What is a Cyber Security Analyst?
A Cyber Security Analyst is a certified cyber professional who specialises in the security of networks and IT systems. They are well-versed in cyberattacks, malware, and cybercriminal behaviour, and work hard to anticipate and avoid such attacks. Furthermore, their major responsibility is to thoroughly understand the company’s IT architecture.
Cyber Security Analysts devote a significant amount of effort to researching cyber security threats, identifying risks and vulnerabilities, and preparing responses to real-world cyber attacks.
They train in blocking these attacks on computers that imitate networks and systems and also keep up with the latest hacks, methodologies, and approaches by reading news and information feeds. A Cyber Security Analyst is always looking for new ways to improve the company’s network security and protect sensitive data, that’s why they run tests on their own systems to see if these have any flaws.
Today’s Cyber Security industry can be broken down into the following main branches:
- Application security
- Network and infrastructure security
- Intrusion detection and penetration testing
- Digital forensics and incident response
- Endpoint protection and mobile security
- Data governance, risk and compliance
Privacy is regarded as a fundamental human right that is legally protected. Businesses have a wealth of information, including company insights and financial data, as well as information about their customers and workers. Companies must ensure that both their own and their customers’ data is kept secure and in compliance with current requirements This also applies to the company’s vendors and partners. A data breach that exposes client information might result in financial damage. However, it may also result in a decrease in client loyalty, trust, and brand reputation. Businesses need to have the necessary security technology, security policies, risk management, and cyber security to keep data safe. In order to supply that they acquire the help of Cyber Security Analysts .
Responsibilities
Cyber Security Analysts specialise in various areas, but the overall responsibilities include:
- Protecting company hardware, software, and networks from cybercriminals
- Understanding company IT infrastructure in detail
- Monitoring companies IT infrastructure at all times
- Conducting frequent audits to verify that security procedures are up to date
- Assist with the development, maintenance, and delivery of cyber security awareness training for coworkers.
- Evaluating threats that could potentially breach the companies network
- Prepare for disaster response and prepare backup plans in case of a security compromise.
- Continuously look for ways to enhance company network security and protect its sensitive information through developing technologies
- Evaluate and test security products
- Assess and apply configuring tools ( for example, virus software, password protection, and vulnerability management software)
- Reporting skills, both oral and written for technical and non-technical staff
- Testing all networks on a regular basis and identifying flaws before criminal elements or external threats may harm them.
Salary
Like a lot of the salaries in IT related sectors, salaries for Cyber Security Analysts rank very high. Making this job desirable for those who want to earn higher salaries. As with most careers, the salary of a Cyber Security Analyst is strongly influenced by location, employer and experience.
The median annual salary in London for a Cybersecurity Analyst was £60,000 during the 6 months to February 2022.
UK median annual salary for a Cybersecurity Analyst was £47,500 during the 6 months to February 2022.
When working full-time, Cyber Security Analysts typically receive an excellent benefits package. This includes a bonus, private medical insurance, paid training and development opportunities, company pension plan, gym membership, some even include paid vacations.
Working hours and work location
Cyber Security analysts work between 35 and 40 hours per week, from Monday to Friday. Certain projects may require additional hours that could include evenings, nights or weekends. As a Cyber Security Analyst you may need to work as a part of a 24/7 call-out schedule in order to enable speedy responses to cyber security issues. Some businesses provide flexible work schedules, while job sharing and part-time work are very unusual. Short-term contract work is possible, especially through recruitment agencies or as a consultant who works on a freelance basis. As a Cyber security Analyst your work will be mostly office based in one of the following sectors:
- Public sector
- Computer corporations
- Consulting firms
- Financial companies
- Consulting companies
Consultants may be required to travel to meet clients.
Qualifications
Cybercrime investigators, penetration testing auditors, and cybersecurity architects are just a few of the various specialisations available in the field of Cyber Security Analysis. Cyber Security Analysts generally have a bachelor’s degree or an MSc in information technology or programming, or another computer-related subject. Even though a degree or an MSc makes it easier to access Cyber Security employment, people can enter this professional field from various points. You can go into cybersecurity analysis related work right after college, or you can change careers from another IT expertise. After deciding that it’s time for a career change, you can enter cybersecurity with no prior experience. There are certificates that will meet you where you are, regardless of your history.
European Information Technologies Certification Institute offers a number of IT certificates, including the EITCA/IS, certificate aimed at Cyber Security Professionals.
Some other certifications include:
- EITC/IS/ACSS Advanced Computer Systems Security
EITC/IS/ACC Advanced Classical Cryptography
EITC/IS/WASF Web Applications Security Fundamentals
EITC/IS/WAPT Web Applications Penetration Testing
EITC/IS/ACSS Advanced Computer Systems Security
National Cyber Security Centre UK offers Bursaries and Degree Apprenticeships.
- CyberFirst Bursary provides students with £4,000 in financial aid and paid cyber security training each summer to help them get started in the field of cyber security.
- CyberFirst Degree allows Undergraduates to earn while they learn, preparing them for a job with the Government Communications Headquarters
In order to work in the Public Sector, some restrictions and requirements need to be met. You may need to go through UK Security Vetting.
