How To Become A Cyber Security Analyst?
Tags: Analytics, Security, How To, Analysis, Cybersecurity

Introduction

We are living in the Information Age which is also known as the Computer or Digital Age. And nowadays “Digitization” has emerged as a popular trend. And as we know each and everything comes with positive as well as negative effects. Similarly, the presence of computers everywhere is also shrouded as a blessing to humankind, but it too comes with its own side-effects, and “Cyber Security” is one of these significant concerns.

And as technology is advancing day by day, we are getting more and more dependent on digital platforms, and are exposing our personal and confidential data to an unknown and hazardous virtual world making ourselves highly vulnerable. And hence now we need to focus on the security of our data, and this raises the demand for highly trained Cyber Security Professionals ready to combat digital threats.

What is a Cyber Security Analyst?

Cybersecurity analysts are primarily responsible for the digital security of a company, organization, or government agency. As a Security Analyst, a professional will determine if any weaknesses exist in the establishment’s security system and, if so, determine proper corrective measures.

Typically their work is to evaluate, plan, and implement the security systems that protect an organization’s IT infrastructure and data. Which includes:

(a). Safeguarding of digital assets

(b). Responding to incidents like viruses and breaches

©. Registering and monitoring suspicious activity

(d). Concentrating on the discovery of vulnerabilities

(e). Investigate emergency and suspicious alerts

(f). Implement threat protection measures and security controls etc.

And of course, these duties/tasks require knowledge in network operations as well as hands-on abilities with applying exploitation and reverse-engineering techniques.

However, technical know-how is not enough. Sound customer service and communication skills are also necessary to develop and implement policies and communicate them to management and users.

Roles for a Cyber Security Analyst:-

A cybersecurity analyst’s main job is to keep intruders, attackers, or hackers out of networks to protect digital files and information systems against unauthorized access. This means their job duties will vary according to the organization they work for, how large is the staff they belong to, and how the company infrastructure is built: they might be tasked to assess any damage to the infrastructure (software, hardware, and networks) as a result of security incidents, or they can be assigned to gain network visibility to derail (Stop) breaches before they happen by conducting security assessments through vulnerability testing and risk analysis.

However, they will also be asked to provide direction to management on what would be best for the protection of the organization, as well as advising on safety measures, policies, and training needed.

They can also have different types of roles. some of the Cybersecurity analyst positions include:

1). Security Analyst (Data Security, Web Security, Virtual System Security)

2). Malware Analyst

3). Network Analyst

4). Cybercrime Analyst

5). Security Compliance Analyst

6). Digital Forensics Analyst

7). Information Assurance Analyst

8). Intrusion Detection Analyst

9). PKI (Public Key Infrastructure) Analyst

10). Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst

11).SCADA (Supervisory control and data acquisition) Security Analyst

And many more different roles respective to their organization or agencies.

Educational Requirements:-

You must choose the right career path and know what is the right way to proceed . It will help you to progress in your career in the right manner.

1). After completing the 12th (i.e. Intermediate), you should have a B.Tech or BSc degree in Computer Science with Cyber Security or at minimum a bachelor’s degree in information systems, computer science, or in a programming related field.

2). You must also pick up other skills like learning programming languages, at least 2 (Nowadays python and java are the most demanded computer languages in the industry).

3). Learn network or database management and try to get a good grip on network analysis tools (Opt for online/capsule courses).

4). Opt for some Cyber Security certification programs. (ex-ECSA: EC-Council Certified Security Analyst).

Cyber Security and Analyst certification programs:-

As I have mentioned earlier different certification programs will help you learn in-depth about the cybersecurity system. Many organizations provide a large number of courses for the field of Cyber Security I have mentioned some of them with some of their popular courses:-

1). GOOGLE ANALYTICS ACADEMY

i)Google Analytics for Beginners: Learn the basic features of Google Analytics including how to create an account, implement tracking code, analyze basic reports, and set up goals and campaign tracking.

ii)Advanced Google Analytics: Learn about advanced Google Analytics features including data collection, processing, and configuration, and more complex analysis and marketing tools.

iii)Google Analytics for Power Users: After you’re familiar with the range of features Analytics offers, learn and practice actionable analyses to track business performance and identify areas for business improvement.

iv)Getting Started With Google Analytics 360:Learn about powerful Google Analytics 360 features that are not available in the standard product and gain insight into how you can benefit from integrations with BigQuery, Google Marketing Platform products, and Google Ad Manager.

