How to Become a Security Analyst?

cybersecurity analyst: A complete guide

Who is a Cybersecurity Analyst?

A Cyber Security Analyst is a cybersecurity specialist who works alongside different departments in an organization. Their role involves the identification and rectification of flaws in an organization’s security system and processes and, as a result, finding solutions for the same. They have a responsibility to recommend measures that can improve the overall posture of the company. Moreover, a Cyber Security Analyst also has to ensure that the sensitive information of an organization is secure.

Cybersecurity Analyst
Information Security Analyst

Information Security Analyst job description and duties

Cybersecurity job description for information security analyst –

  • Work with executives and other employees to identify and find the most efficient, effective data protection practices
  • Understanding threats and know how to prevent data theft
  • Monitor computer systems and networks from security violation
  • Investigate security breaches and prepare damage and threat reports
  • To carry out penetration testing to prevent cybersecurity incidents
  • Install and upgrade computer security software
  • Train users to employ security procedures
  • Stimulation of attacks to identify potential vulnerabilities
  • Performing internal and external security audits
  • To analyze and verify the security of third-party vendors and to train them on the company’s security requirements
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Hard and Soft Skills required by a Security Analyst

To become a successful Cybersecurity professional, an aspiring Security Analyst is required to possess both hard and soft skills as per the requirements of the field.

Here are some examples

Soft Skills

  • Problem Solving techniques
  • Analytical Thinking
  • Communication Skills

Hard Skills

  • IT security and Infrastructure
  • Network Security Management
  • Cybersecurity
  • Security Risk Management

Information Security Analyst Jobs

According to LinkedIn, there are over 37,000 Information Security Analyst Jobs available globally as of May 19, 2020.

Similar Information Security Analyst job roles

  • Information Security Manager/Specialist
  • Information Security Auditor
  • Risk/Vulnerability Analyst/Manager
  • Information Security Analyst
  • Penetration Tester
  • Security Architect
  • Computer Network Defender
  • Cybersecurity Defense Analyst
  • Information Security (IS) Director
  • Information Assurance (IA) Program Manager
  • IT Project Manager
  • Systems Security Analyst
  • Cyber Defense Analyst
  • Cyber Defense Infrastructure Support Specialist
  • Vulnerability Assessment Analyst
  • Warning Analyst
  • Exploitation Analyst
  • All-Source Analyst
  • Mission Assessment Specialist
  • Target Developer
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Information Security Analyst Jobs

How do I Become a CyberSecurity Analyst?

What are the requirements?

Entry-level cyber security analyst job roles require a candidate to have a technical background. Firstly, the candidate needs a Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology or Computer Science and related disciplines. Secondly, these degrees include programs and subjects that are required by an aspiring security analyst. Thirdly, and most importantly, a candidate with an experience of 1 to 2 years in IT can easily move into the role of a security analyst. Moreover, an increase in expertise can improve career opportunities and earning potential for a candidate.

Benefits of Online Education

Online Education has multiple benefits that students can enjoy while pursuing a cybersecurity online degree
Flexibility and convenience
A more comfortable learning environment
Learn from global experts
More affordable as compared to regular degrees
Continue your profession
Career advancement
Save daily commute and time

Online programs offered by EC-Council University

Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity (BSCS)

The Cybersecurity (BSCS) degree offered by EC-Council University is an online program that helps students secure a career in cybersecurity and assurance. Moreover, the coursework of this program can be used by a student with flexibility – anytime, anywhere. Through this program, students will learn about security threat assessment, cybersecurity management, incident response, and more.

At the end of the program, students will receive seven industry-recognized certifications from EC-Council and others, along with their bachelor’s degree.

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Certifications offered along with the Bachelor Degree Courses are-

Certified Network Defender (CND)
Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
Computer Hacking Forensics Investigator (CHFI)
Certified Threat Intelligence Analyst (CTIA)
Certified SOC Analyst (CSA)
TestOut Security Pro
TestOut Linux PRO

Master of Science in Cybersecurity (MSCS)

Firstly, the Master’s degree in cybersecurity has been designed to make cybersecurity aspirants job-ready. Further, multiple specializations are offered as a part of this degree program. They impart the necessary skill set that is required by candidates as per the industry requirement. In conclusion, once a candidate completes the cybersecurity master’s degree online, they can enter the industry as professionals and assume leadership roles. Our programs map to the job requirements of a security analyst as per the NICE Framework.

