NigCareers

Are you searching for a cyber security analyst job description? Get to know about the duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and skills requirements of a cyber security analyst. Feel free to use our cyber security analyst job description template to produce your own cyber security analyst job description. We also provide you with information about the salary you can earn as a cyber security analyst.

 

Who is a Cyber Security Analyst?

Cyber Security is also known as Computer security, or information technology security (IT security). It involves safeguarding computer systems and networks against data leakage, theft, or damage to their hardware, software, or electronic data, as well as against disruption or misdirection of the services they offer. The field has gained importance as a result of the increased reliance on computer systems, the Internet, wireless network standards like Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, as well as the expansion of “smart” gadgets like smartphones, televisions, and other items that make up the Internet of things (IoT). Due to the complexity of information systems, both in terms of their technological and political applications, one of the major issues in the modern world is Cyber Security. The reliability, integrity, and data privacy of the system are its main priorities. A Cyber Security analyst is therefore a qualified cyber professional who is an expert in network and IT infrastructure security. Information security analysts are another name for cyber security experts. To safeguard a business’s computer networks and systems, they create and implement security procedures. Cyber Security analyst actively works to predict and stop these attacks since they have a detailed understanding of malware, cyberattacks, and cybercriminals’ actions. The analyst often has at least a bachelor’s degree in Cyber Security or a closely connected subject.

A Cyber Security analyst defends a company’s networks, software, and hardware from hackers. The key responsibilities of the analyst are to thoroughly comprehend the IT infrastructure of the firm, to continuously monitor it, and assess potential network threats. The company’s network security is always being improved, and critical data is being protected, according to the Cyber Security analyst. Information security standards and firewalls are used by cyber security analysts to evaluate hazards. To find potential risks and weaknesses, they run tests. To assess computer networks’ readiness to defend against an assault, cyber security analysts also carry out internal and external audits on them. If they identify a threat, they will also recommend updating the current standards. When an assessment is finished, they must put together an assessment report that details any security problems and the steps they took to address them. To develop backup plans to prevent such accidents, a cyber security analyst determines the reasons why breaches occur. Additionally, an analyst offers advice on safe procedures for clients and staff when working online. In the event of a data breach or a cyber attack, cyber security experts should make sure that a corporation has backups and disaster recovery plans in place.

To verify that security products adhere to strict privacy standards, cyber security analysts also collaborate with suppliers. To make sure that their security regulatory criteria, they must thoroughly examine new collaborations and contracts. Let’s say a business purchases new hardware or software. In that situation, a cyber security analyst must notify the employer and staff about the vendor’s information technology policies, terms of use, potential security concerns, and best practices. A wide range of abilities and knowledge in computer science, electrical engineering, and communication is needed for the profession of cyber security analyst. The majority of a cyber security analyst’s time is usually spent investigating vulnerabilities and developing defences against them. For people who want to use their analytical skills to solve challenges that are always evolving, this position may be an intriguing opportunity. To stop and thwart attacks, cyber security analysts need to have a solid understanding of the various hacking techniques. Future security analysts can be better prepared to comprehend risks and execute strong security measures by earning an ethical hacking certification. Computer networks are among the most popular targets for thieves and criminals. A cyber security analyst needs to have a complete awareness of the various network components, how they might be used as targets for attacks, and the security precautions that can be taken to stop them.

 

Cyber Security Analyst Job Description

What is a cyber security analyst job description? A cyber security analyst job description is simply a list of duties and responsibilities of a cyber security analyst in an organization. Below are the cyber security analyst job description examples you can use to develop your resume or write a cyber security analyst job description for your employee. Employers can also use it to sieve out job seekers when choosing candidates for interviews.

• Based on the risk assessment performed at the start of the project, develop security policies and procedures to protect company assets. Implement security measures like firewalls, anti-virus software, intrusion detection systems, and patch management procedures
• computer networks should be subjected to penetration testing to discover potential security risks and vulnerabilities.
• Identify new security risks and hazards to the organization by conducting research.
• Setup, configuration, and management of network security tools such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems (IDS), and intrusion prevention systems (IPS)
• Create strategies for disaster recovery in the case of an attack or security compromise.
• analyze security breaches to ascertain the root of the issue, then suggest remedies to cure it
• Check employee use of corporate computers for indications of fraud or security issues.
• Investigate the root cause of security events, find solutions, and suggest risk-reduction measures.

