The cybersecurity domain is booming with new opportunities waiting to be explored. There are more available job positions than qualified candidates. With cyber threats becoming more rampant the relevance of cybersecurity has witnessed a sharp increase. This has resulted in the need for more specialised job roles.
This should serve as an encouragement for students who are eager to explore this space and have flourishing careers as cybersecurity analysts. However, before venturing into this career, it’s vital that you master several skills which will be useful in your journey at some point.
Presented below are some of these skills that you must acquire to succeed.
1. Controls and Frameworks
A cybersecurity framework involves a collection of best practices, tools, policies, and security protocols created to secure an organisation’s data and business operations. Control is a measure used by a business to protect itself from vulnerabilities and attacks.
Depending on your industry and organisation, the framework you use may vary. You may find it helpful to develop a thorough understanding of some of the most common cybersecurity frameworks, which include:
- International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO)
- System and Organisation Controls 2 (SOC 2)
- Centre for Information Security (CIS)
2. Application Development Security
Companies look for cybersecurity analysts to protect their infrastructure and servers, find the vulnerabilities resulting from a data breach, and ward off malicious practices.
Application development security is developing, incorporating and testing the feature of an application to prevent any vulnerability that can result in unauthorised access and data breach.
3. Networking and System Administration
An in-depth understanding of networking is required as a stepping-stone to start a career as a cybersecurity analyst. Learning networking will allow you to understand the technical aspects of data transmission, which will help you secure your data. Exploring a suitable networking certification from any of the online learning platforms will be ideal.
System administration is another skill you can master. It’s all about configuring and maintaining computers. It requires you to learn about every aspect of your computer’s features and settings and play around with it for a while.
4. Cloud Security
Organisations are in search of professionals with security skills applicable to public and hybrid cloud platforms such as AWS and Azure. Companies are increasingly relying on cloud infrastructure to store data and run applications. This includes the implementation of policies and technologies that protect cloud-based systems and devices.
Similar to application development security, cloud security also involves developing security systems from the start. People with experience and knowledge in managing big platforms, such as Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud Platform or AWS, are in high demand.
5. Data Management and Protection
As a cybersecurity analyst, you’ll be required to deal with any imminent threat of breaching the organisation’s security policy. An attempted intrusion or an active threat might be considered a security incident. Instances such as phishing software, ransomware, DDoS mitigation, etc., are further examples. This is one of the most important cybersecurity analyst skills to acquire.
An internal review also known as a security audit is performed to look for any flaws in an information system. A cybersecurity analyst needs to conduct the review while making sure that the company follows all applicable regulations. Knowledge of security audits and compliance is crucial since any overlooked areas may result in severe penalties. Professionals who can decipher the documentation and security methods to apply them are in high demand. Hence, acquiring these skills will be useful.
6. Understanding of Operating Systems and Virtual Machines
A cyber security analyst must possess a sound knowledge of various operating systems such as Linux, Windows and MacOS. You should be able to work with any operating system. Virtual Machines allow you to train and research in an isolated environment and help you maximise your skills.
The next point to remember is to know Kali Linux as it is the most widely acknowledged Linux system distribution for ethical hacking and penetration testing. This system consists of countless tools related to malware analysis, penetration testing, security research, computer forensics and so on.
7. Knowledge of Regulatory Guidelines
Cybersecurity is extended to protect an organisation from attack, loss, and theft as well as comply with industry regulations. If you’re working for an organisation that maintains a global presence, then it’s required that you have some familiarity with General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
Cybersecurity analysts in the healthcare industry must understand how to comply with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA)- a US federal regulation that helps protect privacy laws as well.
8. Blockchain Security
The popularity of blockchain is increasing owing to the layers of security it offers. Hence, cybersecurity professionals should familiarise themselves with blockchain and how it tackles security issues.
Blockchain may be infused into various areas such as Internet of Things (IoT) devices, supply chain integration, network control, identity control and mobile computing.
The complex nature of blockchain makes it difficult for intruders to compromise. For a criminal to corrupt or destroy a blockchain, they would have to wipe out the data found on each individual user’s computer that’s connected to the targeted global network.
9. The Internet of Things
Statista reports that there will be over 30 billion Internet of Things devices connected worldwide by 2025. Such a massive number of devices open many opportunities for security vulnerability. Thus, IoT security will be a higher priority soon, and an integral part of maintaining the integrity and security of the internet system.
Many IoT devices contain sensors that collect personal data which makes it necessary to maintain secure networks and preserve consumer loyalty.
IoT security emphasizes safeguarding connected devices and networks as most of these devices access networks without human intervention or oversight. Hence, it’s crucial to make sure that proper security measures are in place so that IoT devices can carry out their functions automatically. This way, cybersecurity experts won’t have to be concerned about keeping out unauthorised intruders.
Parting Thoughts,
The cybersecurity space ensures a bright future and rewarding prospects for cybersecurity analysts. But to succeed in this sector, you must upskill and gather the right knowledge. The skills mentioned in this post are all aligned with this specific domain, which means mastering these skills will be your gateway to success in this area.