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What is a Security Analyst: Responsibilities, Skills and More

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17th Jan, 2024
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    What is a Security Analyst: Responsibilities, Skills and More

    Cyber Security has been a constant source of concern for all businesses as the Internet and online practices become more widely adopted. According to one statistic, one new business will be infected with ransomware every 11 seconds by 2022. According to a report by KSN (Kaspersky Security Network), India had a 37 percent increase in cyber-attacks in the first quarter of 2020. In India, authorized institutions have begun to offer the best cyber security courses.

    India's cyber security market is expected to increase at a rate of one and a half times that of the worldwide market, from USD 1.97 billion in 2019 to USD 3.05 billion in 2022 as per the source.

    We're confident that this must-have ignited a desire in you to become a Cyber Security Analyst Specialists! Let's look at what cyber security is and what a typical cyber security engineer pay in India looks like.

    You can refer to the certified Ethical Hacking course to gain all the necessary information regarding the CEH v11.

    What is Cyber Security?

    Cyber security safeguards information systems and data, whereas physical security protects facilities and items in the actual world. Cyber security is the activity of preventing harmful electronic attacks on servers, computers, electronic systems, networks, mobile devices, and data. Its purpose is to safeguard assets against harmful codes and logins, and it may be used in a variety of settings, including mobile computing and companies.

    What Is a Security Analyst? 

    The security analyst is critical to the security of an organization's private and sensitive data. He or she collaborates with other departments to discover and fix problems in the company's security systems, solutions, and programmes, as well as to recommend particular ways to improve the company's overall security posture.

    How to Become a Cyber Security Analyst? 

    A cyber security career is quickly becoming one of the most sought-after career alternatives, thanks to the high demand for cyber security professionals and the substantial pay they offer. If you desire to pursue this career, we can help you with a Cyber Security Specialization. Application security, cryptography, data secrecy, and network security are among the specializations available. Or you can simply follow the steps below:

    Step 1: A bachelor's degree in cyber security, information technology, computer science, or a related discipline is required to work as a cyber security analyst.

    Step 2: Complete an internship in a computer-related field to get experience.

    Step 3: Obtain certification to gain particular credentials.

    Security Analyst Skills

    Here are some key skills that today's security analysts should have, and why they should have them:

    1. Ethical hacking tries to uncover security flaws and detect potential dangers so that a company can defend itself against malevolent hackers. Penetration testing is a process in which an analyst examines networks, computers, web-based applications, and other systems for exploitable flaws.
    2. Monitoring network traffic for potential attacks and quickly responding to these dangers is what intrusion prevention is all about.
    3. From reducing the impact to changing security rules for future prevention, incident response manages the negative impacts of an attack or breach.
    4. Computer forensics assists in crime prevention by collecting, analyzing, and reporting data. In the event of a breach, it also allows an analyst to establish evidence.
    5. An analyst can use reverse engineering to figure out why a piece of software does what it does so that he or she can fix a defect or examine malware.

    Cyber security, firewalls, network security, information assurance, Linux, UNIX, security information and event management (SIEM), application security, security engineering, and security architecture are also expected of security analysts. They must also stay up to date on the latest cyber security trends. As the job demands the person in charge to take responsibility to keep away security threats.

    The most successful analysts are meticulous and analytical in nature. Security analysts, for the most part, work with scenarios, which can entail looking over thousands of pages of data in search of anomalies. Analysts must also have interpersonal skills, as they must train firm employees in better security measures and communicate with top leadership on a frequent basis.

    Security Analyst Requirements

    Between 2014 and 2024 as per the source, employment is predicted to expand at an annual rate of 18 percent. By 2024, an extra 14,800 security analysts will be required. Security analysts that want to improve their careers can work as a security consultant, security architect, security engineer, systems analyst specialist, or senior analyst, eventually advancing to CISO or Director of Security positions.

    Security Analyst Certifications 

    Existing analysts who want to further their education as well as other security professionals who want to become security analysts can benefit from a variety of certifications as per the source:

    • The Certified Ethical Hacker credential validates your ability to use the same knowledge and tools as a malicious hacker to improve an organization's security posture in a legal and ethical manner.
    • CompTIA Network+ is a vendor-neutral certification that verifies your knowledge and skills in network design, management, troubleshooting, and configuration.
    • The CWAPT Certified Penetration Tester credential validates your ability to do web application penetration testing. 
    • Certified Reverse Engineering Analyst certifies your malware analysis skills and expertise.
    • The IT Security certification course is something inevitable to become a Specialized Security Analyst.

    Responsibilities of a Security Analyst 

    Security analysts are ultimately in charge of keeping the company's digital assets safe from illegal access. This includes safeguarding both online and on-premises infrastructures, sifting through metrics and data to spot suspicious activity, and identifying and mitigating risks before they become a problem. If a breach occurs, security analysts are frequently on the front lines, directing counter-attack activities.

    Security analysts are also in charge of producing reports for IT administrators and business managers in order to assess the effectiveness of security measures in place. They will then assist with making the required adjustments to make the network more secure, as well as developing training programmes and modules to educate workers and users on correct security standards.

