The role of Cybersecurity Analyst

This is a hugely responsible role, especially after many highly publicised security leaks and data thefts in recent times, and as a result, corporations in all sectors of industry place a great deal of emphasis on attracting the right individuals for the right positions. A skilled and talented Cybersecurity Analyst is likely to in great demand in both the current and future job markets. 

Duties and responsibilities - What does a Cybersecurity Analyst do?

Several important duties are expected of a Cybersecurity Analyst, including:

• Attain a thorough understanding of the company’s IT infrastructure and how best to protect it
• Constant monitoring of activity both within and without the infrastructure and react accordingly to potential issues
• Display a sound knowledge of the latest developments within the spheres of both security and technology
• Oversee disaster recovery and system outage strategies to ensure optimum business continuity
• Design and upgrade new and existing security systems as and when necessary
• Organise ethical hacking attempts in a bid to evaluate system security
• Identify weaknesses in the system, including those relating to both intentioned and accidental security breaches
• Produce reports for senior management and other stakeholders and communicate their results

Qualities needed for a successful Cybersecurity Analyst

The best Cybersecurity Analysts tend to have a natural suspicion allied to a natural curiosity. This is a role that suits highly technical individuals who can adapt to change and approach every task with a diligent and methodical approach. A thorough understanding of the way that cybercriminals operate will also be a must-have quality for all applicants.

There will regularly be a need to communicate well with senior managers, departmental heads, clients, and other stakeholders, so successful Cybersecurity Analysts will be skilled in communication, including when explaining technical matters to those with less of a technical background.

The position will also suit excellent people managers because there will be a need at times to galvanise a team, especially in the face of a perceived cyber threat. Incident response in the wake of a serious data breach can be stressful, so the ability to work calmly under pressure will be a major plus point.

Qualifications and technical skills - How to become a Cybersecurity Analyst?

The successful Cybersecurity Analyst will have several technologically advanced applications on hand. Therefore, it’s advantageous to have experience working with tools that help with network security monitoring, network intrusion detection, penetration tests, antivirus software, encryption and scanning for web vulnerability.

Realistic candidates for the role of Cybersecurity Analyst will have gained a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a relevant discipline, such as information technology, cybersecurity, or computer science, and will often hold some form of cybersecurity accreditation as well such as CEH, CISM, CISSPor CompTIA Security+.

Career development - What is the next step after Cybersecurity Analyst?

Individuals who have gained the skills and experience to be a successful Cybersecurity Analyst will often have opportunities to work in several advanced roles. They include those of Ethical Hacker, Senior Penetration Tester, Security Consultant, Cybersecurity Engineer, Security Director and Lead Security Architect.

Salary and remuneration - How much does a Cybersecurity Analyst make?

Generous salaries and tempting benefits packages await those who become successful Cybersecurity Analysts.