What is Cyber Security Analyst - Jobs | Salary | Qualification

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Hackers from entire the world are using new and savvy ways to break into a company's important information. Because cyber attacks are happening more often, there's a significant need for cybersecurity analysts. This comprehensive article will discuss some essential things that will get you closer to becoming a certified cybersecurity analyst. Moreover, we will elaborate on several concepts. You just need to stay focused and understand each section.

What is a Cyber Security Analyst?

A cyber security analyst's main job is to keep a company's computer networks and systems safe from hackers. In short, they look into upcoming tech trends, make plans for emergencies, check for anything suspicious, report if there's a security problem, and teach others in the company about staying safe online.

They also set up ways to protect against cyber threats and test the system to find any weak spots hackers might use. Because hackers are always coming up with new tricks, cyber security analysts need to keep learning about what's going on in the digital world.

How to Become a Cyber Security Data Analyst?

Let's look at how cyber analysts can start a career in cybersecurity. Whether you love tech and want a change or just finished school and want an exciting job, it's significant to learn what you need to do well as a cybersecurity analyst.

Step 1: Learn Cybersecurity Skills

If you want to work in cybersecurity, you can work in different areas like company databases, banks, or even the military. But whatever you choose, you'll need to learn substantial cybersecurity skills to be good at it.

Step 2: Get Cybersecurity Certificates

Getting certificates in cybersecurity can help you get a cybersecurity job. These certificates show how you know how to do the technical stuff needed for the job.

Here are some certificates you can get:
 

• CompTIA Security+: This certificate is great for new cybersecurity people or those switching from other tech jobs. It doesn't need any previous experience.
• CompTIA CySA+: This is for people who want to be cybersecurity analysts. It shows you know a lot about cybersecurity. However, it is more challenging than Security+.
• CompTIA Network+: This is about networking, which is essential in cybersecurity. It shows you can set up and manage networks.

There are free resources to help you study for these certificates. But you should also know computer basics like programming, using different operating systems like Linux, and network security. Learning all this can take a while, but you can speed it up with courses or boot camps that are recognized for cybersecurity.

Step 3: Make Friends With Cybersecurity Pros

Attending conferences and meeting other pros isn't just about making friends; it's also about staying updated on the latest trends and job opportunities in cybersecurity. Since this field changes quickly, staying connected is helpful.

Step 4: Get Some IT Experience

If you already work in IT, you can switch to cybersecurity later. If not, consider starting with an internship or part-time job in desktop support. These roles may not be cybersecurity jobs, but they teach you how your decisions affect a business and how to talk tech with non-tech people.

Taking a cybersecurity boot camp can also help. It can lead to certifications and open up different career options.

Step 5: Keep Learning

Build your cybersecurity skills with courses on edX. They have boot camps, bachelor’s and master’s degrees, and even practices for managers. Find what fits your schedule and goals.

Step 6: Apply for Cybersecurity Jobs

Once you're ready, you can apply for jobs like:
 

• Cyber security analyst: Watch for security issues, do tests for weaknesses, and keep digital stuff safe.
• Security operations center (SOC) analyst: Look for security alerts and lead responses to incidents.
• Information security analyst: Guard info and data from being stolen or hacked.
• Network security analyst: Focus on keeping networks safe and spotting threats.
• IT security administrator: Manage security measures across an organization's tech systems.

Each job needs different skills and education. Some may require a degree, while others might value certifications more. Do some research to find the best path for your dream job.

Cyber Security Analyst Qualifications

To become a cybersecurity analyst, you usually need a bachelor's degree in cybersecurity, computer and information technology, or a related field like math or engineering. According to a study by ISC 2, about 31% of cybersecurity professionals got their first job after earning a bachelor's degree in a relevant field. Another 31% had degrees in different fields, while around 20% had a cybersecurity-related master's degree.

Based on the survey, having a cybersecurity degree seems to be worth it. Moreover, most cybersecurity pros have a bachelor's degree. However, some employers might accept a two-year degree if you have lots of experience or certifications.

If you don't want a traditional degree, you could try a cybersecurity boot camp. In addition, these are fast-paced programs that get you ready for tech jobs quickly. But keep in mind that they might require full-time focus, so working while studying could be challenging.

Salary of a Cyber Security Analyst

People interested in working in information security might wonder, "How much do cybersecurity analysts earn?" The actual salary can vary based on experience, location, and the company. On average, though, information security analysts make more money than many other jobs. In May 2021, the cyber security analyst's entry-level salary was $102,600, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). That's higher than the average salary for all computer-related jobs.

Salaries can also vary by industry. The BLS data shows that information security analysts in the information industry make the most, with a median annual wage of $128,970. On the other hand, those in administrative and support services earn the least, with a median yearly salary of $95,270.

Cyber Security Analytics Tools

The following section will discuss some popular tools for analyst cyber security.
 

• IBM Security QRadar SIEM - Security information and event management (SIEM) Software.
• Splunk Enterprise Security (ES) - The primary security product from Splunk, which is available to subscribers of Splunk Cloud or Splunk Enterprise as a top-notch service.
• SolarWinds Security Event Manager (SEM) - Event management and security information software
• LogRhythm NextGen SIEM Platform - Cybersecurity software from LogRhythm in Boulder, Colorado. It helps manage security info and events (SIEM). Moreover, it includes features like SOAR with SmartResponse Automation Plugins, security analytics with DetectX, and AnalytiX tools.
• Cofense Vision - Cofense Vision is a tool that saves emails offline and offers analytics to hunt for threats. With Cofense Vision, you can quickly search and isolate emails across your whole organization, helping you find and deal with threats quickly.

Conclusion

To sum up, being a cyber security analyst is both challenging and fulfilling for those who want to keep companies safe from cyber attacks. To succeed in this field, it's crucial to learn essential skills, get the correct certifications, connect with other professionals, gain experience in IT, and keep learning new things. Moreover, doing these things can set you on the path to a successful and well-paying career in cybersecurity.

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