The cyber security analyst profession revolves around developing IT defense systems and protecting valuable information. Their priority is to safeguard data from cybercriminals. Its job description would sound appealing to persons interested in technology. According to the Bureau of Labour Statistics, this profession is likely to grow faster than average. And likewise, the potential average earnings of a cyber security analyst salary are also projected to rise.
The national average salary for a Cyber Security Analyst is $80,078 in United States.
According to glassdoor.com
Cyber security analysts are also known as cyber security specialists, security analysts, information security analysts, or data security analysts. However, the job title for a person implementing security measures to prevent and recover from online attacks is a cyber security analyst. In this article, the focus will revolve around this increasingly popular and lucrative profession, so read on.
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What Does a Cyber Security Analyst Do?
A cyber security analyst plays an essential role in a government or organization’s network and servers. Their main job is to plan and implement security measures. This is part of regular security tasks they perform to prevent any breach attempt and work quickly to safeguard data in case of a breach. It is a profession that requires you always be conversant with the newest technology hackers are likely to use.
Here some Of the duties a cyber security analyst performs:
- Works closely with vendors, contractors, and partnerships to ensure they met all privacy standards. Also, as a security analyst, he/she will carefully vet them to make sure they meet all regulatory standards. Works with the vendor’s employer to help secure their information technology and information systems.
- As information security analysts, the mandate is to identify what might cause a security breach. Too, in case of a violation, it’s their job to find out what caused the breach and will ensure it never happens again.
- As an information security analyst, his/her work ensures an organization has reliable backups and a ready recovery plan. These will include training employers and other employees on what to do when a data breach occurs.
- Monitoring and evaluating security access such as passwords, badges, and logins as part of security measures to secure information. They use firewalls and other tools to ensure security standards are working effectively.
- Performs security tests and risk analysis to assess the vulnerability of information. This evaluation seeks to expose any loose ends and to tighten them, if any.
- They are in charge of conducting security audits; it can be an internal or external security audit. Both are essential measures that a security analyst has to undertake. The audit report helps an organization know the status of its security and information systems.
Cyber Security Job Demand
No. Getting a job is not hard. Cyber security is a field growing fast and presents more opportunities. Those working as ethical hackers are currently first responders. As time goes, they will become more critical in the digital world. Additionally, most managers insist on soft skills when hiring entry-level analysts. Other technical skills are something you learn while on the job.
How do I start a Career in Cyber Security?
The cyber security field has been on a positive trajectory for years; in 2016 alone, there were over one million job openings. Those looking to start should know, it’s a journey of many small steps, with each step getting them close to their dream job. And yet, the cyber security analyst salary that you will receive, will be enough compensation for all the trouble. Here are the steps to follow:
Earn a Degree
Graduating with a degree in cyber security is one of the positive starts in your quest. And get even better if you have experience in information security, you will have plenty of options to pursue. You must go for an accredited program because if you don’t, employers will not hire you. The National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance/Cyber Defense is one of the accreditation boards.
Get Certified
Step two, you need certification. It increases your chances of employment. It would help if you got certification at least in a specific area or any subject of interest. Below are some of the most sought-after certifications in the cyber security industry.
- CISSP -(Certified Information Systems Security Professional)
- CISM – (Certified Information Security Manager)
- GIAC -(Global Information Assurance Certification)
- CEH-(Certified Ethical Hacker)
- CompTIA Security+
- CISA-(Certified Information Systems Auditor)
There are other vendor-specific certifications you can go for, such as Cisco, RSA, and Symantec. They are attractive to employers and can boost your chance of securing a job.
Look for Experience
Fresh graduates can gain experience in the real-world by either volunteering or applying for internships. When it comes to volunteering, there are many options like virtual through volunteer sites. Another option is working alongside college and university professors. Meanwhile, while still in school, you can start sending internship applications. This could help you secure employment before finishing your program.
Which Country is Good for Cyber Security?
France ranks as the top country in almost all aspects of cyber security across the nations. This makes it the most cyber-secure country in the world.
According to Broadbandsearch, only 4.72% of mobile and 16.2% of computers were infected with malware. Although the figures are higher than in other countries, France’s legal framework and organization make up for the deficiency. Records show only a few percentages of cyber attacks originate from France. On top of it, the country is a member of the international cyber security community.
Other countries ranked among the top five are the US, Japan, the United Kingdom, and Singapore. All of them have put together a comprehensive cyber security defense system capable of withstanding most cyber threats.
Conclusion
Even though the cyber security analyst salary is highly appealing, the job can be stressful and challenging too.
For those looking to follow this path, you need to understand this job and its responsibilities. Get to know some traits like characteristics and personality of an information security analyst. This will help you gauge if cyber security is the right job for you.
Besides, there are several career paths within cyber security that you can follow. Each has its role to play in securing data and protecting the network.