What Does a Cybersecurity Analyst Do? Job Description & Skills
Cybersecurity analysts are cybersecurity guards who monitor and maintain an organization's defensive measures against cyberattacks, such as hacking and malware.
When business was done primarily in offices and stores, security guards monitored the workplace to protect company assets and documents. Business has since changed through technological advancements, with modern security now aiming to protect servers full of data from cyberattacks and hackers.
Multiple types of cybersecurity professionals work on different aspects of security measures; some are more involved in threat assessment and analysis, while others focus on programming and writing code.
The duties of a cybersecurity analyst include responsibilities such maintaining security systems and safeguarding data, while constantly monitoring for potential threats.
What Is a Cybersecurity Analyst?
A cybersecurity analyst works to monitor the digital assets of an organization to protect information while simultaneously maintaining firewalls and security measures to prevent breaches and cybercrime.
They work closely with other cybersecurity professionals to keep these systems in place. Cybersecurity analysts also work to investigate and report on potential threats caused by external entities or through software vulnerabilities.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the job growth rate for these professionals is over 32%, nearly 11 times the projected rate for all occupations.
Cybersecurity jobs often have competitive salaries compared to national averages, but a cybersecurity analyst's salary will vary based on factors such as the employer, work experience, and certifications and degrees earned.
Though this is a highly technical role, there are many entry-level roles that only require a bachelor's degree. Pursuing an advanced education can prepare graduates for jobs in management or executive roles in cybersecurity, though they aren't required for entry into the field.
Discover Accredited Online Programs
Find the program that works best for you and apply today.
Southern New Hampshire University
You have goals. Southern New Hampshire University can help you reach them. Whether you need a bachelor's degree to get into a career or want a master's degree to move up in your current career, SNHU has an online program for you.
University of Maryland Global Campus
University of Maryland Global Campus provides affordable, achievable, and flexible pathways to a college degree for adult learners. With over 90 degrees and certificates, UMGC is built to fit your schedule and goals.
University of North Carolina
The University of North Carolina offers a wide range of online programs designed for working adults. Earn your degree from a nationally recognized institution with flexible scheduling and strong academic support.
Arizona State University
Arizona State University offers more than 300 online degree programs, certificates and courses. ASU Online delivers the same rigorous academic programs as on campus, with the flexibility you need to succeed.
Skills Required of Cybersecurity Analysts
Many people think of the technical skills required to work as a cybersecurity analyst; however, many soft skills are just as essential to fulfill the role properly. Some of the skills necessary to succeed in this career path include:
- real-time problem-solving and critical thinking skills to prevent data breaches
- basic programming and scripting skills, including knowledge of languages (e.g., Python and JavaScript)
- knowledge of operating systems (i.e., Windows and Linux)
- ability to audit firewalls, antivirus, and malware prevention software
- written and verbal communication skills to relay information to team members
Responsibilities of a Cybersecurity Analyst
All cybersecurity careers involve a focus on protecting data systems for companies or other organizations. A cybersecurity analyst's role differs from other jobs in the cybersecurity field since this role serves as a digital watchman; other roles may focus more on hands-on coding or programming.
Overseeing Security Management Systems
Cybersecurity analysts are responsible for overseeing security management systems.
Security software and plans are used to protect a variety of sensitive information for stakeholders, both internally and externally. Cybersecurity analysts monitor these systems and analyze network traffic to track potential data breaches and other vulnerabilities.
Investigating Security Breaches
One of the primary responsibilities of a cybersecurity analyst is to investigate security breaches. If a security breach is identified, it's up to the cybersecurity analyst to figure out what happened.
Sometimes, these breaches happen organically due to software issues that need to be fixed; other times, they result from external cyber threats, like hackers.
Looking into Potential System Vulnerabilities
Whether or not there is a breach, cybersecurity analysts are responsible for finding weaknesses and vulnerabilities in network security.
One of the ways they do this is by using penetration testing. This work is done by ethical hackers to test the security of an organization's computer networks.
Designing Security Network Systems
Cybersecurity analysts use data science to track information gathered in investigations and testing to help design IT security network systems. Although analysts aren't usually responsible for the coding of these systems, they work with cybersecurity engineers to identify the needs of the security system and make sure any future software aligns with the organization's security policies.
Reporting and Documenting Security Incidents
In addition to investigating and security incident response efforts, cybersecurity analysts are responsible for reporting and documenting these incidents. The data gathered about past incidents is fundamental for building future security systems or making modifications.
FAQs About Cybersecurity Analysts
Although the work of cybersecurity analysts has sweeping effects on organizations and their clients, many people don't know what the job does or how to become one. Below are answers to some common questions about being a cybersecurity analyst.
Is It Hard Being a Cybersecurity Analyst?
The difficulty of any career will vary from person to person, and cybersecurity analysis is no different. If you have good technical knowledge and enjoy working with technology and solving ongoing problems, then the job might seem easier to you than to someone who struggles with these skills.
Even if you meet these criteria, the daily work of a cybersecurity analyst is often demanding and challenging mentally. The work of a cybersecurity analyst isn't simply analyzing systems; the job includes writing and filing reports, presenting information to stakeholders, and working on interdepartmental teams.
What Is the Difference Between a Cybersecurity Analyst and an Information Security Analyst?
The job titles cybersecurity analyst and information security analyst are sometimes used interchangeably, but they don't have the same role in most organizations or cybersecurity teams.
An information security analyst works to keep computer systems and networks safe. A cybersecurity analyst is a role within information security focusing specifically on cybercrimes and direct attacks on organizational data structures and network systems.
What Certifications Are Good for Cybersecurity Analysts?
In addition to a degree in cybersecurity, computer science, or information technology, many professionals in the field pursue certification. The two most popular cybersecurity certifications are the CompTIA and Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) programs.
These professional certificates aren't required, but they can help provide legitimacy to the skills needed to do the day-to-day work of a cybersecurity analyst.
Additionally, there are cybersecurity bootcamps that can help you learn new skills and information, and some of these programs come with their credentials and certifications.
How Does a Cybersecurity Analyst Protect an Organization's Data?
A cybersecurity analyst works to protect an organization's data in multiple ways. Some of the main duties include monitoring and maintaining protective systems, like firewalls. Additionally, they lead investigations into potential or actual data breaches and report their findings to help improve security measures in the future.
Cybersecurity analysts also are responsible for working on ethical hacking initiatives to see if they can break into their own system's defenses to expose vulnerabilities through methods like penetration testing.
