Information security analyst: Courses, career opportunities, and salary in India
Information security analysts protect computer networks run by non-profit organizations, government undertakings, and private businesses. With analytical skills, they recognize loopholes in the digital security system of a company. This enables it to keep its proprietary and sensitive information secure. Further, they make use of this mined data to recommend various efficiency and network security strategies.
In the case of a data breach, they lead company efforts to combat such entry and obstruct one from arising again. Such efforts may either reduce the harm it causes or thwart a breach.
It is a fact that technology will continuously evolve. This includes the software and hardware required for encryption, analysis, storage, and data transmission. An information security analyst must have up-to-date knowledge of emerging and current cyber-attack strategies and security systems.
Although these methodologies alter, the underlying objective to keep an organization’s confidential information secure remains constant. Candidates who wish to become information security analysts can expect an ever-changing, rewarding, and challenging path.
Read on to know more!
What Courses Are Needed?
At first, an aspirant can pursue a bachelor’s degree in domains such as engineering, computer science, mathematics, or cyber security as a stepping stone. In certain cases, with apt cyber security certifications, security experts with associate’s degrees or/and similar backgrounds or training (such as military service) can bag cyber security jobs at the entry level.
One thing that distinguishes cyber security from other fields is the number of mid-career and entry-level opportunities that need certification that demonstrates proficiency in a specific skill.
Therefore, candidates planning to become information security professionals must know what types of certifications suit the multiple jobs within this field.
Here are the top cyber security analyst courses that will make you job-ready:
- Advanced Certification Program in Cyber Security
The Advanced Certification Program in Cyber Security is a comprehensive course that covers incident handling, application security, cloud security, ethical hacking, and information security fundamentals.
In partnership with IIT Roorkee, the curriculum offers thorough lab sessions on real-world issues and equips students with in-demand security skills and tools. Additionally, this cyber security training facilitates career mentorship, mock interview, resume-building, and capstone project and evaluations.
- Post Graduate Program in Cyber Security
In collaboration with EC-Council, this PG course in cyber security offers the best learning experience to aspiring information security experts. The project-based course prepares students for the job roles of an ethical hacker, SOC team expert, incident handler, penetration tester, and cyber security analyst.
This course helps students to crack various security exams such as CompTia Security+, and EC-Council Certified Ethical Hacker. Its career services include mock interviews, interview workshops, resume-building sessions, and placement assurance.
Are There Any Specific Qualifications?
Here are some additional qualifications that experienced cyber security professionals may consider for career growth:
- CISM (Certified Information Security Manager)
The CISM certification is a qualification for experts with a work experience of at least 5 years in this industry. One should complete the required work experience of 5 years before obtaining the qualification. Further, this includes 3 years (minimum) of work experience in the information security management role.
To get the accreditation, one should have finished their work experience within 10 years before applying.
- CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional)
To opt for this qualification, one should work at a managerial level or must be a consultant with a work experience of nearly 4 years or above. This qualification includes 8 cyber security disciplines, such as identity & access management, security engineering, and asset security.
- SSCP (Systems Security Certified Practitioner)
Professionals with 1 year of work experience can prove their security knowledge and technical skills with this qualification. To crack this exam, they should have up-to-date and comprehensive cyber security knowledge, including cryptography and risk identification.
What Are the Career Prospects?
As information security is a major concern for companies worldwide, properly credentialed, well-trained information security analysts are in high demand. So, job prospects are favorable overall.
As per the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics), jobs for information security analysts will grow by 28% between 2016 and 2026. Additionally, the U.S. News lists information security analyst as the 4th best IT job during 2019 and beyond.
In simple words, a wide range of companies is seeking data security solutions. Due to this high demand and short supply, their salaries are elevated. Getting a package of USD 10 to 15 LPA is easy for security experts.
Some of the top recruiters of information security analysts are Boeing, Capital One, Intel, Cisco, Patient First, and Apple.
Conclusion
The market trend is in favor of information security professionals. With proper credentials and training, technical security experts can be a part of one of the world’s most valuable job markets. Demand for cyber security and information technology will only grow. Cyber security analyst courses like that of Imarticus Learning, along with proper training, can help you propel your career in this field.
