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Useful experience for security consultants includes: 

• work in entry-level IT jobs such as information technology helpdesk/support technician
• on-the-job training through IT internships and graduate recruitment programmes
• hacking experience gained through study or hacking conferences
• working on individual IT projects such as setting up your own penetration testing lab or assembling computers.

Security analysts may do some or all of the following:

• analyse risks and security alerts, and identify and manage security breaches
• install and implement hardware and software to prevent unauthorised access to information and networks
• monitor information coming into and leaving organisations, and employees' internet access 
• write and enforce security policies
• work with law enforcement agencies to manage security threats
• make employees aware of security issues and their responsibilities as users of information systems.

Security analysts in demand

Security analysts are in high demand due to:

• organisations shifting services and systems online
• increasing numbers of devices that are connected to the internet, including vehicles, which hackers can access and damage online.

Shortage of experienced security analysts

There are not enough experienced security analysts to meet demand. Nearly two thirds of IT employers report skills shortages, and there aren't enough information technology (IT) trainees.

As a result, ICT security specialist appears on Immigration New Zealand's long-term skill shortage list. This means the Government is actively encouraging skilled security analysts from overseas to work in New Zealand.

How to get your first IT job

You can improve your chances of getting a job through:

• internships like Summer of Tech
• graduate programmes offered by IT companies
• mentoring programmes.

• NxtStep website - find IT internships
• Summer of Tech website - information on the IT internship programme

Types of employers varied

Security analysts can work for:

• private companies that provide web, database and network services
• software development companies
• private companies 
• government departments and educational institutions.

IT Professionals NZ

0800 252 255 – info@itp.nz – www.itp.nz

NZTech

(09) 475 0204 – info@nztech.org.nz – www.nztech.org.nz

Security analysts may progress to set up their own business, or move into roles such as:

• security consultant
• security architect
• security manager
• IT project manager
• security director
• chief information and security officer (CISO).

• Security consultant job information
• Information technology manager job information
• Information technology architect job information

Security analysts may specialise in:

• cloud security – protecting data stored on servers hosted on the internet rather than on a local server or personal computer
• internet security – protecting against internet crime, especially unauthorised access to computer systems and data
• mobile security – protecting smartphones and other portable devices, and the networks they connect to, from threats
• network security – protecting the internal computer network of an organisation.

Security analysts need to be:

• detail-oriented, curious and eager to work in-depth on technical questions
• analytical thinkers and problem solvers
• good at seeing the big picture, to examine problems and solutions from all sides
• interested in continuous learning as they need to keep up to date with fast-changing technology
• skilled communicators.