A cybersecurity analyst is a trained cyber professional who specializes in network security and IT infrastructures. The cybersecurity analyst thoroughly understands cyber attacks, malware and the behavior of cybercriminals, and actively seeks to anticipate and prevent these attacks. Information security is a broader term referring to data protection. Cybersecurity refers to the protection of data in its digital form.
A cybersecurity analyst is responsible for the data security of any data stored on computers, hard drives or the Internet. An information security analyst would also consider the security of data stored elsewhere, such as documents in a file cabinet or internal knowledge held by some employees. Cybersecurity analysts are responsible for conducting digital forensic analysis at the digital crime scene. You'll need to identify if an actual breach or attempted breach occurred, look for persistent security flaws or malware left behind, and attempt to recover data.
If you have an investigative talent, you may end up working for a company that specializes in digital forensics. A cybersecurity analyst protects networks and computer systems from cyberattacks and unauthorized access. Prevent attacks before they occur and respond to them when they occur. Cybersecurity analysts identify and correct vulnerabilities by performing diagnostic tests and monitoring traffic.
Those who take on the role of cybersecurity analysts not only need technical skills, but also require “soft skills” such as analytical thinking, problem solving, attention to detail and critical thinking. If you're ready to take the next step toward a rewarding career in cybersecurity, sign up for the IBM Cybersecurity Analyst Professional certificate. Effective endpoint management ensures that only approved and authenticated devices connect to the network and that users follow established security protocols. A cybersecurity analyst will investigate the cause, contain the damage and notify the appropriate parties if a security breach occurs.
This 24-week program includes security basics, systems administration, network and network security, and defensive and offensive security. The job description of cybersecurity analyst also includes examining reports, data and analysis to identify suspicious activity and threats. Teamwork is essential here not only with other members of the IT team, but also with other non-technical staff whose jobs could be affected by a security breach. You could then move up to a cybersecurity position gaining industry experience and certifications.
Despite the large difference in job responsibilities between different cybersecurity roles in different industries, studies have shown that certain skills are universally essential for cybersecurity professionals. It's a good idea to look at job advertisements for cyber security analyst positions to get an idea of what certifications employers are looking for and to talk to your employer before choosing a certification. Taking a cybersecurity certification course is a great way to learn about cybersecurity, the current threat landscape, and the related technology and tools used to detect and protect against threats. Cybersecurity analysts protect data from unauthorized access and corruption by using tools such as data encryption, hashing, key management and tokenization.
Data can be compromised during transmission or storage, so cybersecurity analysts must protect it at all stages. .