2). COURSERA

i)IBM Data Analyst Professional Certificate: A Professional Certificate course developed and produced by IBM and provided to you by Coursera.

ii)Data Analysis with Python: A course developed and produced by IBM and provided to you by Coursera.

iii)Applied Data Science Specialization: A Specialization Course developed and produced by IBM provided to you by Coursera.

iv)IBM Cybersecurity Analyst Professional Certificate: A Professional Certificate course developed and produced by IBM and provided to you by Coursera.

3).UDEMY

i)Complete Data Science Training with Python for Data Security Analysis: It’s A Full 12-Hour Python Data Science BootCamp To Help You Learn Statistical Modelling, Data Visualization, Machine Learning & Basic Deep Learning In Python

ii)Data Analytics With Excel and Power BI: Gain competence with data trend awareness, learn Excel and Power BI as Data analytic tools, gain an understanding of ML.

4). EDX

i)Cybersecurity Risk Management: Learn key principles of risk analysis, risk assessment, and risk mitigation for information security using both qualitative and quantitative methodologies

ii)Practice cybersecurity with real-world scenarios: This course is one of the expensive ones but its a “Micromasters” program i.e. Micro masters degree program and it consists of about 4 smaller courses and one Capstone project (to demonstrate the knowledge and skills acquired in the program)

(NOTE: MicroMasters programs are a series of graduate-level courses from top universities designed to advance your career. MicroMasters program certificates showcase deep learning and in-demand skills to employers and can help you get started on a path toward completing an advanced degree.)

These cybersecurity certification programs aim to learn the practical implementation of the theory. Most of the training programs are created as per industry standards for helping students learn better about Cyber Security.

Besides certification programs, you must also go for on-job training so that you get to know about the details of the working of the system. Hands-on experience is always good, and if you are willing to make the most from your cybersecurity career, then these certification programs and skills will help you. After this go for some internships and test your skills.

Information and technology are the key drivers of change, and it also holds excellent job prospects for all.

Cyber Security Analyst Salaries in India?

Let’s divide it into 3 Categories

a)Entry-level cybersecurity analyst

b)Junior cybersecurity analyst: Five years’ experience

c)Senior cybersecurity analyst: 10 years’ experience

now let’s check their average income/salaries category wise

A)Entry-level cybersecurity analyst :

350,000 ₹ — 750,000₹ (Note: This is an approximation and can vary)

B)Junior cybersecurity analyst: Five years’ experience:

810,000 ₹ — 1600,000 ₹ (Note: This is an approximation and can vary )

C)Senior cybersecurity analyst: 10 years’ experience:

1800,000 ₹ — 2400,000 ₹ (Note: This is an approximation and can vary )

Scope of CyberSecurity in India:-

India has turned into an Ocean of Opportunities for Cyber Security experts. According to a recent study by Indeed.com, the scope of Cyber Security has turned more competitive in India. There are more job post clicks in India as compared to the US and UK.

Over the last couple of years, the average salary of a Cyber Security Professional has been performing 9% better than any other IT professionals and even freshers can get good packages starting from 3–7 lacs and the experienced resources are in more demand drawing salaries in the range of 20–24 lacs.

It is evident that there is a shortage of Cyber Security professionals in the market but the scope of Cyber Security jobs in India is growing. Eventually, we expect more millennials to understand that the industry is witnessing explosive growth. And it's worth noticing that many studies show that the Cyber Security market in India is growing rapidly and by 2022 it's about to become a 232 Million Dollar industry.

What are you waiting for, if you have the required skills and interest now it’s your chance to grab the opportunity and start your career in Cyber Security?

Thankyou Devs!

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