Cyber Security Analyst
Cybersecurity analyst
Cybersecurity researchers use a variety of tools and processes to help secure an organization by preventing, detecting, and managing cyber threats.
You can defend IT infrastructure (including networks, hardware, and software) from a variety of criminal activities as a cybersecurity analyst. You can track networks and devices, identify security threats (‘events’), analyze and evaluate alerts, and report on threats, intrusion attempts, and false alarms, either resolving them or worsening them, depending on the severity.
You should function in one of the following fields in general:
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- Advisory services to clients are provided through consultants.
- working to keep the protection of the company you work for secure.
Information research analyst, security analyst, information security consultant, security operations center (SOC) analyst, and cybersecurity analyst are examples of job titles.
Roles and responsibilities Cyber Security Analyst
You’ll need to be able to do the following as a cybersecurity analyst:
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- keep up with the latest trends in defense and technology
- investigate/evaluate emerging cybersecurity threats and strategies for dealing with them
- Prepare for disaster recovery and develop backup plans in case of a security breach.
- keep an eye out for intrusions, assaults, and other unexpected, unauthorized, or illegal activity
- review and analyze protection products
- create new security systems or improve old ones
- to assess emerging threat dynamics and vulnerabilities using sophisticated analytic tools
- ‘Ethical hacking,’ for example, involves simulating security breaches.
- Identify possible flaws and put safeguards in place, such as firewalls and encryption.
- Security warnings are investigated, and incident response is given.
- track identity and access control, including checking for unauthorized device users abusing permissions.
- liaise with stakeholders on cybersecurity challenges and make proposals for the future
- create reports for technical and non-technical workers, as well as stakeholders
- maintain an information security vulnerability registry and assist with information security internal and external audits
- phishing emails and ‘pharming’ activity should be monitored and responded to.
- Assist in the creation, maintenance, and implementation of cybersecurity awareness training for coworkers.
- provide employees with advice and direction on topics such as spam and unwanted or malicious emails.
Salary of Cyber Security Analyst
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- Cybersecurity analysts usually earn between £25,000 and £35,000 as a starting salary.
- Experienced and senior cybersecurity experts should expect to make between £35,000 and £60,000 a year.
- You could earn up to and above £70,000 in higher-level leadership or management positions.
Salaries are determined by several factors, including your expertise, experience, and credentials, your location, the type of employer you work for (in-house or consultancy), and the industry in which you work (e.g. financial services).
You’ll normally get a bonus, a corporate pension plan, private medical insurance, gym membership, and funded training and development programs as part of the employee benefits package.
The income figures are only meant to be used as a reference.
Working hours
Monday through Friday, employees normally work 35 to 40 hours a week. Depending on projects and the nature of the job, you might be required to work after 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.
Some employers can require you to work shifts that include evenings, nights, and weekends. To respond quickly to cybersecurity incidents, you may need to function as part of a 24/7 call-out rota.
Part-time jobs and job sharing are uncommon. Other firms, on the other hand, have flexible working conditions.
Short-term contract work is possible, particularly through recruitment agencies or as a consultant who works on a self-employed basis.
What to expect?
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- Work will most certainly be done in an office environment, and you’ll be using a computer for long periods of time. If you work as a consultant, you will be required to travel to meet with clients.For professional analysts, self-employment is a choice. You could either start your own cybersecurity firm or work as a freelance cybersecurity contractor. You may also use an organization to function as a contractor.
- Some jobs would require you to have security clearance, particularly if you’re working for a government agency or a private company that deals with highly sensitive data. You may be limited on what you can tell about your job as well.
- Large cities have a higher proportion of employment, with more in the South East of England (including London). Many positions can be found in Edinburgh and Glasgow, Scotland. Roles are most commonly found in Cardiff, Swansea, and Newport in Wales. However, as a consultant for a business, you will be required to travel both within the UK and internationally. Independent consultants may work from home or fly to meet with clients.
- In the profession, women and ethnic minorities are underrepresented. However, several organizations, such as the Cyber Challenge Foundation, are working to encourage greater employee diversity.WISE (Women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), WeAreTechWomen, and Women in International Security are examples of programs aimed at bringing women into the industry (WIIS).
Qualifications
Are you a security expert? What is data management? Improve your technical skills and apply what you’ve learned to real-world problems.
Starting in an entry-level IT role is a good way to get into the cybersecurity field without a degree. By gaining experience and industry certifications, you might eventually work your way up to a cybersecurity role.
Alternatively, you might pursue a cybersecurity apprenticeship, in which you combine work and research to earn a recognized credential. Apprenticeships are available at all levels, including those leading to a bachelor’s degree. The Digital and Technology Solutions Degree Apprenticeship, for example, is accredited by Tech Partnership Degrees, and some of them have a cybersecurity analyst specialization.
A degree in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) may be required or preferred by employers when hiring for graduate positions. Employers have different specifications. Degree subjects that are important include:
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- Information/cyber/network defence
- the field of computer science
- systems of computation and knowledge
- Engineering in the fields of software, electrical, and network design
- science and math
- physics
- other degrees in IT/security/networking
A non-technical/unrelated degree may also be used to join the field. Some graduate programs or graduate positions, for example, accept graduates from any major.
Employers will be more interested in what you’ve done professionally when you gain experience, rather than what you studied in college.
After gaining experience in a more general IT role, there are also opportunities to transition into a cybersecurity role.
While master’s level research isn’t required, you may want to pursue further education in a related field, particularly if your bachelor’s degree is in a different field. The National Cyber Security Centre – NCSC-certified degrees page lists master’s degrees in cybersecurity and related fields that have been certified by the NCSC. Some employers can pay for you to enroll in a relevant Master’s degree program.