This includes:
- a counter terrorist check
- a security check (SC) – for access to information classified as ‘secret’
- developed vetting (DV) – for access to information classified as ‘top secret’
Vetting is sometimes not required for Cyber Security related work in the private sector.
Skills
The skill set for Cyber Security Analysts can vary depending on type of Cyber security and specific targets set forth by the employer. However, these are some skills that employers look for:
must have skills:
- Knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
- Complex problem-solving skills
- The ability to make decisions on your own
- Maths skills
- The ability to take criticism and work effectively under duress
- To be meticulous and precise in one’s work
- To be persistent and determined
- Multitasking skills
- Good writing and communication skills
- Organisational and time management skills
- A deep interest in IT and a passion for cyber security
- Outstanding IT expertise, including computer networks, operating systems, software, hardware, and security
- Working knowledge of the cyber security hazards connected with various technologies, as well as knowledge about managing them
- Being able to function well in a team
- Knowledge of various security technologies, these include:
- Data Loss Prevention
- Intrusion Detection System
- Intrusion Prevention System
- Security Incident and Event Management
- Firewalls
- Antivirus programmes
Work experience
Work experience may vary depending on the Cyber Security area that you decide to work in. Some of the sectors that require the assistance of a Cyber Security Analyst include:
- Transport – You might safeguard systems that keep the UK moving, such as train timetables and smart roads.
- Aerospace – In-flight aircraft data and flight patterns are protected by cyber security professionals.
- Banking and commerce – Bank accounts, as well as online buyers’ payment information, are protected by cyber security when they make online transactions.
- Healthcare and education – Ransomware is prevented by cyber security experts everywhere from schools to hospitals, ensuring that coursework and medical data remain safe in these two important aspects of life.
- Streaming movies and music – Cyber security involves keeping your bandwidth free for streaming while avoiding DDOS assaults.
- Satellites- The GPS satellites that power our maps and satellite navigations are protected by cyber security.
- Communication and power – Cyber security teams keep the lights on and people connected by protecting power grids and even phone networks.
- Gaming- User accounts are protected by cyber security experts from account hijacking and online looting.
For experienced analysts, self-employment is an alternative. You might either start your own cyber security firm or work as a freelance cyber security consultant. You could also use an agency to operate as a contractor.
Career prospects
What can I do with an IT Degree?, is the question to ask yourself when considering entering the world of Cyber Security and accessing those lucrative salaries.
Global cybercrime expenses are expected to rise 15% each year, reaching $10.5 trillion USD annually by 2025.
According to a recent World Economic Forum (WEF) poll of over 120 global cyber leaders, 59 percent of all respondents would find it difficult to respond to a cybersecurity disaster due to a lack of capabilities within their team. Furthermore the majority of respondents ranked talent recruitment and retention as the most difficult aspect. The global need for cybersecurity professionals is growing at a rapid pace, with a global deficit of 3.5 million professionals in 2021. No wonder that the need for Cyber Security Analysts grows every year. According to the 2021 Cyber Security Breaches Survey, four in ten businesses (39%) and a quarter of charities (26%) report having cyber security breaches or attacks in the last 12 months. British citizens will have a lot of job opportunities, in the UK alone, 1.5 million cybersecurity specialists were required by 2020, with this number projected to rise in the future years.
Some specific Cyber Security Analyst job titles, depending on the area of expertise are:
- Security analyst
- Information security analyst
- Security operations centre analyst
- Cyber intelligence analyst
- Information security consultant
Employers
As A Cyber Security Analyst you will be able to help protect our society from cybercrime. Due to the deficit in skilled labour, Cyber Security Analysts have no trouble finding work with some of the greatest companies in the UK or within the public sector. Some potential employers are
Related Courses
This course is taught at the University of the West of Scotland’s London Campus, which means you’ll be studying in the heart of the UK tech industry.This full-time, one-year program is aimed for students who have no prior experience with IT or computing. The course will assist you in gaining much-needed business-related IT knowledge and competencies, as well as assisting you in obtaining that dream career in Cyber Security.
Other related courses
- MSc in Information Technology This course is a wonderful option if you want to learn entirely online. It retains all of the hallmarks of the top MSc offered on campus by the University of the West of Scotland. You also don't require a baccalaureate degree in IT to attend.
- MSc in Computer Science with Cyber Security
- MSc in Cyber Security
- BEng in Cyber Security
FAQ Summary
A Cyber Security Analyst is a certified cyber professional who specialises in the security of networks and IT systems. They are well-versed in cyberattacks, malware, and cybercriminal behaviour, and work hard to anticipate and avoid such attacks. Furthermore, their major responsibility is to thoroughly understand the company’s IT architecture.
Like a lot of the salaries in IT-related sectors, salaries for Cyber Security Analysts rank very high. Making this job desirable for those who want to earn higher salaries. As with most careers, the salary of a Cyber Security Analyst is strongly influenced by location, employer and experience.
The median annual salary in London for a Cybersecurity Analyst was £60,000 during the 6 months to February 2022. UK median annual salary for a Cybersecurity Analyst was £47,500 during the 6 months to February 2022.
Cybercrime investigators, penetration testing auditors, and cybersecurity architects are just a few of the various specialisations available in the field of Cyber Security Analysis.
Cyber Security Analysts generally have a bachelor’s degree or an MSc in information technology or programming, or another computer-related subject.
