Cyber Security Analysts: Who are They and What do They Do?

Living in this digital world requires you to know that your private information is vulnerable now more than ever before. News about ID theft and data breaches have become common. While most of the news coverage mentions large companies such as Target, Home Depot, and even the FBI, what you will rarely see is that 40% of the most cyber attacks target small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs), and 60% of these companies go out of business less than six months after the attack.

The increasing prevalence of cyber-attacks on individuals and businesses indicates why companies utilize qualified cybersecurity analysts. This is one technology field that is not limited to the technology industry--every type of organization is potentially vulnerable to cyber-attack. 

Duties of a Cybersecurity Analyst

A cybersecurity analyst is the first line of defense against potential cyber-attacks in any organization. Without continuous monitoring and analysis, government organizations, businesses, and even  individuals may be vulnerable to a harmful intrusion of their networks and computer systems. As a cybersecurity analyst, your main duties could involve protecting networks and websites from cyber threats such as malware, viruses, hacks, and denial-of-service. Cybersecurity analysts interpret and establish security technologies, and create information security frameworks and architecture, to protect private data from hackers. According to the BLS, other duties of cybersecurity analysts may include:

• Instructing computer users on cybersecurity
• Installation and maintenance of security software
• Ensuring that computer systems and networks are free of breaches

The BLS has also noted that the increase of computer systems and network breaches has increased and broadened the duties of cybersecurity analysts. For instance, they are expected to compile cyber forensics data following a breach. Other duties can also include system analysis, programming, and telecommunications.

Other Responsibilities of a Cybersecurity Analyst

Cybersecurity analysts have a slew of responsibilities. Most employers require specific scripting languages and appreciate a well-rounded understanding of multiple languages and environments. Below are some of the responsibilities of cybersecurity analysts:

• Train other employees and promote security awareness to ensure network and system security, and improve network and server efficiency.
• Create plans that will safeguard computer data against unauthorized or accidental modification, disclosure or destruction, and to help meet emergency data processing needs.
• Monitor scans of current computer viruses to determine when virus protection systems need to be updated.
• Discuss computer-related issues with other employees such as computer data access needs, programming changes, and security violations.
• Modify computer security files to use new software, change individual access status or correct errors.
• Monitor data files and regulate access to protect computer files.
• Constantly perform risk assessment and tests of data processing systems, to ensure optimum security measures and functioning of data processing activities.
• Document computer security measures, policies, and procedures in case of an emergency.

Tools and Technology

Cybersecurity analysts use different tools and technology in their work. Apart from computers, they also use network and protocol analyzers, network monitoring, authentication servers, network security or VPNs (virtual private networks) management and equipment transaction security, operating systems and virus protection software

How to Become a Cybersecurity Analyst

While the level of education required varies by employer, the BLS states that for you to become a information security analyst, the minimum educational requirement is a Bachelor of Science degree in computer and information science or a similar field.

Some employers also look for applicants with industry certifications, advanced training, and relevant work experience in IT. If you aspire to work in government or military agencies, then you should be prepared to undergo background checks, drug tests, and obtain industrial certifications.

Never Too Early to Start Planning Ahead

If you are a high school student and you’re interested in becoming a cybersecurity analyst, you should take classes in computer science, mathematics, language arts and information technology. Other helpful classes include engineering technology, physical science, and business.

Continuing Education

The rapid change in technology has created a new security risk, which makes it necessary for cybersecurity analysts to keep up with security technology and the latest attack methods. Some employers, product (hardware and software) vendors and universities offer continuing education. It’s also important to attend cybersecurity conferences. You may learn about new changes in cybersecurity by listening to knowledgeable cybersecurity professionals.

Are you Up to The Challenge?

Are you interested in a degree in cybersecurity? If you want to earn a Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer and Information Science with a Major in Cyber and Network Security - Cybersecurity Track, ECPI University offers this course at an accelerated pace. For more information, connect with a helpful admissions counselor today.

It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!

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