OVERVIEW
What Is an Application Security Analyst?
An application security analyst is a trained professional responsible for providing security assessments of applications and other software. The goal of these assessments is to protect organizations from hacking attempts and threats such as phishing, malware, and ransomware. A large portion of an application security analyst’s time is spent searching for weak spots in web applications and data, then correcting and reinforcing those areas. Preventative measures play a critical role in information security. In addition to focusing on potential threats, application security analysts test their own networks, encrypt information, and develop procedures to maintain an organization’s digital security plan.
The role of an application security analyst shouldn’t be confused with a cybercrime investigator. An investigator is called in after a crime has been committed, while an analyst proactively protects an organization from cyberattacks.
RESPONSIBILITIES
What Does an Application Security Analyst Do?
Application security analysts have various responsibilities that range from supervising security access to developing preventative strategies to reporting to management. A typical workday may include:
- Monitoring and maintaining current security access.
- Conducting security assessments through vulnerability tests and risk analysis.
- Responding to security incidents in a timely manner.
- Analyzing breaches to determine their root cause.
- Developing strategies to prevent security breaches from occurring.
- Updating an organization’s incident response and recovery plans.
- Instructing employees on how to be safe with their information.
- Collaborating with third-party vendors to meet security requirements.
- Performing internal and external security audits.
- Generating reports for IT administrators and managers to evaluate the efficacy of security policies.
EDUCATION & BEST DEGREES
How Do I Become an Application Security Analyst?
The first step to becoming an application security analyst is to earn a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity and information assurance or computer science. The next step is to gain experience working closely in application development or cybersecurity. Experience is especially important in this field, as the more hands-on opportunities you have with information protection at various levels, the more knowledge you’ll have to bring to security analytics and collaborating with other team members. Most application security analyst job openings require at least five years of entry-level experience.
In addition to earning your degree and gaining experience, many employers seek out individuals who improve their expertise by obtaining certifications such as CompTIA Network+, CompTIA Security+, or a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP). If you’re interested in advancing into a leadership role, earning a master’s degree in cybersecurity and information assurance can further develop your expertise and earning potential.
Best Degrees for an Application Security Analyst:
Technology
Cybersecurity and Information Assurance – B.S.
Protect your career and earning potential with this degree....
Protect your career and earning potential with this degree.
- Time: 60% of graduates finish within 29 months.
- Tuition: $4,265 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 34 total courses in this program.
Certifications included in this program at no extra cost include:
- Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) - Associate of (ISC)2 designation
- Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP) - Associate of (ISC)2 designation
- ITIL® Foundation Certification
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst Certification (CySA+)
- CompTIA IT Operations Specialist
- CompTIA Network+
- CompTIA Network Vulnerability Assessment Professional
- CompTIA Network Security Professional
- CompTIA PenTest+
- CompTIA Project+
- CompTIA Secure Infrastructure Specialist
- CompTIA Security+
- CompTIA Security Analytics Professional
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:
- Secure Systems Analysis & Design
- Data Management
- Web and Cloud Security
- Hacking Countermeasures and Techniques
- Digital Forensics and Incident Response
Technology
Cybersecurity and Information Assurance – M.S.
Become the authority on keeping infrastructures and information safe....
Become the authority on keeping infrastructures and information safe.
- Time: 63% of graduates finish within 18 months.
- Tuition: $4,555 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 9 total courses in this program.
Certifications in this program at no additional cost include:
- CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+)
- CompTIA PenTest+
- CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+) Optional Voucher
- ISACA Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) Optional Voucher
- (ISC)² Certified in Cybersecurity (CC)
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:
- Cybersecurity Strategy
- Information Assurance
- Incident Response
- Penetration Testing
The curriculum is closely aligned with the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE) Workforce Framework. The program was designed in collaboration with national intelligence organizations and IT industry leaders, ensuring you'll learn emerging technologies and best practices in security governance.
How Much Does an Application Security Analyst Make?
$102,600
The average annual salary for a security analyst in the U.S. is $102,600, with the lowest 10% earning less than $61,520 and the highest 10% earning up to $165,920. Long hours are common in the field, so a willingness to work more than 40 hours per week and outside of normal business hours may be expected.
What Is the Projected Job Growth?
35%
As more software programs and applications are developed, the need for security analysts to combat potential cyberattacks will only increase. Currently, the job field for security analytics is projected to grow by 35% between 2021 and 2031, significantly faster than the average occupation.
SKILLS
What Skills Does an Application Security Analyst Need?
An application security analyst needs a wide variety of technical and nontechnical skills to be successful. Some of the necessary skills include:
- Knowledge of controls and frameworks such as the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), International Organization for Standardization (ISO), Center for Information Security (CIS), and System and Organization Controls 2 (SOC 2).
- Knowledge of intrusion detection software.
- Understanding of privacy laws.
- Understanding of wired and wireless networks.
- Understanding of the current threat landscape.
- Familiarity with MacOS, Windows, and Linux, as well as their command-line interfaces.
- Familiarity with an organization’s incident response plan.
- Cloud security skills.
- Scripting skills.
- Analytical skills.
- Problem-solving skills.
- Communication skills.
- Organizational skills.
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