What is a cyber security analyst and what do they do?
The main responsibility of a cyber security analysts is to protect their employer’s or their client’s IT system against security risks such as hacking and data theft. The work might entail:
- Responding to or investigating these security breaches
- Monitoring systems for threats and putting in place measure to reduce risks.
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Many medium and large organisations have internal IT departments which now employ security specialists. In this role you would work to protect your employer’s IT systems. Alternatively, consultancy firms employing specialists, can be brought in by organisations for expert advice and support when needed, meaning you would have a variety of clients you might be working with or responsible for.
What qualifications are needed to become a cyber security analyst?
The nature of the work means that experience and qualifications in IT and related subjects would be highly relevant. There may also be Masters degrees in cyber security which, while not a prerequisite, will clearly equip prospective employees with detailed technical knowledge in area.
At the University of Law, we offer these degrees to help you to become a Cyber Security Analyst:
What skills do you need?
Obviously, IT skills, abilities and interest in are a requirement for any role in the IT sector. However, as a cyber security analyst, certain additional skills are particularly relevant:
- Ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines or in response to emergencies
- Communication skills to convey complex technical information to others in the sector or to non-technical employees or clients
- Assertiveness, necessary to argue for risk mitigating actions – which may be burdensome or costly to a business
- Organisational skills, with a logical, systematic and analytical approach.
How do you become a cyber security analyst in the UK?
The awareness of the risks of cyber-attacks has grown significantly, as have the regulatory and legal requirements on organisations to take steps to minimise risks. Therefore, the number of opportunities for cyber security professionals, in organisations across both the public and private sector, has grown significantly too.
While there are a small number of ‘direct entry’ roles in cyber security for graduates, in many cases, a combination of relevant work experience or employment combined with a relevant degree or qualification will allow you to move into these roles from other related IT positions.
How much do Cyber Security Analysts get paid?
Entry level positions tend to be paid around £20,000+. Experienced workers can earn anything between £30,000 and £60,000, depending upon the industry and level of management responsibility.
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