Security Analyst Career Guide and Counseling

Question: What is the different between SAP Security Analyst and SAP Security Administrator? I'm wondering what is the different between; SAP Security Analyst, SAP Security Administrator, and SAP Security Architect? So, if i'm looking for SAP Security Architect which one should i contact; SAP Security Administrator or SAP Security Analyst?

Answer: An Analyst analyse. A SAP Security Analyst is similiar to a system analyst in the realm of system analysis. He gathers the security requirement within SAP, and the surrounding environment. Designs the aplication / system security matrix and documents the process. An Administrator will take a hold of this matrix and realise them in the system and the environment. Depending on the size of the organisation, there is no distinction between an analyst and administrator.

Question: How do I become a Security Analyst in IT field? I am living in Vancouver, Canada. I don't know where to begin from? Some people have to told me to first get A+ to get some basic knowledge, then do courses like cisco CCNA, and CCNP. And is network security analyst the same thing as Security analyst, or are they altogether different. Please let me know, thanks in advance.

Answer: You don't need the A+ or the cisco certificates to get started. A network security analyst and a security analyst have their differences. If you want to get into the security field then go for the CISSP. In reality, people usually study whatever it is that they are trying to protect. In a large organization, they may only specialize in one area (i.e. network security or OS security). In a small organization, they may be required to focus on everything (in that case, you would need to do both network security and OS security). Then, you will have to also consider, Windows Security vs. UNIX Security or both? Again, it just depends on what type of company you are in. Remember, large company means you may only be working with one OS as compared with a small company. Once you have one or two of these certificates, then you can start applying for entry level jobs. (i.e. jr level jobs where they don't require any experience. Make sure you team up with a vetern who is willing to help you too. It makes no sense to get a job where people don't want to help you learn. Then again, God only helps those who help themselves.) Good Luck!

Question: What are the Pre-requisites to be a Fund Manager Junior or a Security Analyst? Hi, i have just finished my Degree in banking and finance and was wondering what are the pre-requisites or relevant job experiences that is needed to be a fund manager junior? or a Security analyst? I can't seem to find any reference to know what are the relevant experiences needed to take this two positions! i would prefer to take a path that would be able to lead me to what i wan to work as.

Answer: The securities analyst job is the pathway to a fund manager position. With your degree, the only job you'll be considered for is as a fundamental analyst. That means your accounting skills need to be very sharp. Good accounting skills really translate to your ability to be able to work with k's and q's. ( I hope you know what that means.) What I see now is that many young analysts coming into the field already have valuation models of their own, and can show them during interviews. We give case studies to anyone coming in. With respect to quantitative anlysts, we are not even considering anyone without a phD, and the preference there is on econ or math PhD's. Hope this helps.

Question: what can i expect on an entry level technology interview for a security analyst position? I have a phone interview for an entry level security analyst position for information technology and i would like to know what types of questions to expect

Answer: They will ask you about your experience and education and about things that are relevant to the job that they deem important, it is important for you to ask questions as well.

Question: Can someone please tell differencies between network security analyst and security analyst.? I am planning to take Cisco CCNA, but I am am confused what I become of it after completing it. And please tell if I should take any other basic courses in before taking CCNA, as I have no knowledge of networking or security.

Answer: A network security analyst is specifically concerned with the security of the network and of network aware applications. A security analyst is a more general term that also covers security issues that are not network related. Concrete examples*: Network security analyst: - Defending against worms. - Making sure your website is safe. - Firewall configuraton. Security analyst: - Making sure passwords are encrypted when they are stored. - Ensuring that credit card information is only accessible by authorised people. - Auditing source code for internally written applications. If you have no knowledge of networking or security then there is not much point in taking the CCNA exam until you do. There's a practice exam for the CCNA made by about.com in the sources section. Try it out and see how far you get. There is also one on the Cisco website but it didn't work properly when I tried it. There are some Cisco training courses that will help train you on exactly what is needed to pass the Cisco exams. Cisco is a big name in networking but you should be aware that it is not the only name and that they don't really deal with much else other than networking. Cisco exams are specific to Cisco products but many of the principles being tested are applicable to other brand's products. If you are interested in the broader topic of security outside of network security then a Cisco exam is not the best choice for your first one. As far as other security courses are concerned, I can highly recommend both the Sun security courses and the RedHat security courses. I have never attempted a CISSP myself but they are widely recognised and highly respected in the industry. * There is often a lot of crossover between these two roles. Unless the company is enormous and has dozens of security analysts, most security professionals will work on both network and non-network tasks.

Question: If I Get a Degree In Security Management can I become a Security Data Analyst? Im thinking I could, but just to be sure I wanted to know. I want to go to Devry and major in Security management which would be under Computer/Information Sciences. Would this be the right major to go into if I wanted to be a Security Data Analyst? Thanks in advance.

Answer: It is possible that it could get you into a security analyst position.... but nothing is 100%. To get into almost any larger company you'll need a college degree of some type. If you like computer security then by all means go for it. You will probably need to start off as helpdesk, server team and work your way to security analyst... unless you're already writing exploits, patches or security software. then you might be able to sell yourself to the right company without the degree. Also pay mind to ceritifcations.... a college degree with certifications will help. Security+ is a good start. Best of luck

Question: if i want to be a computer security analyst, what job should I start off as 2 build up to that? well my degree is in computer science..w/t concentration in security so thats a start but I know i cant just bounce into security w/t an associates or bachelors you need experience to build your way up people tell me, what job would i go for like systems administator or ?

Answer: Ignore Lord Garth he doesn't really know what he's talking about. Every different subject he gives an answer to he puts that he's an expert. LOL. People shouldn't be dishonest.

Question: What would a SAP Security Analyst do for the Coca-Cola company? I have an interview for this position and it is an over the phone interview and i only know about military security. So what is SAP security, how does it compare to regular law enforcement and do you think its a good job? how much does it pay?

Answer: SAP is a business software company. It would be working to help stop computer fraud. The hackers could be anywhere in the world. Unlike military police who find criminals on base.

Question: How would you become a systems security analyst? I am interested in this type of career but am seeming to have some troubles. I am 19 years old and live in Edmonton Alberta and I can go to NAIT to get the schooling but would I have to start doing something else such as somthing that relates to this field then get more schooling afterwards and then I am able to get this kind of job or can I just get schooling for this and then go ino this type of field. Would someone hire me jhust coming out of school or would I have to get experience first?

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Question: looking for a job as an security analyst. How hard to find during recession? I have passed CFA Level 1, but no or very little experience in the field. How bad is it out there to find a job right now in this industry with these qualification (or lack there of)? Anybody else in the same boat?

Answer: You can get started in this field if you are willing to "freelance" for a while. You would work at a company for 1 week or 1 month as they needed you. Apply at the investment houses..