What Do IT Analysts Do (including Their Typical Day At Work)

Job Description

IT Analysts plan, implement, upgrade, or monitor security measures for the protection of computer networks and information. May ensure appropriate security controls are in place that will safeguard digital files and vital electronic infrastructure. May respond to computer security breaches and viruses. They also develop plans to safeguard computer files against accidental or unauthorized modification, destruction, or disclosure and to meet emergency data processing needs.

Other tasks include:

• Monitor current reports of computer viruses to determine when to update virus protection systems.
• Encrypt data transmissions and erect firewalls to conceal confidential information as it is being transmitted and to keep out tainted digital transfers.
• Perform risk assessments and execute tests of data processing system to ensure functioning of data processing activities and security measures.
• Modify computer security files to incorporate new software, correct errors, or change individual access status.
• Maintain permanent fleet cryptologic and carry-on direct support systems required in special land, sea surface and subsurface operations.
• Review violations of computer security procedures and discuss procedures with violators to ensure violations are not repeated.

We asked IT Analysts how satisfied they are with their job. Here is what they said.

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70% of them said they were satisfied with their job and 46% said they find that their job makes the world a better place or helps to make someone else’s life better.

Typical Day At Work

On a daily basis, IT Analysts monitor current reports of computer viruses to determine when to update virus protection systems. They monitor use of data files and regulate access to safeguard information in computer files.

A typical day for an Information Security Analyst will also include:

• Maintain permanent fleet cryptologic and carry-on direct support systems required in special land, sea surface and subsurface operations.
• Modify computer security files to incorporate new software, correct errors, or change individual access status.
• Encrypt data transmissions and erect firewalls to conceal confidential information as it is being transmitted and to keep out tainted digital transfers.
• Confer with users to discuss issues such as computer data access needs, security violations, and programming changes.
• Review violations of computer security procedures and discuss procedures with violators to ensure violations are not repeated.

We asked some IT Analysts a few questions to find out what else does their work day look like. Here is what we found.

	Do you have telephone conversations everyday in this job?	80% said yes
	How important is it to work in a team in this job?	64% said very important
	Do you have group discussions everyday in this job?	94% said yes
	Do you talk or work with customers everyday in this job?	9% said yes
	Do you have to deal with angry customers everyday in this job?	2% said yes
	Do you have to make decisions everyday in this job?	43% said yes

Other responsibilities

Besides their typical day, IT Analysts also document computer security and emergency measures policies, procedures, and tests. They may also modify computer security files to incorporate new software, correct errors, or change individual access status.

On a weekly to monthly basis, IT Analysts Review violations of computer security procedures and discuss procedures with violators to ensure violations are not repeated. They might also Develop plans to safeguard computer files against accidental or unauthorized modification, destruction, or disclosure and to meet emergency data processing needs.

In addition, they Confer with users to discuss issues such as computer data access needs, security violations, and programming changes.

Although specific duties may vary, many of them Coordinate implementation of computer system plan with establishment personnel and outside vendors.

To some IT Analysts, it is also their responsibility to Train users and promote security awareness to ensure system security and to improve server and network efficiency.

Working life

More than 40 hours per week

Regular schedule like a 9 to 5

In a typical work week as an Information Security Analyst, you can expect to work more than 40 hours per week.

Is this right for me

People who are suitable for this job tends to like following set procedures and routines. They like working with data and details more than with ideas..

They also like working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. They like searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.

You can read more about these career personality types here.

Explore other careers

http://www.bls.gov/OOH/computer-and-information-technology/information-security-analysts.htm

http://www.comptia.org/