    Security analysts are also in charge of maintaining the company's security systems up to date, as well as providing documentation and planning for any security-related data, such as incident response and backup and recovery. 

    Among the other specified roles are:

    • Keeping an eye on security access
    • Vulnerability testing and risk analysis are used to conduct security assessments.
    • Internal and external security audits are carried out.
    • Identifying the fundamental cause of security breaches
    • Keeping the company's incident response and catastrophe recovery plans up to date.
    • Verifying third-party vendor security and working with them to achieve security needs.

    If you feel time restricted than you can fulfill the dream with IT security training online courses to become a Cyber Security Analyst at your own pace.

    Cyber Security Analyst Job Description

    Network Security Engineer

    The job entails a focus on quality control within the IT infrastructure, including designing, building, and protecting scalable, secure, and robust systems, as well as assisting the company in understanding advanced cyber threats, working on operational data center systems and networks, and assisting in the development of robust strategies to protect the organizational structure. Routers, switches, VPNs, firewalls, and other network monitoring tools are also under their control.

    The annual salary of a network security engineer ranges from RS 4 lakhs to RS 8 lakhs.

    Information Security Analyst

    A cyber security analyst is also known as an IT security analyst, security analyst, information system security analyst, or data security analyst. This person's primary tasks include planning, implementing, and upgrading security controls and measures. The work includes maintaining data, monitoring security access, and protecting information systems and digital assets against unauthorized access, alteration, and destruction.

    Managing a network, intrusion detection and prevention, along with conducting internal and external security audits, and analyzing security breaches are all tasks of a security analyst. The individual is also responsible for developing, monitoring, and implementing company security policies, as well as coordinating security measures with outside vendors.

    Cyber Security Analyst Salary

    According to data from U.S. News & World Report, the security analyst role has an above-average amount of stress, but it also has above-average prospects for growth and compensation. The position of information security analyst is ranked 7th among the Best Technology Jobs, 19th among the Best STEM Jobs, and 52nd among the Top 100 Jobs.

    According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual compensation for security analysts was $99,270 per year in 2021 or $47.73 per hour. A Bachelor's degree in computer science, programming, or another similar programme is the standard entry-level education for a security analyst. Most firms looking for entry-level security analysts want one to five years of relevant work experience, such as a systems administrator.

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    Conclusion 

    Demand for cyber security analysts is at an all-time high in India. Cyber security specialists that can protect their company's and customers' data from cyberattacks and security breaches are in great demand. It takes into account the surge in cyber security salaries in India. People who want to improve their skills but can't quit their jobs might take advantage of online cyber security courses in India. You can join the CISM certification training to get a mile ahead of your competitors.

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    1Is security analyst stressful?

    As higher-level cybersecurity risks continue to fall into the laps of smaller businesses and their cybersecurity teams, the Exabeam Cybersecurity Professionals Salary, Skills, and Stress Survey found that 62% of cybersecurity professionals were anxious or very stressed at work last year. So, Yes it may become stressful for you at times. 

    2What does a security analyst need to know?

    Firewalls, proxies, SIEM, antivirus software, and IDPs all require a thorough understanding of security technologies. The ability to detect and highlight vulnerabilities on on-premises and distant networks, as well as to repair issues and avoid security breaches. Security analysts should be well-versed in the most common operating systems too, such as iOS, Microsoft Windows, and Linux. Knowing what kinds of vulnerabilities exist in these platforms is critical. 

    3What skills do you need to be a security analyst?

    "Penetration testing," "vulnerability assessment," "malware analysis," and "ethical hacking" are examples of these skills. Cyber-specific tools and software, such as "Linux," "Splunk," and "Python," should also be included. 

    4Is security analyst a good career?

    The cybersecurity industry as a whole has a promising future. It has a low unemployment rate, and there is a labour shortage in many countries. If you are qualified as a cybersecurity specialist, you should never be unemployed for an extended period of time. 

    5How do I become a security analyst?

    A bachelor's degree in cybersecurity or a similar discipline is generally required of security analysts. Some security analysts gain the essential skills on their own or through bootcamps that offer coding and security crash courses and seminars. Certificates are frequently awarded during these sessions.

    Profile

    Vitesh Sharma

    Blog Author

    Vitesh Sharma, a distinguished Cyber Security expert with a wealth of experience exceeding 6 years in the Telecom & Networking Industry. Armed with a CCIE and CISA certification, Vitesh possesses expertise in MPLS, Wi-Fi Planning & Designing, High Availability, QoS, IPv6, and IP KPIs. With a robust background in evaluating and optimizing MPLS security for telecom giants, Vitesh has been instrumental in driving large service provider engagements, emphasizing planning, designing, assessment, and optimization. His experience spans prestigious organizations like Barclays, Protiviti, EY, PwC India, Tata Consultancy Services, and more. With a unique blend of technical prowess and management acumen, Vitesh remains at the forefront of ensuring secure and efficient networking solutions, solidifying his position as a notable figure in the cybersecurity landscape.

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