Cybersecurity analysts: what they do and why their work is vital

Cybersecurity analysts are the core of an organization’s security, private and public alike. They have a vital task: ensuring that their IT assets are secure and protect them from violations and attacks.

Being a security analyst is everything but an easy job. In achieving their organization’s security, they have the duty to manage the IT security and risks of the entity they work for. This includes analyzing and identifying proper security solutions to make the work environment resilient to threats.

Usually reporting to a CIO (Chief Innovation Officer), their role also involves a constant liaison and engagement with other departments and business units.

Cybersecurity analyst jobs require many sophisticated skills, which employers repay with competitive salaries.

Find out more below!

Cybersecurity analysts: job description

First and foremost, talking about the cybersecurity job market requires a brief introduction.

The ongoing digitalization of society has increased security concerns to a level nobody would dream of. Indeed, increasing reliance on technology and the digital device has multiplied by exponential factor surfaces of attack exploitable by threat actors.

Therefore, cybersecurity analysts are vital professionals.

They figure as the workers responsible for ensuring that cyber threats do not harm the organization they work for. Or at least they attempt to do so.

Particularly, their job involves the management of the security of all IT assets. However, organizations require them to draft security policies and procedures.

Moreover, they are in charge of a comprehensive data security program for the organization’s system. This also entails providing development, training, execution, and monitoring.

The job, finally, requires performing checks and giving authorization to requests. They may also audit functions according to compliance standards.

Skills

Above, we have outlined the main duties of this vital and important job. But, what skill do security analysts need to perform it?

Generally, it would be best if you acknowledged that the cybersecurity industry does not require a specific curriculum. For instance, if interested in compliance, you would not need a degree in computer science.

Cybersecurity analysts, however, are one of the most technical professional figures in the industry. A bachelor degree in computer science is a must, then.

Hard skills needed may include reverse engineering, penetration testing, and firewall administration.

Getting the right hard skills may not suffice to form a qualified cybersecurity analyst.

Key soft skills include data analysis, problem-solving, and communication. Communicating properly may be key as the job requires concise and clear reporting.

Conclusion

To conclude, cybersecurity analysts, perform a critical job. They have the duty to secure organizations from threats. Overall, not everyone could do this job. Cybersecurity indeed scores as one of the most complex fields in the labor market.

But there is good news. Companies and organizations desperately look for these skilled professionals. As supply does not meet demand in this field, salaries tend to be competitive. Also, great career perspectives may encourage working in this sector.

You may read further about jobs in the cybersecurity industry in our dedicated blog.