What Does a Cybersecurity Analyst do?

Girlie Defensor

Updated: July 14, 2023

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According to a study from Zippia, more than 8,895 individuals are working as cybersecurity analysts in the United States. This statistic highlights the growing importance of cybersecurity in today’s digital world.

The primary role of a cybersecurity analyst is to safeguard an organization against various cyber threats. They design and implement protocols to respond to and mitigate cyberattacks effectively. 

These professionals are responsible for securing critical infrastructure to prevent different forms of cyberattacks from causing harm or obtaining confidential information from a company’s database.

This article provides a detailed overview of the job of a cybersecurity analyst, the reasons why you may want to consider a career in cybersecurity, and the steps you can take to enter this highly sought-after field.

Cyber Analyst Job Description

Coursera says a cybersecurity analyst’s primary responsibility is to prevent cyber attack vectors. 

Small companies or organizations may be required to perform various cybersecurity tasks. In larger organizations, they may specialize in a specific area as part of a larger security team.

The day-to-day responsibilities of a cybersecurity analyst may differ from company to company. Job listings have identified several tasks and responsibilities.

The tasks and responsibilities of a cybersecurity analyst may include the following:

• Monitoring network traffic for security incidents and events.
• Investigating incidents and responding to events in real-time.
• Writing detailed incident response reports.
• Installing and operating firewalls, encryption programs, and other security software.
• Fixing vulnerabilities.
• Developing and promoting best practices for information security.
• Conducting threat research.
• Performing periodic risk assessments and penetration tests.
• Configuring various tools to safeguard the company’s information 
• Generating reports that detail the current status of the network and assess its strengths.
• Identifying network vulnerabilities and weaknesses to minimize the risk of compromise.

Businesses must prioritize cybersecurity as a fundamental aspect of their operations. With the increasing frequency and severity of cyberattacks, the demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals is rising. 

What Are the Important Skills for Cyber Security Analysts?

A cybersecurity analyst must have many skills to handle malware and security breaches. The following are the most important skills for a cybersecurity analyst:

• Scripting: A working knowledge of computer programming languages and scripts like Java or C++ is highly sought. This enables analysts to understand encoded threats and rewrite software if needed.
• Hacking: The ability to think like a hacker is essential for analysts to understand the hacking process, prepare for cyber attacks, and prevent them before they occur.
• Networking: Analysts need vast expertise in working with diverse networks and understanding how these elements can impact an organization’s security.
• Operating Systems: Analysts should be comfortable working on all operating systems, such as Linux, Windows, iOS, Android, etc.
• Communication: The ability to convey complex cybersecurity concepts in simple terms and work collaboratively with a security team is important in this role.
• IT knowledge: Cybersecurity analysts must keep up-to-date with emerging trends, best practices, and regulations in the technology industry.
• Creativity: Thinking outside the box is critical for identifying potential breaches and developing innovative solutions to prevent them.
• Attention to detail: Cybersecurity analysts must be highly detail-oriented and observant, able to spot even the smallest changes in network activity that could indicate a security threat.

A career in cybersecurity requires a diverse set of skills to identify and mitigate potential security threats. 

Overall, the demand for cybersecurity professionals continues to grow. Possessing these critical skills will undoubtedly be valuable assets for anyone looking to enter this exciting and rapidly evolving field.

Steps to Becoming a Cyber Security Analyst

Due to the constantly evolving nature of the cybersecurity field, it’s essential to stay up-to-date with the latest technologies and practices by obtaining and maintaining certifications. These credentials demonstrate your expertise and position you for success in the information security industry.

The following are some important steps to becoming a cybersecurity analyst:

Step 1: Earn a Degree

A minimum requirement for a cybersecurity analyst position is usually a bachelor’s degree in computer science, programming, or a related field. 

Employers may also seek candidates with additional qualifications such as advanced training, industry certifications, or work experience in an information technology-related field.

Step 2: Develop Your Cybersecurity Skills

Although cybersecurity analysis is a technical job that requires specific skills, it is also essential to develop workplace skills that may transfer from your previous experiences. 

It is important to focus on the following skills:

• Cybersecurity technical skills
• Intrusion detection
• Endpoint management
• Data security
• Networking and network security
• Programming.

While technical skills are necessary for handling complex technical challenges, transferable workplace skills can also be crucial in managing cybersecurity risks.

Step 3: Obtain Certification

Certifications to prove you have the knowledge and skills to work as a cybersecurity analyst. Numerous certifications are available that offer advantages to both novice and experienced analysts. 

These certifications include:

• Certified Ethical Hacker Certification

• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) Certification
• Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) Certification

Obtaining a cybersecurity certification can be an excellent way to demonstrate your expertise and knowledge in cybersecurity. 

Step 4: Apply to Jobs or Internships

After developing your cybersecurity skills, apply for jobs or internships in the industry. Depending on your educational and professional background, you may begin as an entry-level IT professional or a junior data analyst before progressing to more specialized roles.

With dedication and hard work, anyone can become a cybersecurity analyst and help protect organizations from cyber threats.

The Difference Between Cybersecurity Analyst and Information Security Analyst 

Although information security and cybersecurity share common ground and are sometimes used interchangeably, variations exist between the two roles.

Information security encompasses a broader scope that concerns safeguarding information. Cybersecurity, on the other hand, focuses on securing information in its electronic format. 

A cybersecurity analyst must ensure that data stored on computers, hard disks, or the internet is protected.

In contrast, an information security analyst may also consider the safety of data kept elsewhere, such as papers in a drawer or confidential knowledge held by individual staff.

Wrapping Up: The Role of a Cybersecurity Analyst

With the increasing frequency and severity of cyberattacks, the demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals is rising. 

A cybersecurity analyst must possess diverse skills. They are responsible for analyzing and mitigating risks, ensuring the organization’s systems and networks are secure. 

Contrary to popular belief, cybersecurity roles depend not only on a particular skill set but also on the entire cybersecurity landscape. Hence, cybersecurity analysts must bring their A-game by keeping themselves updated with the latest security tools, technologies, policies, and protocols across the landscape.