 

Qualifications

• A computer science bachelor’s degree or an equivalent qualification.
• Information security work experience or other relevant work experience.
• understanding of network security, penetration testing, and the methods for identifying and fixing security problems.
• knowledge of penetration testing methods for computer networks.
• knowledge of principles related to firewalls, proxies, SIEM, antivirus software, and IDPs.
• having extensive knowledge of security technologies such as firewalls, proxies, SIEM, antivirus programs, and IDPs
• the capacity to recognize and highlight vulnerabilities on local and remote networks, address issues, and thwart security breaches
• Responsibility and diligence, including effective patch management to minimize any negative effects on the business while maintaining current security protocols
• the capacity to creatively and critically consider security measures that can protect data while still enabling an organization to thrive.

 

Essential Skills

• Technical skills: Technical knowledge and proficiency are required to use software, applications, and technology. This includes knowing how to use technology and software to uncover vulnerabilities, debug problems, and find solutions. Strong technical foundations in areas like network configuration, firewall installation, and programming are prerequisites for being a good cyber security analyst. These fundamental abilities will enable you to work more efficiently on more difficult jobs, such as creating cloud-based systems.
• Collaboration and communication skills: Cyber Security analysts must collaborate with different teams because of the collaborative nature of their work. Being able to foster teamwork and having strong interpersonal skills are therefore highly regarded in this field. Since Cyber Security analysts frequently work with non-technical teams, they must be able to communicate complex technical ideas without resorting to jargon. Cyber security analysts interact with many different parties, such as managers, clients, and other stakeholders. To obtain information or make system change requests, they also communicate with staff members in other departments, such as IT. For a cyber security analyst to be successful, effective communication is essential. Key corporate executives frequently receive reports and recommendations from cyber security professionals. Effective communication of complicated ideas is a crucial ability that can aid in gaining support for your concepts so you can put the proper policies and systems in place to keep the organization secure.
• Problem-solving and critical thinking skills: Finding solutions to security breaches or other issues that happen at work may be one of your responsibilities as a cyber security analyst. You can find the issue’s root cause and create a fix with the aid of your problem-solving abilities. When problems occur, it is the job of cyber security analysts to troubleshoot them. You can obtain and evaluate information to create rational responses to these problems by using your strong critical thinking abilities.
• Research skills: Research expertise are crucial for a cyber security analyst to obtain data on potential threats and vulnerabilities. Researching new technology, software, or security protocols can be necessary. Researching information on potential risks, such as malware, viruses, or hacking efforts, may also be necessary.
• Analytical skills: The capacity to gather data and make inferences from it is what is meant by analytical abilities. Because they must be able to understand data and identify potential dangers, this is a crucial ability for a cyber security analyst.
• Skills in programming: Information security analysts frequently use a variety of programming tools and scripts to create and evaluate security programs that defend against breaches and cyber-attacks, so having strong programming abilities in both systems and networking is essential.
• Current trends: While ransomware, trojans, and phishing are particularly well-known cybercrimes, crypto-mining attacks experienced a sharp increase in 2020, providing hackers with a simple path into corporate networks. Because of the field’s constant change, Cyber Security analysts must be inquisitive and eager to learn new things. They must constantly be aware of emerging trends in threats and be flexible. Security threats typically don’t manifest themselves in the most obvious way. They are intricate, covert, and minute. The smallest threat, though, can be sufficient to start a cyberattack and cause chaos throughout a company. To identify threats before they can breach the organization’s security perimeter, Cyber Security analysts must be observant and attentive.

