Now that cyber threats are everywhere, companies need an information security analyst. US News highlights that the demand for information security analysts is estimated to grow by 33% in the next ten years due to the rise of cyberattacks against businesses. In fact, experts even state that the field is now more specialized and greatly expanded because every business has a need for protection from serious and advanced cyber threats.

These specializations are needed because companies rely on computer networks and systems for key business processes and for safeguarding critical information. So if you want your business to be resilient against cyber threats, here are the following reasons why you should get an information security analyst:

Defending your network against cyberattacks

Online criminals are smarter than ever. As such, companies need to hire experts that can work across their entire computer system and network, and one such expert is an information security analyst.

These professionals have foundational skills, like network security and data protection, that are especially crucial now that the stakes are higher than ever before. Information security analysts can definitely become assets to your team because they can track down an attacker and prevent them from breaking into your entire company’s network and system. With the help of these professionals, you can ensure that data breaches and network vulnerabilities can be prevented.

Tests your network system regularly

Many companies find it difficult to track their networks and systems regularly. Unfortunately, skipping security checks is a big risk because attackers may spot them before your employees do.

Our article on VAPT highlights how cybersecurity experts like information security analysts can leverage Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing to identify cyber weaknesses in your company’s IT estate. These skilled experts can conduct external network penetration testing to assess any vulnerabilities in your apps, websites, or e-mails. Vulnerabilities can also come from your staff, so information security analysts can conduct internal network penetration testing for vulnerabilities to insider attacks or social engineering tests to assess your employees’ reactions to cyber threats.

Suggests appropriate cybersecurity strategies

Cyber threats and breaches often happen unexpectedly. As a result, companies usually tap into information security analysts to handle projects, such as creating an organization’s disaster recovery plan or developing new security standards for an organization. These cybersecurity professionals are well-trained to plan and carry out security measures, making them capable of creating specific cybersecurity strategies for your organization’s needs.

Your company can even entrust information security analysts to fulfill project management responsibilities for cybersecurity initiatives, such as creating long- and short-term plans, performing quality control on systems, and communicating with executive management about any security measures. Information security analysts are fitting for this role because they can make effective decisions for your organization’s needs and ensure that the project will progress toward your cybersecurity goals. Through their skills, they can develop and spearhead initiatives that can protect your organization’s cybersecurity network and system.

Communicates cybersecurity plans to the company

As previously mentioned, cybersecurity vulnerabilities can stem from internal issues. So aside from recommending cybersecurity solutions to the senior management, information security analysts also have to communicate these plans to the entire organization.

Experts from the National Institute of Standards and Technology highlighted that these professionals have communication skills because they serve as translators between technical experts and non-technical audiences. Through these soft skills, information security analysts can communicate their cyber threat findings and discuss their cybersecurity strategies with the entire company. They can even produce written materials, conduct face-to-face discussions, or head conference presentations to minimize internal vulnerabilities to your organization’s computer systems and networks.

Information security analysts are in demand because they're essential in every organization. Through these experts, you can ensure that every part of your computer network and the system will be protected.

Written by: Rhoslyn Julian