A qualified cybersecurity analyst can help a small and medium businesses (SMBs) focus on its productivity and growth while securing its data. According to a research report published by IBM, the United States of America has paid more than twice the global average amount for data breaches for 12 years in a row.
Although Amazon has reportedly paid over 750,000,000 (USD) owing to data-related violations, nearly 50% of cyber breaches are targeted toward small businesses with a strength of about 1000 employees. Malware attacks are the most common form of attack suffered by small businesses (18%), and phishing attacks take the second position (17%). Several other forms of cyberattacks haunt small businesses, like DDoS attacks constituting nearly 12% of the cyberattacks. Not knowing cybersecurity obligations, laws and regulations can be expensive for any business.
When small businesses are found to be the target of the highest number of malicious emails, it becomes imperative to hire a cybersecurity analyst to oversee the various needs related to processing data.
Responsibilities a cybersecurity analyst undertakes
A cybersecurity analyst fulfils the responsibility of protecting computer networks from unauthorized access and various forms of cyber threats. They are the first point of contact for answering questions related to suspicious activities on the employees’ systems that can lead to cyberattacks. They don’t just prevent attacks from online threats but also help design and implement a comprehensive framework to fulfil the ever-growing and changing need for evolving digital safety. The major tasks a cybersecurity analyst performs in a small business are as follows:
7 Ways a Cybersecurity analyst can help a small business
- Keeping a watch on the traffic reaching the network
- Maintaining a real-time watch on incidents, and investigating relevant activities
- Responding to incidents and writing detailed incident response reports
- Making sure all the required firewalls, encryption tools, anti-virus and detection tools are installed and updated
- Addressing vulnerabilities in the apps and systems and fixing them ASAP
- Helping train other staff and answering their questions about cybersecurity
- Carrying periodic threat research, risk assessments, and penetration tests as required
Common threats faced by small businesses that a cybersecurity analyst can help with
Nearly 70% of small businesses are concerned about growing cyberattacks. Statistics highlight that some business owners are ‘somewhat concerned’ and others are ‘very concerned’ however, danger looms over all of them alike. This is especially true keeping the fact the national institute of standards and technology (NIST) has outlined pertaining to small businesses struggling with understanding and implementing cybersecurity frameworks.
Threats a cybersecurity analyst can protect a small business are as follows:
When nearly 97% of cyber threats are planned and socially engineered, mitigating and responding to those becomes even more tricky. Malware and emails are used by cybercriminals to target employees, which can lead to remote access and data theft. Mitigating vulnerabilities, password management, and credential management are some key tasks a cybersecurity analyst can help with.
Aiding connected devices such as mobile device action plans, maintaining a secure backup, and managing physical access to systems and devices also passes through the watch of a cybersecurity analyst. They also watch over the Wi-Fi network activities and payment gateway to maintain the utmost security. They create the framework for access to sensitive data and specific systems according to the need and offer access to only the set employees.
Systems can be secured even after being hacked or ransomware has been launched. A thorough cybersecurity analyst will help reverse the adverse effects of threats and cyberattacks within a timeframe of their detection using solutions and tools.
A cybersecurity analyst is also well-versed in the digital infrastructure of its hiring company and offers the best solutions according to current trends and requirements. They are the go-to person in case a breach is detected, a ransom note is found, systems are encrypted, etc.
Their knowledge of the data law to be followed and applied by SMBs can offer security measures to avoid heavy penalties and lawsuits. A cybersecurity analyst would urge companies to act promptly in reporting data breaches to the legal authorities instead of concealing it. Hiding data breaches can lead to severe lawsuits and heavier penalties.
Some crucial details about a cybersecurity analyst
- Cybersecurity analyst salary – The national average salary of a cybersecurity analyst in the United States of America is around $82,517, according to a recent report by Glassdoor. The median salary is around $102,600 per year and approximately $49.33 per hour. The pay increases with experience in the field. An entry-level candidate can expect nearly $63,235. Different industries pay differently depending on the company size.
The information industry would pay a cybersecurity analyst nearly $128,970, and the finance and insurance industry offer $104,790. The computer systems design industry offers nearly $101,000 to a cybersecurity analyst.
- Cybersecurity analyst certification – Small businesses seek different certifications and skill sets to address their most crucial needs.
- A certified information security manager (CISM) can work in the management department as a security manager or director and be around 45 years old to be eligible.
- A candidate who is certified in risk and information systems control (CRISC) by ISACA can work in IT risk management and manage, design, and implement risk-based system controls.
- A certified information systems security professional (CISSP) who is over 45 years old can fill the security manager or director’s position in a business.
- A certified information systems auditor (CISA) can help with the technical and legal requirements of a business. They need a minimum of five years of professional auditing experience.
