When it comes to landing a job as a cyber security analyst, there are certain skills that recruiters and employers look upon favourably.
Cyber security analysts are responsible for monitoring potential threats and implementing an appropriate incident response. They should be aware of all security alerts, analysing the situation and be ready to take action to mitigate risks, maintaining security solutions and infrastructure. The best security analysts display strong attention to detail, analytical and problem solving skills
A wide range of job opportunities are available for professionals looking to pursue a career in cyber security and one of the most sought-after positions is that of the cyber security analyst.
As cyber criminals continue to become more advanced in their attempts to hack systems and steal data, the volume of attacks is growing. This means the need for highly skilled cyber security analysts is also on the rise.
When it comes to landing a job in the field, there are certain skills that recruiters and employers look upon favourably. Here is everything you need to know about the role of a cyber security analyst.
A cyber security analyst is typically an entry-level role that defends an organisation’s networks and systems from digital threats, preventing unauthorised third parties from accessing sensitive data.
These professionals are a key part of their organisations’ IT teams and often undertake a wide array of tasks, from monitoring traffic and managing antivirus software to investigating unusual activities and penetration testing.
Cyber security analysts perform a generalist role and, as such, undertake several different tasks. These experts must be up to date with the latest developments in IT, which means they will constantly be researching to stay ahead of potential threats.
Other responsibilities could include developing contingency plans, reporting attacks, providing cyber security training to colleagues and monitoring their organisation’s network to identify and eliminate suspicious activity.
The tasks carried out by a cyber security analyst will vary between different firms, but the general responsibility they all share is preparing and responding to attacks. This means professionals working in the field must be able to think and act with urgency.
As the frequency and severity of cyber attacks continue to increase, the need for cyber security roles has followed. Experts in this area must be highly skilled and up to date with the latest technologies to remain one step ahead of criminals.
So, cyber security analysts are certainly in demand. In fact, TechTarget ranked the job as the second most sought-after position in the industry for 2023, highlighting just how important these professionals are and why organisations are often looking for new analysts.
The rise in the number of cyber security analyst jobs being advertised can be directly correlated with the increase in emerging cyber security threats. Job security is fairly high in the industry, even for those at entry level, as threats are only set to get some sophisticated going forward.
According to data from Glassdoor, the average salary for a cyber security analyst in the UK is £43,853. However, the pay you can expect depends heavily on your experience, with compensation for entry-level roles starting around £30,000 and rising up to £80,000 for the most seasoned experts.
One way to increase your cyber security analyst salary is to become a certified information security manager (CISM). This qualification will not only set you apart from other security professionals and increase your potential pay, but also improve your chances of climbing the career ladder.
When looking at a job description for an information technology role like cyber security analyst, you may wonder how it compares to other areas of the industry. A particularly interesting comparison to draw is that of cyber security analyst vs information security analyst.
While the realm of a cyber security analyst is restricted to data stored on computers, hard drives and the internet, information security analysts also consider data stored elsewhere. This can extend into places like filing cabinets or even insider knowledge kept by employees.
The role of a cyber security analyst requires professionals to possess a deep understanding of information systems and networks, which means education and hands-on experience are both important. However, in a wider sense, cyber security is a relatively new industry. As such, there are a range of different paths you could take to become an analyst.
Most commonly, cyber security analysts take an academic route with an information technology degree as a starting off point. Then it’s a matter of specialising, gaining additional qualifications and experience in the industry in areas such as operating systems and penetration testing.
Alternatively but more unusual is to become a cyber security analyst through unique industry knowledge. A certified ethical hacker, for example, may have a skill set that’s hard to find, making them valuable to prospective employers.
It’s also worth bearing in mind that networking will help with career prospects. This can be done both online and in person, with security events representing a great opportunity to connect with like minded individuals and learn more about the industry.
Because a cyber security analyst performs a generalist role within an organisation, the skills required of them can be extensive. Some of the proficiencies employers often look for include:
There is also the potential for a cyber security analyst to specialise in one area. An information system security professional, for example, would need analytical skills relating to computer systems and networks, as well as a deep understanding of security policies and protocols.
For many cyber security analysts, the undergraduate degree of choice is either Computer Science or Engineering and Technology. These two both rank within the top ten most popular courses in the UK in 2023.
Alternatively, some universities offer a dedicated Cyber Security course, whilst other common bachelor’s degrees include Computer Programming, Database Management and Computer Hardware Engineering.
Looking for the perfect cyber security analyst job? The best place to start is with a dedicated cyber security jobs board, like CyberSecurityJobsite.com. You can even register your CV to let hiring managers and recruiters reach out to you directly.
Additionally, take a look at CyberSecurityExpo.co.uk to find a cyber security jobs fair near you. These events occur throughout the year, across the UK. They offer a great opportunity to network with some of the biggest employers in the industry and could be the perfect way to learn more about roles you’re interested in.
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