analyst include:
- Researching cybersecurity protocols that help protect a company’s technology.
- Consulting with company representatives to identify their cybersecurity needs and suggest ways to mitigate potential risks.
- Installing firewalls and other protective programs across company networks and on employee devices.
- Designing programs that reduce cybersecurity risks.
- Implementing company policies that ensure all employees are taking steps to keep their own devices and data safe.
- Monitoring online activity to identify any potential threats across active company networks.
- Actively fighting back against any data breaches.
You’ll take on these and other responsibilities in order to protect a company’s hardware and software from online risks.
EDUCATION & BEST DEGREES
What Education Does a Network Security Analyst Need?
Before you can begin a career as a network security analyst, you’ll need to fulfill a few educational requirements. First, you’ll need to complete a technology-related undergraduate degree to create a foundation of useful skills you will use in a full-time network security analysis role.
Some students choose to obtain a bachelor’s degree in network engineering and security. These students develop skills in security applications, programming, and scripting, all applicable in the professional world. This program also teaches you to operate some of the most popular operating systems, including Linux.
Other students elect to complete a cybersecurity or information assurance degree program, where they learn how to fight against modern cyber threats. These degree programs can teach you the specifics of web development, IT security, and risk measurement, along with a variety of hacking countermeasures that will help you keep a company’s data safe.
Where Do Network Security Analysts Work?
Network security analysts work for a variety of different organizations. Some network security analysts might be contracted through an independent IT provider to help fortify a company’s networks. In other cases, network security analysts are employed internally by private businesses to fulfill a similar purpose.
As a network security analyst, you could work for:
- Information technology providers
- Technology research companies
- Private businesses
- Nonprofit organizations
- Healthcare organizations
- Educational institutions
- Financial institutions
No matter where you are employed as a network security analyst, your daily responsibilities will remain largely the same. You’ll help to protect your client’s databases, devices, and software from cybersecurity threats, whether you work from a hospital or your own home.
Best Bachelor's Degrees For a Network Security Analyst:
Technology
Cybersecurity and Information Assurance – B.S.
Protect your career and earning potential with this degree....
Protect your career and earning potential with this degree.
- Time: 60% of graduates finish within 29 months.
- Tuition: $4,365 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 34 total courses in this program.
Certifications included in this program at no extra cost include:
- Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) - Associate of (ISC)2 designation
- Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP) - Associate of (ISC)2 designation
- ITIL® Foundation Certification
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst Certification (CySA+)
- CompTIA IT Operations Specialist
- CompTIA Network+
- CompTIA Network Vulnerability Assessment Professional
- CompTIA Network Security Professional
- CompTIA PenTest+
- CompTIA Project+
- CompTIA Secure Infrastructure Specialist
- CompTIA Security+
- CompTIA Security Analytics Professional
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:
- Secure Systems Analysis & Design
- Data Management
- Web and Cloud Security
- Hacking Countermeasures and Techniques
- Digital Forensics and Incident Response
Technology
Network Engineering and Security – B.S.
Launch your career in designing, securing, and optimizing complex networks....
Launch your career in designing, securing, and optimizing complex networks.
- Time: 61% of graduates finish similar programs within 36 months.
- Tuition: $3,835 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 34 or 37 courses in this program depending on focus area
- Two focus areas: Students can choose between a Cisco or general program, allowing them to learn and gain experience in their chosen specialty.
Certifications:
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Project+
- CompTIA Cloud+
- ITIL®*^ Foundation Certification
- LPI Linux Foundations
The Cisco program also includes:
- Cisco CCNA
- Cisco DevNet
- Cisco CyberOps
The general program also includes:
- CompTIA Security+
- CompTIA Network+
- CompTIA IT Operations Specialist (Stacked)
- CompTIA Secure Infrastructure Specialist (Stacked)
- CompTIA Cloud Admin Professional (Stacked)
- CompTIA Secure Cloud Professional (Stacked)
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:
- Network engineering
- Network operations
- Security management skills
This program will help you develop strong skills in network design, network operations, and security management.
How Much Does a Network Security Analyst Make?
$76,650
The exact income of a network security analyst varies based on factors that include your employer, employer’s location, your years of experience, education, and active certifications. On average, the annual salary of a network security analyst is $72,260, with a range of roughly $44,000 to $113,000.
What Is the Projected Job Growth?
31%
Increased demand for cybersecurity services makes the job outlook for network security analysts positive over the next decade. Employment for all information security analysts is projected to grow by 31% from 2019 to 2029, a growth rate much faster than the average across all occupations.
SKILLS
What Skills Does a Network Security Analyst Need?
Network security analysts depend on several skills each day. Whether they’re designing security programs or communicating with company representatives, the skill set of a network security analyst helps them satisfy responsibilities.
The exact skills a network security analyst needs include:
- Programming: The ability to use programming languages like Java and Python to create and install secure platforms.
- Cybersecurity: The ability to implement specific security protocols that keep a company’s hardware and software safe from external threats.
- Network management: The ability to manage a company’s active networks, while allocating appropriate user permissions to each employee.
- Troubleshooting: The ability to identify and solve potential issues with a company’s networks and programs, eliminating problems before they escalate.
- Optimization: The ability to tailor a company’s hardware and software according to their preferences, updating them whenever their needs change or new issues arise.
- Interpersonal communication: The ability to correspond effectively with technology team members, company representatives, or executives.
- Data analysis/reporting: The ability to collect, analyze, and report on a company’s data in ways that allow decision-makers to draw productive conclusions.
- Research: The ability to identify improvements or advancements in modern cybersecurity and implement those strategies for the benefit of your own company.
- Instruction: The ability to teach a company’s employees about ways to protect their own devices, information, and login credentials.
These skills and others help network security analysts serve as cybersecurity advocates for their own company, keeping networks and devices continually safe for use.
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