What Is an Information Security Risk Analyst and How to Become One

By ZipRecruiter Marketplace Research Team

As an information security risk analyst, your job is to help assess each potential threat and determine whether or not your current network system suffers from vulnerability to that threat. In this IT role, you may monitor network activity, help implement and manage safety protocols, and research emerging threats to help determine the best response to them. Information security risk analysts often work with many other IT personnel at the same company to manage security needs and, somewhat unusually for an IT role, may also collaborate with outside experts and volunteers to find the best way to counter a particular threat. This is an extremely collaborative position, so the ability to work well with other people, including those you may be meeting for the first time, is essential to your success.

The primary qualifications for becoming an information security risk analyst are a bachelor's degree in a relevant field and several years of industry experience. Many people in this field start in another security-based role before becoming risk analysts. Internships are particularly useful for getting hands-on experience and can help you stand out from others when starting your career. Additional security-focused licenses or certifications are also useful and may be a deciding factor at some companies. Fulfilling the responsibilities and duties of an information security risk analyst requires interpersonal skills, organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently.