What Does a Cybersecurity Analyst Do?
A cybersecurity analyst protects an organization’s digital assets by identifying vulnerabilities, monitoring for cyber threats, and responding to security incidents. They use a combination of software tools, threat intelligence, and security frameworks to detect anomalies, assess risks, and prevent unauthorized access to sensitive information. Their work ensures networks, applications, and endpoints remain secure and compliant with regulatory standards.
In addition to active monitoring, cybersecurity analysts develop and refine security protocols, perform regular audits, and support the implementation of best practices across teams. They collaborate with IT, compliance, and risk management to ensure a cohesive defense strategy. With cyber threats evolving daily, this role demands a proactive mindset, strong analytical skills, and the ability to respond quickly and effectively to incidents that could compromise data integrity or business continuity.
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Cybersecurity Analyst Core Responsibilities
- Monitor network activity and system logs for suspicious behavior or threats
- Investigate and respond to security alerts, incidents, and breaches
- Conduct vulnerability scans and assist in patch management
- Implement and enforce security policies, procedures, and best practices
- Maintain and configure security tools, including firewalls, SIEM, and antivirus software
- Analyze threat intelligence to stay ahead of emerging risks
- Support security audits and regulatory compliance efforts (e.g., HIPAA, PCI-DSS)
- Prepare incident reports and communicate findings to stakeholders
- Assist with employee cybersecurity awareness training
Required Skills and Qualifications
Hard skills
- Proficiency with security tools (e.g., SIEMs like Splunk, EDR platforms, IDS/IPS)
- Strong understanding of networking protocols, firewalls, and access controls
- Experience with risk assessments, threat modeling, and incident response
- Familiarity with compliance frameworks (e.g., NIST, ISO 27001, CIS Controls)
Soft skills
- Analytical thinking and attention to detail
- Strong written and verbal communication
- Ability to respond calmly under pressure
- Problem-solving and troubleshooting skills
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity, information technology, computer science, or a related field
Certifications
- CompTIA Security+ required
- Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC), or CISSP (for advanced roles) recommended
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in a Security Operations Center (SOC) environment
- Familiarity with cloud security tools (e.g., AWS Security Hub, Azure Sentinel)
- Exposure to penetration testing or red team exercises
- Background in digital forensics or malware analysis
National Average Salary
Cybersecurity analyst salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. Click below to explore salaries by local market.
The average national salary for a Cybersecurity Analyst is:
$115,630
Sample Job Description Templates for Cybersecurity Analysts
Junior Cybersecurity Analyst
Position Overview
A junior cybersecurity analyst supports the security team in monitoring systems, identifying potential threats, and responding to low-risk incidents. This entry-level role is focused on learning core security practices while contributing to real-time alert management and documentation.
Responsibilities
- Monitor network and endpoint activity for unusual behavior
- Assist in investigating basic security alerts and vulnerabilities
- Maintain security logs and document incident response steps
- Support vulnerability scanning and patch tracking
- Learn and operate security tools under guidance (e.g., SIEM, antivirus, firewall)
- Help update and maintain security policies and user documentation
- Participate in security awareness initiatives and training
Requirements
Hard skills
- Basic understanding of networking, system security, and common cyber threats
- Familiarity with Windows/Linux systems and network protocols
- Exposure to security tools (SIEM, IDS/IPS, antivirus)
Soft skills
- Strong willingness to learn and apply feedback
- Attention to detail and thorough documentation
- Effective communicator and team player
Education
- Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity, IT, or a related field
Certifications
- CompTIA Security+ (required or in progress)
Preferred Qualifications
- Completed internship or coursework in cybersecurity
- Hands-on lab or simulation experience (e.g., TryHackMe, Hack The Box)
Cybersecurity Analyst
Position Overview
A cybersecurity analyst protects organizational systems by identifying threats, responding to incidents, and improving security posture. This full-cycle role is responsible for ongoing monitoring, investigation, and mitigation across the company’s digital assets.
Responsibilities
- Monitor security dashboards and alerts using SIEM platforms
- Investigate and respond to incidents such as phishing, malware, or unauthorized access
- Conduct vulnerability assessments and assist in remediation tracking
- Maintain endpoint protection and support firewall configurations
- Document incidents and prepare security reports for leadership
- Collaborate with IT to enforce access controls and update security protocols
- Stay current on emerging cyber threats and recommend improvements
Requirements
Hard skills
- Proficiency with security tools (e.g., Splunk, CrowdStrike, Fortinet)
- Knowledge of cybersecurity frameworks (e.g., NIST, ISO 27001)
- Experience with incident response, endpoint monitoring, and vulnerability management
Soft skills
- Analytical mindset and problem-solving ability
- Clear written and verbal communication
- Accountability and ability to work independently
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity, computer science, or a related field
Certifications
- CompTIA Security+ (required)
- CEH or GSEC (preferred)
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working in a SOC or security team environment
- Familiarity with regulatory standards (e.g., HIPAA, PCI-DSS)
Senior Cybersecurity Analyst
Position Overview
A senior cybersecurity analyst leads advanced threat detection, incident response, and vulnerability management initiatives. They serve as a technical escalation point and help guide strategic security improvements.
Responsibilities
- Lead investigations into complex security incidents and coordinate response efforts
- Configure and fine-tune SIEM, EDR, and threat intelligence tools
- Perform root cause analysis and develop prevention strategies
- Mentor junior analysts and support onboarding or knowledge sharing
- Coordinate cross-functional response to risks and vulnerabilities
- Contribute to red team/blue team exercises and simulation drills
- Analyze trends and present insights to security leadership
Requirements
Hard skills
- Advanced understanding of attack vectors, malware behavior, and security engineering
- Experience with scripting or automation tools (Python, PowerShell, Bash)
- Familiarity with cloud security (AWS, Azure, GCP) and hybrid environments
Soft skills
- Strong leadership and mentoring capability
- High-level analytical and critical thinking skills
- Ability to translate technical risks to non-technical stakeholders
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity or related field
Certifications
- CEH, GCIH, or CISSP (preferred)
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience managing threat intelligence feeds or red teaming
- Hands-on knowledge of forensics or log analysis tools
Lead Cybersecurity Analyst
Position Overview
The lead cybersecurity analyst oversees daily security operations, directs incident response efforts, and ensures coordination across teams. This role balances hands-on technical work with mentorship and cross-functional collaboration.
Responsibilities
- Manage and prioritize security alerts and escalation paths
- Oversee incident triage, investigation, and response documentation
- Coordinate with IT, DevOps, and compliance teams on security controls
- Lead post-incident reviews and contribute to threat hunting efforts
- Guide junior and senior analysts on workflow, standards, and best practices
- Monitor and improve SOC processes and playbooks
- Present incident summaries and trend analysis to senior leadership
Requirements
Hard skills
- Deep knowledge of cybersecurity tools and response procedures
- Experience in enterprise network defense and threat detection platforms
- Familiarity with MITRE ATT&CK and threat intelligence frameworks
Soft skills
- Leadership and team coordination under pressure
- Effective communication across technical and business functions
- Continuous improvement mindset with operational discipline
Education
- Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree preferred
Certifications
- CISSP, CISM, or GIAC certifications (required or in progress)
Preferred Qualifications
- Prior experience leading incident response or security programs
- Familiarity with SOC management platforms and ticketing workflows
Cybersecurity Manager
Position Overview
The cybersecurity manager directs the company’s information security operations and strategy. They oversee security teams, manage incident response, and ensure compliance with internal policies and industry regulations. This role combines leadership, program management, and technical expertise.
Responsibilities
- Lead the cybersecurity team, including hiring, training, and performance reviews
- Define and execute the organization’s security roadmap and risk reduction goals
- Monitor and report on key risk indicators, threat trends, and compliance metrics
- Manage budget, tools, and vendor relationships related to security platforms
- Ensure proper incident handling and root cause analysis
- Oversee vulnerability management, audit readiness, and policy enforcement
- Collaborate with legal, IT, and executive teams on risk governance and response planning
Requirements
Hard skills
- Deep knowledge of cybersecurity frameworks and security operations
- Experience managing SIEMs, endpoint security, and cloud security tools
- Ability to lead cross-functional security projects and compliance initiatives
Soft skills
- Strategic thinker and strong decision-maker
- Excellent leadership, communication, and conflict-resolution skills
- Comfortable presenting risk to executive leadership
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity, computer science, or a related field
- Master’s degree or MBA (preferred)
Certifications
- CISSP or CISM (required)
- CRISC, CISA, or PMP (beneficial)
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience managing a SOC or enterprise security program
- Familiarity with GRC platforms and audit frameworks (SOC 2, NIST, ISO)
- Background in building and scaling security teams