But, you might be wondering, what does a day in the life of a Cybersecurity Analyst actually look like? What does working in cybersecurity involve? Is it fun and exciting, or is it dull and boring? In this article, we look at what it’s like to work as a Cybersecurity Analyst, what you can expect, and how to pursue a career in the field.
Cybersecurity is quickly becoming one of the most important careers in the world. The growth of the digital world means a higher demand of people in place to protect businesses from threats, including hacking, phishing, ransomware, and plenty of others. A staff shortage within the space means that candidates are in high demand, so the salaries are generous, and perks are great. You can expect comfortable working environments, paid holidays, and usually a great insurance package.
What is a Cybersecurity Analyst?
There are many different areas of expertise within cybersecurity, but a Cybersecurity Analyst specializes in protecting the security of the IT network and infrastructure. In a nutshell, they are there to prevent attacks from cybercriminals. They aren’t there to clean up pre-existing attacks or problems but to stop future ones from happening.
Although a desk-based cybersecurity job may sound like a dull 9-5 position to some, it’s far from it. In fact, no two days are the same for a Cybersecurity Analyst. Threats can come at any time and in many different shapes and forms, and the analyst is the frontline. You need to be intelligent, reactive, and sometimes very fast. You need to be good under pressure and be an excellent communicator to manage stakeholders.
What does a day in the life of a Cybersecurity Analyst look like?
Due to the nature of cybersecurity, there is no typical day in this role. However, there are a number of specific tasks and jobs that a Cybersecurity Analyst will be responsible for. It’s high pressure being the person in place to protect the entire network, and it needs somebody who can be cool, calm, and collected, even in difficult situations.
Wondering exactly what you would be required to do during a workday? Here’s a breakdown of the essential tasks:
Evaluating weaknesses
During your working hours, you will need first to evaluate weaknesses. After that, you’re always looking for ways in which smarter-than-ever hackers can penetrate the network. This means continuous testing, impeccable attention to detail, and the ability to think like a cybercriminal.
No network is ever 100% safe, and It’s the job of the Cybersecurity Analyst to find the weaknesses in the infrastructure before somebody malicious does.
Configuring tools
There are many different types of cybersecurity tools. These include antivirus, password managers, management software, vulnerability detectors, and much more. These tools need to be configured and optimized for each network and will need constant updates as things change. You may need to reconfigure your tools as a direct response to your weakness evaluation or a hack attempt. It will also be your job to decide whether or not a specific piece of kit is needed and, if so, which company to purchase from.
Reporting and reading reports
You will be expected to report on all of your findings during the shift – were there any vulnerabilities detected? What about any close calls or threats? You will be reporting to the Head of Security or similar, who expect you to know all of these things when asked.
Another part of your day will involve reading reports from other members of the team or the tools you’re using. You need to read and understand these complicated data reports to understand the bigger picture. This is key to good communication and keeping the network safe, as a report from another department may highlight a potential vulnerability to you.
Constant learning and development
Cybersecurity is changing on an almost daily basis. Unlike many other jobs, where once you get it, you get it, things are different in cybersecurity. Why? Because hackers and cybercriminals are some of the most intelligent people in the world and are always finding new ways to penetrate networks and firewalls.
Your job as a Cybersecurity Analyst? Stay a step ahead. Anticipate the next move. Do plenty of reading, learning, and investigating to understand what could be coming next. You’re the person that will be expected to know these things and to keep the network protected from such threats.
How to become a Cybersecurity Analyst
A Cybersecurity Analyst is a very specific occupation and requires a strong knowledge of cybersecurity and cyber threats. Even junior roles tend to require a university degree, which is almost always the only way into the discipline. The alternative is a scholarship or apprenticeships, but these are reserved for the very highest performers.
If you are considering a career in Cybersecurity, you should pursue a qualification in the field or similar, such as Information Technology. Master Degrees and even Doctorates will be required for the highest level roles or many years of specific experience.
What is the average salary of a Cybersecurity Analyst?
There are many variables involved in determining a salary for a Cybersecurity Analyst. For example, a larger company will offer a higher salary, or a better-qualified candidate may warrant a better offer. However, the average salary of a Cybersecurity Analyst is $100,000.
It’s worth noting that Senior Cybersecurity Analysts or Cybersecurity Managers can achieve salaries of up to $150,000. So it can be a very lucrative career for people with a suitable skillset and a genuine passion for cybersecurity.
Hi, I'm Cliff. I'm based in Cleveland, Ohio, with my wife and two kids.
I have a keen interest in cybersecurity and have been writing about it for around a decade now. Due to my background in computer science, I am familiar ...
Read more about the author