Information Security Analysts
If you're an internet user, you've definitely come across the word "hacker" before - but what comes to mind when you hear or read that word? "Hacker" is an English term for someone with highly advanced skills in working with computer software, networks, and technology, skills that let them break into the computer systems of individuals and companies. In Arabic it translates to something like an intruder or infiltrator, but Arabic media have gotten used to using the word "hacker" itself in the news, which has made it the common term across the Arab world. Hackers break into companies' or individuals' computer systems for various reasons, though most often it's to spy on people, steal user and customer data, or take control of a company's websites and software in order to demand money or expose sensitive information. That's why every company that relies on the internet for its business hires experts called "information security analysts," whose job is to find security vulnerabilities in their computer systems and websites and secure them against any attempted breach.
Meet the Writer: Waleed Abo Omiraa
What You'll Actually Do
The core tasks and responsibilities that fill a typical day.
- Train users and promote security awareness to ensure system security and to improve server and network efficiency.
- Develop plans to safeguard computer files against accidental or unauthorized modification, destruction, or disclosure and to meet emergency data processing needs.
- Confer with users to discuss issues such as computer data access needs, security violations, and programming changes.
- Monitor current reports of computer viruses to determine when to update virus protection systems.
- Modify computer security files to incorporate new software, correct errors, or change individual access status.
- Coordinate implementation of computer system plan with establishment personnel and outside vendors.
- Monitor use of data files and regulate access to safeguard information in computer files.
- Perform risk assessments and execute tests of data processing system to ensure functioning of data processing activities and security measures.
- Encrypt data transmissions and erect firewalls to conceal confidential information as it is being transmitted and to keep out tainted digital transfers.
- Document computer security and emergency measures policies, procedures, and tests.
- Review violations of computer security procedures and discuss procedures with violators to ensure violations are not repeated.