What Does a Cybersecurity Analyst do to Protect the Company?

The 2020 IBM Report Cost of a Data Breach predicted the rise of cyberattacks when it indicated that 30 per cent of all companies would face a data breach over the next two years. Clearly, cybersecurity has emerged as a pressing need in a data-driven society, and it is so much more than simple white hacking tricks. The surge in skilled cybersecurity analysts has increased curiosity about the profession. Simply put, they specialize in network and IT infrastructure security and understand cyberattacks, malware, and the behavior of cybercriminals. Still, wondering what does a cybersecurity analyst do? Let’s dig deeper then.

Back to the Basics: Learn more about Cybersecurity 

What Does a Cybersecurity Analyst Do on a Daily Basis?

A typical day in a cybersecurity analyst’s life involves juggling multiple responsibilities aimed at the systematized protection of company assets. There are different offshoots of the umbrella term ‘cybersecurity’ as each role has different tasks but here are some of the essential duties of cybersecurity analysts. 

• Constant monitoring of network traffic for security threats
• Thorough penetration testing
• Real-time response to threats and neutralizing severe interception
• Working on detailed reports about malicious attacks 
• Updating firewalls, fixing vulnerabilities of security systems and encryption programs

In an ever-evolving landscape of cyber attacks, it is also imperative for cybersecurity analysts to have a thorough knowledge of the trends in threats relevant to their IT infrastructure. Clear communication between the people involved in this effort can ensure a giant formidable security network. 

Let’s learn about the work profiles that fall under cybersecurity. We’ve already talked about cybersecurity analysts as people who dot the i’s and tick the t’s to prevent any loophole that may compromise data. 

ALSO READ: How to Become A Cybersecurity Analyst in 2022: 6 Steps to Follow

A cybersecurity analyst does not work alone. They often collaborate with other cybersecurity professionals, such as:

1. Security Engineer

A typical day of a cybersecurity analyst requires thorough communication with security engineers to ensure updated information on the current security protocols and consequent changes in the security structure. A security engineer’s responsibilities are:

• Designing a multitude of hierarchical security strategies primarily aimed at protecting data banks and lakes
• Network security upgrades as well as every other piece of related hardware/software
• Working knowledge of cyber forensics to detect intrusions in real-time
• Fixing technical issues arising out of either network traffic problems, running security applications, or production equipment

2. Security Software Developer

The successful implementation of cybersecurity measures depends a lot on the collaboration between security developers and security analysts. As the name suggests, security software developers manage and curate the entire gamut of cybersecurity measures, focusing on their stringent effectiveness. 

The security analyst must relay all the relevant information on security breaches or novel security technologies to the developer to update the company policies accordingly. 

3. Security Architect

Security architects create a robust security network from scratch. When it comes to penetration testing, happens in the presence of both cybersecurity analysts and security architects. More often than not, security architects have a background in hacking because the job involves digging into the hacker’s mind. This is where the job roles of both portfolios intersect:

• Thorough research and planning of a strong security apparatus
• Extensive risk analysis and assessing the reports for further progress
• Deciding on security infrastructure and listing all requirements of routers, virtual networks, and firewalls
• Penetration testing and post-event security analysis

Is Coding Required for Security Analysis?

Knowledge of coding and programming skills and a Bachelor’s in computer science, economics, statistics, or electronics engineering are required for security analysis.

ALSO READ: How to Get into Cybersecurity and Make a Successful Career in it

Cybersecurity is a melting pot of sophisticated technical knowledge, formidable challenges, and burgeoning opportunities. If you are excited about this field and want to upskill or learn more about it, explore Emeritus’ courses on cybersecurity and get started today. 

By Bishwadeep Mitra

Write to us at content@emeritus.org