Master of Science in Cybersecurity – Security Analyst specialization

The MSCS in Security Analyst specialization focuses on various testing methods and techniques to identify and reduce the risk faced by the security of a company’s infrastructure. Candidates will be trained in various domains through online hacking and penetration testing courses. Certifications associated with this program –

Other cybersecurity master’s degree specializations offered by EC-Council University –

At the end of their master’s in cybersecurity program, students will be able to attain up to 4-industry-recognized certifications from EC-Council along with their degree. These certifications will be awarded to them as per their chosen specialization.

* Licensed Penetration Tester (LPT) awarded in addition to CPENT on securing more than 90% on CPENT

Cybersecurity degree salary – According to PayScale, candidates can earn up to $85,000 with a master’s cybersecurity degree.

Certifications offered along with the Master Degree Courses are-

Certified Network Defender (CND)
Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
Computer Hacking Forensics Investigator (CHFI)
Certified Penetration Testing Professional (CPENT)*
EC-Council Disaster Recovery Professional
EC-Council Information Security Manager (EISM)
Certified Chief Information Security Officer (CCISO)

Graduate Certificate Program (GCP)

Aspiring candidates who do not want to pursue long term degrees in cybersecurity can go for one of EC-Council University’s Graduate Certificate Programs. Over a period of 3 to 9 months, these programs will impart the necessary skill set that is required by an industry professional to rise in the hierarchy.  Our programs map to the job requirements of a security analyst, as per the NICE Framework.

The Graduate Certificate Programs offered by ECCU are  –

  • Information Security Professional
  • Security Analyst
  • Enterprise Security Architect
  • Digital Forensics
  • Incident Management &Business Continuity
  • Executive Leadership in Information Assurance

More About Security Analyst Graduate Certificate Program

This Graduate Certificate Program, like the MSCS Security Analyst specialization program, focuses on testing methods and techniques to effectively identify and mitigate risks to the security of a company’s infrastructure. However, the duration of this program is 3 to 9 months. On the completion of this program, they will become eligible to test for industry ready certifications associated with this GCP-

  • Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
  • Certified Network Defender (CND)
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* Licensed Penetration Tester (LPT) awarded in addition to CPENT on securing more than 90% on CPENT.

Certifications offered along with the Graduate Certificate Programs (GCP) –

Certified Network Defender (CND)
Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
Certified Penetration Testing Professional (CPENT)*
Computer Hacking Forensics Investigator (CHFI)
EC-Council Disaster Recovery Professional
EC-Council Certified Incident Handler (ECIH)
EC-Council Information Security Manager (EISM)
Certified Chief Information Security Officer (CCISO)

FAQs

Q1. What is a SOC Analyst? How much do they earn?

– SOC Analyst or Security Operations Center Analyst is the first line of defense for an organization. If a SOC Analyst fails to identify an adversary, no one else in the organization will be able to find it out. They are responsible for monitoring security access and report suspicious activity to a higher authority or team members.They also conduct security assessments regularly to identify vulnerabilities and performing risk analysis and more. According to salary.com, the salary of a SOC Analyst ranges between $74,479 to $105,485.

Read More – 5 Skills of a SOC Analyst

Q2. What is the salary of an IT Security Analyst?

– As per PayScale, the average Information Security Analyst salary is $71,779.

Information security analyst salary


Source: Payscale

Q3. What are the high paying cybersecurity jobs?

– According to a report by Cybersecurity Ventures, the five highest-paying cybersecurity jobs include roles that pay more than $200,000 annually. It includes roles like- Chief Information Security Officer (salary range – $380,000 to $420,000), Freelance Bug Bounty Hunters (some people earn more than $500,000 each year), Deputy CISO (salary range – $200,000 to $250,000), Lead Software Security Engineer (salary – over $225,000 annually), and Cybersecurity Sales Engineer (salary – over $200,000 a year).

Source: Cybersecurity Ventures

Q4. What is the entry-level salary of a cybersecurity analyst?

– According to PayScale, the average entry-level Cyber Security Analyst salary is less than $70,000 annually. However, the same increases with location, experience, industry, and additional educational degrees.

Average Cyber Security Analyst Salary
IT Security Analyst Salary

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Source: Payscale