Skills
You’ll need the following items:
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- a keen interest in IT and a passion for cybersecurity
- excellent IT expertise, including computer networks, operating systems, applications, hardware, and security
- an understanding of the cybersecurity threats posed by different technologies, as well as how to mitigate them
- a thorough understanding of various security technologies such as network and device firewalls, host intrusion prevention systems, and anti-virus software
- To identify and analyze risks, challenges, patterns, and trends, you’ll need analytical and problem-solving skills.
- To connect with team members and customers, you’ll need teamwork skills.
- ability to interact with a variety of technical and non-technical team members, as well as other related individuals, verbal communication skills, including presentation skills
- skills in written correspondence, such as writing technical papers
- To handle a range of tasks and meet deadlines, you’ll need time management and organizational skills.
- the ability to multitask and prioritize your responsibilities
- outstanding attention to detail
- a willingness to work under duress, particularly when confronted with threats or during periods of high demand
- Experience in the workplace
To get a job, you’ll almost always need appropriate prior work experience. However, there are a range of graduate schemes and internships (at student and graduate-level) in cyber and information security which don’t require pre-entry experience. Employers will look for evidence of your enthusiasm for and knowledge of the cyber/information security industry.
Work experience
You could do a 12-month industrial placement in a cybersecurity position if it’s an option on your course. You may also approach a company that hires cybersecurity experts and request to do some work experience or shadowing. There can, however, be limitations on what you can do and see.
Making contacts in the industry and attending related cyber and information security events can allow you to gain access to opportunities that aren’t always advertised.
For a small fee, you can become a student member of BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, and gain access to networking opportunities, mentoring, and industry knowledge. The Chartered Institute of Information Security is another organization you can join as a student.
Another source of opportunities in the Cyber Security Challenge UK, which is a series of competitions designed to put your cybersecurity expertise to the test. It includes virtual areas designed to promote and improve cyber talents through gamification. This initiative was created to encourage more people to pursue careers in this field.
Employers
Employers are those who hire people.
Professionals in cybersecurity are employed by a wide range of organizations in both the public and private sectors. You may be working on your company’s security and/or providing security services or consulting to other businesses.
Here are a few examples of the kinds of companies you could work for:
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- services provided by professionals
- Consultancies for defense
- companies that include information infrastructure and network providers
- institutions that include financial services
- government
- vigor
- Airlines, for example, are examples of transportation companies.
- the press
- Schools, colleges, and universities are all examples of educational institutions.
- Job openings can be found at:
- CWJobs is a job board dedicated to helping people find work.
- Work Opportunities in Cybersecurity
- CyberSecurityJobsite is a job board for cybersecurity professionals.
- ITJobsWatch is a job board for IT professionals.
- Employment in technology
Vacancies can also be found on more general (non-specialist) work search pages. Keep an eye on potential employers’ LinkedIn and social media accounts, as they can post job openings there.
Professional development
Graduate program opportunities in cyber and information security exist. Make sure you do your homework ahead of time so you don’t miss out on any submission windows.
You may make a speculative application to a business using a CV and cover letter if no appropriate work is advertised. Get help from your local career center and, preferably, have your application reviewed before submitting it.
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- Recent graduate job openings
- Careers for Graduates
- GCHQ
- Several places
- £32,000-£29,501
- See more IT work openings.
- Training and creation
- On-the-job training is common, and you may receive mentoring and advice from more experienced coworkers.
It’s important to stay current with innovations once you’ve started working in the industry. You may be able to find out about industry news, activities, and networking opportunities by visiting, for example:
BCS (British Columbian Society)
The Chartered Institute of Information Security (CIIS) is a non-profit organization dedicated
Information Systems Security Association (ISSA) (ISSA)
While on the program, some employers, such as those offering graduate training schemes, can fund you to complete an MSc in information/cybersecurity.
The NCSC maintains a registry of organizations that have been authorized to evaluate information assurance professionals. The NCSC Certified Training scheme provides courses at two levels: a ‘knowledge’ level for those who are new to cybersecurity and an ‘application’ level for those who are more experienced.
There are also a variety of industry-specific credentials, such as:
The Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP) is an entry-level IT credential for those with at least a year of experience in the field.
The UK government’s approved level of competence for computer security professionals is the Certified Professional (CCP) scheme. The program also offers a well-defined career path for those employed in cybersecurity. Practitioner (entry-level), senior practitioner, and lead practitioner are the three levels to which you can apply.
For experienced security professionals and administrators, the Certified Information System Security Professional (CISSP) certification is available.
There are a variety of certifications available for those looking to improve their leadership, management, and supervisory skills, such as the Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) credential.
Other applicable courses include Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), Cloud Security, Cyber Incident, Planning and Response (CIPR), and GDPR awareness.
It’s a good idea to look at job postings for cybersecurity analyst positions to get a sense of the certifications that employers are looking for and to consult with your boss before deciding on a credential.
Career prospects
Cybersecurity is a rapidly expanding sector with a high demand for cybersecurity professionals. People with the right mix of talents, expertise, and experience have good career opportunities.
You’ll most likely begin in a junior or entry-level cybersecurity position. After many years of experience, you will be able to advance to positions such as senior cybersecurity analyst or consultant.
You can be able to advance into higher-level leadership and management positions after gaining sufficient experience in the industry, ultimately becoming a director or head of cybersecurity. Many employers specify appropriate certifications as job criteria, so obtaining them is beneficial to your growth and advancement.
Larger companies and financial services institutions are likely to offer more opportunities for advancement.
While self-employment is an option, most people prefer to gain experience first. You could either start your own cybersecurity firm or work as a freelance cybersecurity contractor.
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