An internet security analyst is in charge of defending computer networks and communications systems against various cyber-attacks. College graduates work as internet security analysts for both national governments and private companies. People in these positions are in charge of both detecting security breaches and taking steps to prevent them from happening in the first place.
As analysts, employers prefer to hire graduates with a bachelor’s degree in a subject like computer science or programming. Many companies prefer to hire applicants with postgraduate degrees over those who have only completed undergraduate level courses because people in these positions are responsible for developing cutting-edge technology. Many employers require applicants for these jobs to have several years of prior work experience as network analysts, programmers, or technicians, in addition to academic credentials, because people working in these positions are exposed to the latest trends and technologies in the information technology industry.
In many cases, an internet security analyst is tasked with safeguarding a company’s or government department’s websites and online assets. Basic security procedures, such as the installation of encryption devices and the use of firewalls, must be implemented by the analyst to prevent outside parties from gaining access to sensitive data. In addition to preventing unauthorized access to company data, the internet security analyst must ensure that information collected about customers, such as credit card numbers, is not accessible by unauthorized parties. To protect this data, a single company website may have several layers of security, such as password encryption and mainframe security programs.
Because of the rapid advancement of new technologies, internet-based security systems are frequently rendered obsolete in a short period of time. As a result, an internet security analyst may be required to attend regular training sessions and seminars at which government agencies and information technology (IT) companies share information about the viruses, malware, and hacking devices that unscrupulous individuals have been using to illegally access online data. Analysts are frequently tasked with acquiring new software and patches to address these activities, and in some cases, they are also tasked with developing new programs to combat security threats as they arise.
While many analysts are focused on safeguarding the interests of a single company, others are in charge of safeguarding large groups of consumers and businesses. In some countries, government agencies hire people to work in these positions to warn the public about internet hackers and parties who steal online data to commit identity theft. For the firm’s clients, many network operators provide a similar service. As a result, in addition to dealing with internet-based security threats, analysts are sometimes tasked with producing reports on these high-tech issues in plain English for the general public.