ECU Blog

Security risks in the modern business environment range from natural disasters to employee theft to digital ecosystem vulnerabilities. Cyberattacks are one of the top threats to organizations, as they can result in data loss that enacts an enormous financial and reputational toll. 

The role of security risk analysts is to help organizations plan and implement measures to protect their assets, significantly reducing vulnerability to operational risks. Aspiring security risk analysts need to have advanced analytical and computer skills, along with an education in information technology (IT) and cybersecurity .

What Does a Security Risk Analyst Do?

Operational risks may come from internal sources (systems, personnel, and financials) or external sources (political and social trends or human-made and natural disasters), according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Risk management involves identifying and analyzing these challenges to reduce the risk of harm or exposure to unwanted outcomes.

Security risk analysts, also known as threat analysts or security analysts, collect and assess information related to security threats to facilitate organizational decision-making. These analysts present risk data to the leadership team to inform security policies and risk mitigation efforts.

These professionals are often tasked with protecting an organization’s data by helping keep computers and systems impervious to breaches. This work usually involves assessing existing cybersecurity systems, making note of flaws and vulnerabilities, and recommending corrective measures.

Security risk analysts usually work fairly standard 40-hour work weeks in conventional office environments, but they may work overtime when major security threats arise. Employers of security risk analysts include computer and tech companies, finance companies, and insurance companies, as well as nonprofits and government agencies.

Security Risk Analyst Job Description

The duties and responsibilities associated with this role can vary by specialization and employer type, but a typical job description includes the following:

• Monitoring an organization’s security systems for potential breaches, and investigating them when they occur

• Researching the latest security trends and ensuring existing strategies evolve as needed

• Preparing and presenting reports that address key metrics such as attempted breaches

• Recommending cybersecurity protocols to management teams

• Using and maintaining firewalls and other software solutions to keep data safe and secure

• Assisting with the installation and maintenance of cybersecurity programs throughout the organization

What Is the Typical Security Risk Analyst Salary?

The median annual salary for information security analysts was $120,360 as of May 2023, according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Several factors can affect this salary range, including years of experience, level of education, and geographic location.

The BLS projects promising career growth in the field of information security. According to the BLS, this field is positioned to grow 32% between 2022 and 2032, a rate that is significantly higher than the average for all professions.

How to Become a Security Risk Analyst

To succeed in this position, prospective security risk analysts need to cultivate the right set of technological and critical thinking skills and leadership capabilities. This can be done through a combination of formal education and on-the-job experience. 

1. Pursue an Undergraduate Degree

To form foundational security risk analysis skills, an undergraduate degree is required. Individuals in the risk management field often earn a bachelor’s degree in IT , cybersecurity, data analysis, business, or a related field.

2. Gain Work Experience

Beyond a degree, individuals interested in the field should develop certain skills in a professional setting, such as through an entry-level role in cybersecurity , IT, or a related field.

3. Consider Certifications

While professional certifications are not needed to find work in the field, they can attest to a high level of knowledge and skills. A few of the most common cybersecurity certifications include the following:

• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

• CompTIA Security+

• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)

• Cisco Certified CyberOps Associate

• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)

4. Pursue an Advanced Degree

Many security risk analyst roles do not require a master’s degree, but earning one may lead to a more competitive salary or a position with greater responsibilities. Potential master’s degree concentrations include data analysis and business administration.

5. Develop Advanced Risk Management Skills

Through a combination of education, certification, and experience, individuals can foster core technology and cybersecurity skills that can increase their options for career advancement. Some of the competencies most important to the security risk analysis field include the following:

• Data analysis skills

• Problem-solving skills

• Communication and presentation skills

• Knowledge of change management and emergency management policies

• Knowledge of data and privacy regulations

• Familiarity with multiple operations systems and tech ecosystems

• Knowledge of network infrastructures

Protect Information Systems

Security risk analysts can play an essential role in helping businesses and organizations safeguard their operations against security threats. If you’re interested in specializing in cybersecurity safeguarding organizational systems, a degree in a relevant discipline may be the right path for you.

Consider the online Bachelor of Science in Information & Cybersecurity Technology program with a Cybersecurity concentration at East Carolina University®. Our program provides exposure to key concepts in cybersecurity, cyber threat intelligence, and digital forensics to prepare you for the challenges of safeguarding information and mitigating cyber threats. You can graduate prepared for key certifications in the field, such as CompTIA Security+. Our graduates have also gone on to work at companies such as Google, Cisco, and IBM.

Learn more about the program and how it can open doors to meaningful work as a security risk analyst.

Recommended Readings

Cloud Computing vs. Cybersecurity: Comparing the Fields

Network Administrator Job Description and Overview

What Does a Cybersecurity Consultant Do?

Sources:

Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, Systems Security Analyst

Federal Bureau of Investigation, Cyber Crime

Indeed, Security Analyst Job Description (With List of Duties)

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Information Security Analysts

U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Risk Management Fundamentals   

ZipRecruiter, What Does a Cyber Threat Analyst Do?