What does a cyber security analyst do?
A cybersecurity analyst is responsible for planning and carrying out security measures to protect a company's computer networks and systems. They constantly keep tabs on threats and monitor their organization's networks for any security breaches. Their tasks involve installing computer programs or software and encryption, reporting breaches or weak spots, exploring new IT trends, educating the company's information security team on security. They also do simulate security attacks to find possible network and system vulnerabilities.
Cyber security analyst responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real cyber security analyst resumes:
- Ensure all requirements are met to successfully achieve an ATO before release.
- Leverage this same site-to-site VPN technology to automate and secure transactions between FMC and its business partners.
- Lead technical implementation through multiple projects to reduce the cardholder data environment and ultimately reduce the scope of PCI relate environments.
- Log analysis & managing the accuracy of DLP identification to lowering/avoiding false positives and negatives.
- Review and manage the security and information assurance capabilities of database applications, database structure and architecture.
- Implement a manage endpoint encryption solution utilizing TrendMicro MobileArmor to secure university workstations against sensitive data loss.
- Research issues and find root causes to technical issues by researching Linux and windows logs file.
- Use SIEM technologies and other native tools to perform the monitoring of security events on a 24x7 basis.
- Support internal corporate and external customer needs and requirements for becoming and maintaining PCI, HIPAA, and other regulatory compliance.
- Monitor network traffic utilization using SPLUNK software utilizing dashboard graphing, charting and reporting.
- Recognize and investigate potential issues by identifying suspicious and abnormal activity utilizing Splunk by analyzing firewall and proxy logs.
- Monitor and assist in analyzing security systems for routers, switches and firewalls to ensure proper connectivity and configuration.
- Conduct near real-time network security monitoring and intrusions detection analysis using security information and event management (SIEM) application.
- Advance knowledge in TCP/IP suite and routing protocols, such as OSPF, BGP, and EIGRP.
- Perform SQL queries and conduct audits to assure compliance.
Cyber security analyst skills and personality traits
We calculated that 8% of Cyber Security Analysts are proficient in Incident Response, Windows, and SIEM. They’re also known for soft skills such as Analytical skills, Detail oriented, and Problem-solving skills.
We break down the percentage of Cyber Security Analysts that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Incident Response, 8%
Initiate Computer Security Incident Response activities for a large organization, coordinates with other government agencies to record and report incidents.
- Windows, 6%
Authored standard operating procedures for Windows forensic analysis including memory analysis utilizing Volatility.
- SIEM, 5%
Monitor OSI layers 2-7 for malicious traffic, vulnerabilities, or other anomalies using ArcSight SIEM or accessing devices directly.
- DOD, 5%
Designed and developed DoD network infrastructures.
- Linux, 4%
Installed, monitored and supported Web and Application Servers on Linux environments.
- Security Events, 4%
Work with provider of Security Event Monitoring, review security events and manage any resulting investigation and implementation of remedial action.
Common skills that a cyber security analyst uses to do their job include "incident response," "windows," and "siem." You can find details on the most important cyber security analyst responsibilities below.
