What are the responsibilities of a Cyber Security Analyst?

What are the responsibilities of a Cyber Security Analyst?

What are the responsibilities of a Cyber Security Analyst?

If you think setting a strong password in your computer system, mobile phone, Cyber Security or other devices can keep the cyber attack at bay; then you might be wrong. Cybercrime is a broad term and involves a large variety of attacks, such as malware, ransomware, DoS, DDoS, phishing, SQL injection, zero-day exploit, XSS, botnets, etc. Cybercriminals are discovering unique methods and techniques daily to take advantage of the Internet. Cyber security analysts here come into play!

Cyber security analysts play a significant role in helping organizations against cyber threats. They perform various tasks to protect the computer systems and networks of the organizations. From installing software to safeguard sensitive data to conducting penetration testing, a day in the life of a cyber security analyst include performing several preventive measures, system monitoring, and data analysis.

In this blog, we will discuss the core responsibilities of a cyber security analyst and why it is a viable career option in 2022.

Key responsibilities of a cyber security analyst

1. Investigating security breaches

Data breaches can lead to significant losses for an organization. According to IBM, data breach average cost grew 2.6 percent from US$ 4.24 million in 2021 to US$ 4.35 million in 2022. At least 16 percent of the time, phishing was primarily responsible for breaches, the IBM report suggests. So, cyber security analysts are responsible for investigating security breaches to identify potential security risks to an organization to minimize their adverse impacts.

• Locating vulnerabilities

Cyber security analysts strive to locate vulnerabilities so they can correct them before any mishap. They perform vulnerability assessments to identify risks or potential threats to an organization’s security. They also need to train their non-technical staff about cyber security protocols and how they can protect themselves and the organization against cyber attacks. Cyber security analysts take the help of tools like network security monitoring tools, encryption tools, web vulnerability scanning tools, firewall, network defense wireless tools, and penetration testing to locate vulnerabilities.

• Performing ethical security hacking

Ethical security hacking is similar to hacking. Cyber security analysts, also known as white hat hackers, perform authorized simulated attacks on a computer system to identify any vulnerability. White hat hackers use tools and methods as attackers to find weaknesses in a computer system. They have prior approval from the organization to perform penetration testing.

• Installing security software

Cyber security analysts also install and operate security software such as antivirus and firewall to ensure all internet-connected systems have implemented proper security measures. Installing security software helps prevent malware and other cyber threats.

Need a course?

Similar to financial literacy, we need to understand the components of computers we use daily to shield us against cyber attacks, find information faster, use acumen to protect sensitive data, and so on. Pursuing a cyber security analyst program provides insight into operating systems, data management, and system communications. The course will equip you with the skills and knowledge to take up several roles in the security domain, such as cyber security analyst, systems implementation manager, network administrator, or internet systems administrator. Apply now!

This article is written by Monika Sinha.