Network Security Analyst

Cisco defines network security as “any activity designed to protect the usability and integrity of the network and data.”  In shorter terms, it is protecting your network from being hacked.  This includes firewalls, anti-virus and anti-malware software, network segmentation, cloud security, and VPNs amongst many other security methods.

Companies want to keep their data safe and that is what a network security analyst does. As a network security analyst, you will implement and monitor security systems. You will also report any security breaches or viruses found. Periodically you may review and audit the company’s security measures to make sure that the network is secure and make suggestions for improvement.

Why is a security analyst such an important job? Companies need to actively protect and react to cyber threats daily. According to Jack B. Blount, president and CEO at INTRUSION, Inc., “Every American organization — in the public and private sector — has been or will be hacked, is infected with malware, and is a target of hostile nation-state cyber intruders,” Cyber-threats not only result in the loss of productivity and important data, but they can be extremely costly for a company.  Survey respondents of the Global Application and Network Security Report by Radware estimated that the average cost of a cyberattack is $1.1 million.

How much does a network security analyst make? According to Glassdoor, network security analysts make between $53,000 and $116,000 per year with the average being around $76,000. Those with little to no experience should expect salaries averaging around $59,000 per year.

Certifications in Network Security:

Interested in becoming a network security analyst? Consider taking MIS 4477 Network and Security Infrastructure as one of your MIS electives.

 

References:

Cisco, What is Network Security?, at https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/security/what-is-network-security.html (visited November 23, 2020)

Morgan, Steve. “Global Cybercrime Damages Predicted to Reach $6 Trillion Annually by 2021.” Cybercrime Magazine. Dec. 7, 2018. https://cybersecurityventures.com/cybercrime-damages-6-trillion-by-2021/.

Radware, Global Application & Network Security Report, at https://www.radware.com/ert-report-2020 (visited November 23, 2020)

Glassdoor, Network Security Analyst Salary, at https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/network-security-analyst-salary-SRCH_KO0,24.htm (visited November 23, 2020)

By Amanda Ware
Amanda Ware Career Development Specialist