Network security analyst vs cyber security specialist

The differences between network security analysts and cyber security specialists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 4-6 years to become both a network security analyst and a cyber security specialist. Additionally, a cyber security specialist has an average salary of $93,395, which is higher than the $81,623 average annual salary of a network security analyst.

The top three skills for a network security analyst include network security, windows and incident response. The most important skills for a cyber security specialist are cyber security, incident response, and NIST.

Network security analyst vs cyber security specialist overview

	Network Security Analyst	Cyber Security Specialist
Yearly salary	$81,623	$93,395
Hourly rate	$39.24	$44.90
Growth rate	32%	32%
Number of jobs	82,954	65,235
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 62%	Bachelor's Degree, 56%
Average age	42	42
Years of experience	6	6

What does a network security analyst do?

Network security analysts are information technology (IT) professionals who are responsible for designing and implementing security measures to prevent suspicious or hostile activities on the computer and network systems for an organization. These analysts must install firewalls while working with the IT team to protect their systems against malicious attacks. They are required to perform forensic analysis on those malicious activities so that they can determine the source of the threats. Network security analysts must also communicate the state of information security to the stakeholders as well as suggesting ways to improve system security.

What does a cyber security specialist do?

Cybersecurity Specialists are information technology (IT) professionals who safeguard and protect the company's networks. They ensure that the network infrastructure is secure at all times. They do routine checks to see whether the infrastructure is vulnerable to attacks. Cybersecurity Specialists monitor and respond to security concerns. They launch programs or software to mitigate any attacks that the company's infrastructure may receive. They also look for ways to minimize the network infrastructure's vulnerability to risks, threats, and attacks.

Network security analyst vs cyber security specialist salary

Network security analysts and cyber security specialists have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Network Security Analyst	Cyber Security Specialist
Average salary	$81,623	$93,395
Salary range	Between $61,000 And $108,000	Between $69,000 And $125,000
Highest paying City	San Jose, CA	Bellevue, WA
Highest paying state	California	Washington
Best paying company	Bunge	BP America Inc
Best paying industry	Professional	Technology

Differences between network security analyst and cyber security specialist education

There are a few differences between a network security analyst and a cyber security specialist in terms of educational background:

	Network Security Analyst	Cyber Security Specialist
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 62%	Bachelor's Degree, 56%
Most common major	Computer Science	Computer Science
Most common college	University of Pennsylvania	North Carolina State University

Network security analyst vs cyber security specialist demographics

Here are the differences between network security analysts' and cyber security specialists' demographics:

	Network Security Analyst	Cyber Security Specialist
Average age	42	42
Gender ratio	Male, 84.9% Female, 15.1%	Male, 83.2% Female, 16.8%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 9.2% Unknown, 6.1% Hispanic or Latino, 9.0% Asian, 9.6% White, 65.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%	Black or African American, 9.2% Unknown, 6.1% Hispanic or Latino, 9.0% Asian, 9.6% White, 65.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%
LGBT Percentage	9%	9%

Differences between network security analyst and cyber security specialist duties and responsibilities

Network security analyst example responsibilities.

Manage endpoint encryption, antivirus/anti-malware host IPS, process documentation, incident management.
Design and manage information systems security policy, implementation, and management for a globally distribute MPLS infrastructure.
Install and provide upkeep for Linux scanning, storage and group-relate web and network management servers.
Create shell scripts to generate list of all files directories ownership companywide on all UNIX and Linux systems.
Assist with NIST 800-171 compliance initiative.
Utilize ArcSight SIEM to create rules, filters and channels.

Cyber security specialist example responsibilities.

Manage and monitor enterprise antivirus and software firewall programs.
Implement a manage endpoint encryption solution utilizing TrendMicro MobileArmor to secure university workstations against sensitive data loss.
Scan network infrastructure for insecurities and vulnerabilities using programs such as ACAS and HBSS.
Work on implementing DISA STIGS.
Assist in using Nessus to scan local machines.
Upload audit files to ACAS in preparation for STIG scans.

Network security analyst vs cyber security specialist skills

Common network security analyst skills

Network Security, 11%
Windows, 5%
Incident Response, 4%
Switches, 3%
Linux, 3%
Tcp Ip, 3%

Common cyber security specialist skills

Cyber Security, 17%
Incident Response, 6%
NIST, 5%
Security Operations, 4%
Forensics, 4%
DOD, 3%

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Network Security Analyst vs Cyber Security Specialist

Updated January 8, 2025

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