Career Roadmap to Become a Cyber Security Analyst – Free Guide

How can you become an expert in cyber security? The path may be not easy but it is not tough either. You need to have strong technical aptitude and some relevant skills. Moreover, awareness of the most recent security technologies is a must. But, to become a cyber security analyst, it is crucial to have an effective roadmap.

But that's only the start. You also need to be able to think critically and remain on top of developments. Here is a roadmap to your journey towards becoming an analyst in the cybersecurity field.

What is a Cyber Security Analyst?

Cyber analysts apply safety measures to secure networks, hardware, and software in IT infrastructure. They also design and apply methods to protect from threats, attacks, and attackers.

A cybersecurity expert helps protect a business and its infrastructure against:

• Denial-of-service attacks that block real users by filling a network and servers with fake traffic.
• Malicious actors gain access to sensitive information by SQL injections into a database used by an application.
• Phishing usually takes the form of emails, calls, and other interactions. It also aims to steal data such as bank accounts, login credentials, and credit card details.
• Viruses, Trojans, and spyware are also examples of other dangerous software.

How to Become a Cyber Security Analyst?

Cybersecurity experts must keep on upgrading their skills to stay aware of the new threats. Additionally, the industry is always growing and hackers are also adopting new ways. You may want to work in cybersecurity or simply advance your knowledge. But,
becoming an expert in any area demands focus and a willingness to study. However, if done correctly, it can be a very rewarding process.

Here are the career steps to become a cyber security analyst:

1. Get a bachelor's degree in systems engineering, computer science, or a related discipline.
2. Obtain a master's degree in a field related to cyber protection.
3. You can also enroll in a recognized training program
4. Contribute to projects relating to cyber security in the industry
5. Clear the test and earn the related certification in cyber security. It will be beneficial for your journey towards becoming a cyber security expert.
6. Join a community or professional group. Maintaining professional connections is also a good way to learn about new trends. Moreover, you can discuss best practices, and find mentorship and job opportunities.

Cyber security Analyst Job Description

Here is the job description for cybersecurity experts taken from actual job advertisements. However, their day-to-day duties differ as per company requirements.

• Keep an eye out for security issues and events in network traffic.
• Investigate incidents and deal with them
• Create and spread the best information security procedures.
• An IT security analyst must carry out a threat analysis easily
• Conduct regular penetration tests and risk assessments.
• Develop extensive incident response reports.
• Configure and use firewalls, encryption software, and other security measures.
• Resolve security issues.

Cyber Security Analyst Roles and Responsibilities

Their roles include auditing computer networks for potential threats. Additionally, they may have to install the required software to secure the network. This also helps the network from unwanted access. Their roles and responsibilities include:

• Record breaches of security and assess the harm they cause
• Perform tests with the security team to find network vulnerabilities.
• Fix detected loopholes to keep a high level of security.
• Help coworkers with the installation of security software. Also, assist them in information security management
• Follow up with news and trends in IT security.
• Create company-wide IT security best practices
• They must also test for vulnerabilities

In the end, you will protect a company's computer systems as a cyber security expert. You will also protect software, and other systems from robbery, loss, and cyberattacks.

What is the Qualification for a Cyber Security Analyst?

Hiring a cyber security specialist is a way to secure a company's infrastructure. However, the following qualifications/skills are necessary for these experts:

• Degree in systems design, computer science, or a related subject.
• Experience working in forensics, incident management, and other cybersecurity-related duties.
• Knowledge of the processes, and maintenance of various firewall types. It is because they are crucial for endpoint protection and cyber security.
• A cyber analyst can operate efficiently in a busy environment, usually under duress.
• Efficiency in C, Java, Node, Python, Ruby, Go, or PowerShell-compatible languages or tools.
• Possess a keen eye for detail and exceptional analytical abilities.
• Awareness of hacker tactics and the current cyber security trends.

Benefits of Hiring a Cyber Security Professional

• With proper cyber security, you get a complete sense of protection from cyberattacks. Otherwise, such attacks can affect the security of your customers and staff.
• A security issue could result in problems that cost a company a lot of money in lost profits. Therefore, cybersecurity measures help save organizations time and money.
• Employees can work effectively on a computer that is free of viruses, Adware, and Ransomware. However, this is possible only with the right cybersecurity measures in place.
• Someone who wants to open an account or place an order with your business should not hesitate. Moreover, they don't have to worry about giving you their sensitive personal information. But, this is possible with the right security measures.
• Having proper cybersecurity policies and recovery processes in place can help a business in many ways. It also helps the companies to recover and restart commercial activities in the event of a cyber-attack.

Other Cyber Security Positions Besides Analyst

Some of the popular positions in cyber security job include:

• Security Engineers
• Incident Responders
• Penetration tester
• Security Specialists
• Cryptographer
• Security Architect
• Security Auditors
• Malware/forensics Analysts
• Identity and Access Management Engineer

Conclusion

The importance of cyber security is increasing every day. There are many ways to start if you want to become an expert in cyber security. However, you can start with the basics and then grow your expertise. Also, be aware of the new updates in the field of cyber security. You can even join discussion forums and professional organizations to share knowledge with other professionals. Thus, you may become an expert cyber security analyst with commitment and an open mind.

Frequently Asked Questions