Skills Required To Become An Information Security Analyst

Today's rapid growth of technology comes along with the booming threat of cybercrime, thereby driving demand for more cybersecurity professionals. Here is a list of skills that every security analyst should possess to give the global population a safer tomorrow!

• Communication

  Documenting incidents and communicating is the most important soft skill that information security analysts should possess. Good communication skills are not only essential during security incidents being escalated and passed around but also while working as part of a larger team. In addition to this, effective communication is needed at times when any records of activity or actions are taken is needed to be properly documented, which may be used in a legal proceeding.

• Technology networking

  It is vital that information security analysts are skilled and comfortable with the fundamentals of networking. This skill is specifically employable to maximise damage, malware and other cybersecurity threats are highly dependent on computer networks. Besides acquiring basic information from network device logs, analysts should also possess knowledge of the OSI network model and network protocols. As a technology analyst, you should know what each piece of information signifies and how it might impact your analysis.

• Cybersecurity

  Understanding security fundamentals is equally important as developing networking knowledge. A solid understanding of various cyber threats can enable you to learn what patterns and behaviours to look for in your analysis. In order to be able to quickly identify suspicious or dangerous activity, you must familiarise yourself with the various patterns and different malware variants that are common to most attacks. A security analyst well versed in security fundamentals would be able to easily identify and deduce infected computers to be removed from the network and cleaned.

• Analytical

  Good analytical skills allow information security analyst to respond to incidents quickly. Employers find it valuable when analysts are able to smoothly ability to function within a formal incident detection and response process. This is considered as one of the best practices in defending an organisation's digital assets from cyber threats and even to prosecute the attackers.

• Creativity

  This is another crucial soft skills that are critical for information security analysts to be able to anticipate cyber-attacks and always think one step ahead of a cyber threat. Detail-oriented forward-thinking requires a creative approach that may allow analysts to detect threats to cybersecurity, which are typically are hard to detect. Furthermore, information security analysts are expected to be focused on the details of a security system, noting any minor changes and foreseeing any potential problems, no matter the size of it.

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These skills put emphasis on the importance of IT Security Management degree. So apply today to develop the skills required to become an analyst.