The field of data integrity is growing quickly. Computer security has never been more vital than it is now. The maturing of information technology means keeping data secure and accurate is becoming increasingly important.
The primary role of a data integrity analyst is to manage a company’s data by monitoring its network against malicious breaches and preventing any accidental errors. They do this by:
- Tracking records indicating who is accessing what information at specific times
- Reviewing and analysing this information to protect data reserves
- Ensuring the firewall and security systems are up to date
What exactly do data integrity analysts do?
Data integrity analysts are responsible for a wide variety of security-related tasks, including (but not limited to):
- Making backups to company files ensuring all versions of data on all storage devices are protected
- Monitoring company computer systems to ensure company employees are using internal information sources appropriately
- Conducting themselves in a way that adheres not only to high standards of confidentiality but the appropriate use and storage of data as well
- Being personally responsible for access and exposure to information that is being protected
- Regulating the security clearances of all employees within a company
- Keep abreast of all potential threats by attending educational events, relevant conferences and trade shows
What education and experience do data integrity analysts require?
A company seeking to hire a data integrity analyst may require a candidate with a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology or another related field. However, as it is a fairly new role, many accept sufficient experience in the field as a replacement for the candidate not holding a degree or a degree in an unrelated field.
Experience-wise, most companies look for work in this position, or one with related duties, for at least one to five years in an industry similar to the one they are in. For example, financial services companies will require the data integrity analyst to have experience in the financial services industry, as understanding the particular industry is essential to successfully completing job duties.
What skills do companies hiring data integrity analysts look for?
Data integrity analysts should:
- Have the ability to conduct data mapping activities that track data storage and the access of data within specific security tiers
- Be able to promote the successful access of data by the employees who need to use it through transparent databases.
- Structure the data reserves, so that information that is integral to the key functions of employees in other departments is accessible to them.
- Have amazing communication skills.
- Be able to standardize company data or draw analytical information from it where necessary.
- Be able to work alone or as part of a team.
- Should be comfortable interpreting and executing the directions of a company without excessive additional clarification from management
- Be able to distinguish between benign and malicious behaviours in computer systems.
- Know how to enhance current security measures and implement antivirus software and new firewalls.
- Have a sufficient understanding of the different methods of preventing security breaches and the software available to make sound judgment calls on new software to be implemented into current systems.
What is the job outlook like for data integrity analysts?
As we stated earlier, this is a growing field. As more companies realise the need to protect sensitive data while creating databases which allow employees to access company records and files easily – there will be more and more demand for data integrity analysts.
If you are looking to fill a data integrity analyst role, or want to become a data integrity analyst, then please get in touch with the team at Agile Recruit today by emailing us at info@agilerecruit.com