 

How to Become a Cyber Security Analyst

Step 1: Earn a degree

The majority of employers of information security analysts prefer candidates with a bachelor’s degree in computer science and information technology, computer or software engineering, information assurance, or a related field, although some Cyber Security analyst positions may be obtained with only an associate’s degree. A bachelor’s degree in computer science and a bachelor’s degree in Cyber Security essentially have the same course requirements. Both courses begin with a foundation in programming, statistics, and database applications before moving on to more complex subjects like cryptography, artificial intelligence, and ethical hacking. Students who enrol in a bachelor’s program in Cyber Security will learn about the many techniques for data protection and information systems. The technical and business skills of system administration, database programming, and data recovery are also taught to Cyber Security analysts. To properly comprehend IT security, the coursework emphasizes digital forensics, criminal psychology, and policy analysis. Graduates with a bachelor’s degree can work as computer forensic analysts, Cyber Security analysts, or information security analysts at the entry level.

Step 2: Go for an internship

You are permitted to work part-time as an intern while pursuing your bachelor’s degree. This has several advantages for your career, including helping you to obtain job experience, build connections in the industry, have your questions answered by professionals, learn firsthand by working with subject-matter experts, and earn some additional money. The majority of businesses won’t hire individuals without at least some experience, so even though you might be able to fill a position without it, it is always preferable to have some. Consult the career counsellor at your school for assistance in finding an internship position. Cyber Security analysts can point you in the direction of the numerous lucrative chances that interest you.

Step 3: Acquire certifications

You can seek several qualifications to develop your abilities as a cyber security analyst. Although obtaining further certifications is optional, many businesses favour hiring applicants who have established a strong understanding of cyber security by obtaining relevant industry credentials. Although obtaining certification can be expensive and time-consuming, it is well worth it because it can help you stand out from the competitors and open the door to negotiating a higher starting wage. Additionally, if you currently have a job, your employer might cover the exam fees since they will value you more due to the information and experience you will receive from acquiring credentials. Maintaining current information is also crucial. After so many years in the profession of Cyber Security analyst, many credentials necessitate recertification. For instance, CISSP and Security+ certifications must be renewed. The following are a few of the certifications available for professionals in Cyber Security:

• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
• GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC)
• GIAC Penetration Tester (GPEN)
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
• CompTIA Security+
• EC-Council Certified Security Analyst (ECSA)

Step 4: Create your resume

A strong resume can set you apart from applicants with comparable qualifications and raise your chances of getting called in for an interview. An effective resume can showcase the transferable job abilities you acquired during your internship or previous employment in addition to your official education and certifications. For a cyber security analyst, this entails the technical and analytical abilities required to stop or lessen cyberattacks as well as the critical interpersonal abilities needed to succeed in the position. By listing their undergraduate GPA, honours, any languages they speak, and any professional organizations they are a member of, entry-level candidates may make sure their resumes stand out from the competition. An entry-level resume must also have a compelling summary statement. You may improve your chances of a successful application process by customizing your resume to the particular job you’re applying for, using keywords from the job description, and emphasizing your most transferable talents.

 

Where to Work as a Cyber Security Analyst

Research businesses, investment banks, private equity firms, venture capital firms, and hedge funds are the typical employers of securities analysts generally, including Cyber Security analysts. During ordinary business hours, cyber security analysts often work in an office setting. To respond to emergencies or finish projects, they can be asked to work on the weekends and in the evenings. Travel may be necessary for client meetings or training sessions. Analysts in cyber security must be able to collaborate well with others because they frequently work in teams. They must possess strong verbal and written communication skills. They must also be motivated by themselves and capable of working alone.

 

Cyber Security Analyst Salary Scale

Salary ranges for Cyber Security analysts depend on their level of education, years of experience, and employer. In the United States, a Cyber Security analyst typically earns $78,818 annually, plus a $5,000 cash incentive. In Nigeria, the average monthly salary for a Cyber Security analyst is roughly 402,000 NGN. From 201,000 NGN to 624,000 NGN is the salary range.

Information Technology

Tags: Cyber Security Analyst, Cyber Security Analyst Job Description, Cyber Security Analyst Qualifications, Cyber Security Analyst Salary, Cyber Security Analyst Skills, How to Become a Cyber Security Analyst, Job Description, Who is a Cyber Security Analyst