Security Analyst
We're looking for people who: |
know computers and how to troubleshoot computer problems. |
What you will do: |
You will provide security for computer users in local and wide area networks.
Some specific tasks you will be asked to complete include:
- Erect and maintain firewalls to protect company information from hackers
- Provide users with documentation explaining policies and procedures that protect their computing environment
- Install latest security software updates
- Keep up to date on new computer viruses and advise network users
- Test network systems periodically to check for damages and vulnerabilities
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Knowledge required for this job: |
- Complete understanding of computing and electronics concepts and related network equipment, including processors, chips, hardware and software, and applications and programs.
- Understanding how administration and management impacts the current and future needs of employees
- Knowledge of the basic principles of technology and engineering and innovative ways to apply them
- Broad knowledge of telecommunication systems such as email, FTP, and data transmission
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Skills required for this job: |
- An ability to measure network performance and knowledge of methods to solve various problems
- Capable of thinking through problems and troubleshooting solutions, using inductive and deductive reasoning
- Critical thinking and problem solving skills
- Ability to integrate new information with existing information
- Good oral and written communication skills
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What education you need: |
Most security analysts have a bachelor's degree or higher.
About one-half (51.4%) of people ages 25-44 who currently hold this kind of job have a bachelor's degree. An additional 35.2% have had some college experience. Only 13.4% have a high school diploma or lower. |
Salary: |
Nationally, people working in this job earn between $18.56 and $46.67 an hour.
In Maryland, the pay scale ranges from $20.68 - $51.28 an hour. (Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) 2007) |
Future job prospects |
Nationally, security analysts' jobs are expected to increase from 278,400 positions in 2004 to 385,200 in 2014. (+38%)
In Maryland, jobs numbers are expected to increase as well, with 7,560 positions in 2004 and 10,510 in 2014. (+38%) |
Watch a video that shows what a security analyst (a network and computer system administrator) does.
According to the Maryland Commission on Higher Education, training for this career is available through these resources:
- The keyword SECURITY located these private training programs
- The keyword SECURITY located the community colleges listed here
- The keyword SECURITY located the four-year colleges, listed here
The Maryland Career Clusters help students prepare for their future education and careers while they are in high school. The job of Security Analyst is part of the Information Technology Career Cluster in the core area of Information Systems.
You can explore other careers in the Information Technology Career Cluster here.