Analytical skills. One of the key soft skills for a cyber security analyst to have is analytical skills. You can see how this relates to what cyber security analysts do because "information security analysts must carefully study computer systems and networks and assess risks to determine how security policies and protocols can be improved." Additionally, a cyber security analyst resume shows how cyber security analysts use analytical skills: "analyze virus details from sav console, obfuscated java script and compressed file to expose trojans, and other malware. "
Detail oriented. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling cyber security analyst duties is detail oriented. The role rewards competence in this skill because "because cyberattacks can be difficult to detect, information security analysts must pay careful attention to computer systems and watch for minor changes in performance." According to a cyber security analyst resume, here's how cyber security analysts can utilize detail oriented in their job responsibilities: "monitored cyber threats and coordinated with internal and external agencies to detail and counter threat activity. "
Problem-solving skills. cyber security analysts are also known for problem-solving skills, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to cyber security analyst responsibilities, because "information security analysts must respond to security alerts and uncover and fix flaws in computer systems and networks." A cyber security analyst resume example shows how problem-solving skills is used in the workplace: "validated system security requirements and recommended solutions in order to comply with dod guidelines. "
The three companies that hire the most cyber security analysts are:
- General Dynamics178 cyber security analysts jobs
- General Dynamics Mission Systems
158 cyber security analysts jobs
- Pwc116 cyber security analysts jobs
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Compare different cyber security analysts
Cyber security analyst vs. Information assurance engineer
Information assurance engineers are responsible for protecting an organization's data. They act as a team of security specialists that use their skill in securely operating and keeping data to protect the organization's most essential asset. Their main role is to guarantee the quality, security, and retrievability of the organization's information. Also, they outline security systems that make certain the integrity, confidentiality, and accessibility of data. Additionally, they secure IT infrastructure, maintain hardware and software updated, establish security standards, and monitor threats like breaches.
These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a cyber security analyst are more likely to require skills like "siem," "security events," "splunk," and "malware analysis." On the other hand, a job as an information assurance engineer requires skills like "iam," "assurance support," "security engineering," and "computer system." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.
Information assurance engineers really shine in the professional industry with an average salary of $97,153. Comparatively, cyber security analysts tend to make the most money in the automotive industry with an average salary of $91,783.The education levels that information assurance engineers earn slightly differ from cyber security analysts. In particular, information assurance engineers are 0.8% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a cyber security analyst. Additionally, they're 0.5% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Cyber security analyst vs. Information systems security officer
An information systems security officer's role is to perform preventive measures to protect a company's data and systems from hackers or cyber-attacks. Their responsibilities revolve around assessing the existing security measures to identify any vulnerabilities or inconsistencies, recommending and implementing changes to improve security systems, and developing new strategies and programs for data protection. There are also instances when an information systems security officer must manage and maintain information in databases, train new employees, and create new security policies, all while adhering to the company's vision and mission.
Each career also uses different skills, according to real cyber security analyst resumes. While cyber security analyst responsibilities can utilize skills like "siem," "security events," "splunk," and "malware analysis," information systems security officers use skills like "sci," "configuration management," "issm," and "icd."
Information systems security officers earn a higher average salary than cyber security analysts. But information systems security officers earn the highest pay in the professional industry, with an average salary of $89,615. Additionally, cyber security analysts earn the highest salaries in the automotive with average pay of $91,783 annually.information systems security officers earn similar levels of education than cyber security analysts in general. They're 2.2% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.5% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Cyber security analyst vs. Information technology security manager
An information technology security manager is responsible for maintaining the safety and security of the organization's network systems to prevent unauthorized access and illegal dissemination of information from the database. Information technology security managers resolve technical issues, configure network updates, and upgrade system infrastructures to enhance optimal performance and navigation. They also install applications, inspect security breaches, and fix faulty servers to avoid system downtimes and operational delays. An information technology security manager must have excellent technical and communication skills, especially in writing reports for system findings and design networks according to business requirements.
The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, cyber security analysts are more likely to have skills like "security events," "rmf," "splunk," and "malware analysis." But a information technology security manager is more likely to have skills like "nist," "risk management," "project management," and "hipaa."
Information technology security managers make a very good living in the hospitality industry with an average annual salary of $127,504. On the other hand, cyber security analysts are paid the highest salary in the automotive industry, with average annual pay of $91,783.information technology security managers typically earn similar educational levels compared to cyber security analysts. Specifically, they're 2.7% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.2% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Cyber security analyst vs. Information security officer
Information security officers are responsible for planning and implementing policies to safeguard an organization's computer network and data from different types of security breaches. Their duties typically include identifying computer network vulnerabilities, developing and executing a plan to secure and protect the network, and tracking computer network usage to ensure adherence to security policies. In addition, information security officers are also expected to conduct penetration tests to look for flaws and work closely with the IT and management departments to improve security.
Types of cyber security analyst
Updated January 8, 2025
