The world’s users create 2.5 quintillion bytes of data each day. To manage that information and keep companies and their employees safe, IT departments need Information Security Analysts — trained professionals that help safeguard digital data.
Employment for Information Security Analysts is projected to increase 35% until 2031, creating an estimated 19,500 new job openings each year. Let’s dive into the roadmap that can help qualify you for one of these positions.
How do I become an Information Security Analyst?
Follow five steps to become an Information Security Analyst:
- Complete foundational IT training
- Master hard and soft IT skills
- Obtain the right IT certifications
- Grow familiar with the IT industry
- Prioritize ongoing IT education
As an Information Security Analyst, you’ll likely work with executives, IT team members and organizational employees to set up and maintain IT strategies. Your job will revolve around network and data protection, establishing company security protocols, monitoring those protocols and proactively preparing for any sort of malware or data breach.
Let’s examine each step in detail.
1. Complete your initial IT training
The first step in becoming an Information Security Analyst is to complete the necessary education. For many people, this means enrolling in one of the best IT bootcamps to learn skills in system fundamentals, networking, cybersecurity and other fields.
Bootcamps can provide an excellent launchpad for aspiring Information Security Analysts, particularly if you’re transitioning from another career. Bootcamps represent an accelerated, more affordable alternative to longer, more expensive college degree programs.
2. Master your hard and soft skills
All Information Security Analyst positions require certain skills. These IT skills help you support your employer on a daily basis, keeping their networks and employees safe online.
Here are some of the essential hard skills that most Information Security Analysts need:
- Software operations (including database development, network monitoring and virus protection)
- A solid understanding of computer science concepts and practices
- Working knowledge of engineering and information technology
- Security skills to be able to identify and handle threats
- Strong familiarity with operating systems and cybersecurity tools
Some of the best soft skills for this position include:
- Analysis and problem-solving
- Fine attention to detail
- Collaboration and adaptability
- Ability to get curious and find creative solutions
- Clear and consistent communication
If you’re lacking one or more of the above skills, don’t worry. The right Information Technology Bootcamp can polish your IT skills and make you job-ready in less than four months.
3. Advance your career opportunities through certifications
Gaining one, or several, industry-recognized certifications is a great way to enhance your knowledge and credibility in the IT space.
Today, hiring managers prefer candidates with IT certifications. A certification elevates your status in the IT industry and helps increase your earning power. It can also help you climb the IT ladder to achieve an even more meaningful career in Information Technology.
4. Become familiar with the industry
There are two major ways to become familiar with an industry: research and networking.
Research, or staying up to date on industry trends, is one great way to become familiar with IT. Another great way to learn an industry is to network, by connecting with people you might already know in the industry,
If you aren’t sure how to grow familiar with the IT industry, consider attending virtual meetups or joining an online Information Security Analyst community. You can also decide to attend in-person conferences to expand your connections.
5. Prioritize ongoing IT education
Even when your official education period draws to a close, you’re never truly done learning IT. Information Technology is an always-changing field; that’s why the majority of Information Security Analyst positions require foundational knowledge and some form of ongoing education.
There are so many ways to obtain ongoing IT education. Consider an IT Bootcamp taught by industry experts already familiar with the latest that the IT field offers. You might also consider watching videos and reading articles from industry thought leaders.
Fast-track your IT career
Pace’s IT Helpdesk Bootcamp is designed to equip adult learners with the skills and the on-the-job training they need to build a successful career as an Information Security Analyst.
Whether you have questions or you want to apply today, connect with our Solutions team to get started.
