What to expect from junior cyber security analyst roles

The role of cyber security junior analyst may be an entry level position, but it comes with responsibilities. It’s your job to support the cyber security team, understand threat and vulnerability levels and the techniques required to protect the network.

Securing a junior cyber security job is a good way to get into the industry and hone your skills at the beginning of your career. You’ll gain experience in important areas, such as incident response, firewalls and intrusion detection.

What does a junior cyber security analyst do?

A cyber security analyst defends the networks and systems in an organisation from digital threats, with juniors in the role aiding in this. Among the biggest challenges is ensuring unauthorised third parties aren’t able to access sensitive data.

Key responsibilities of a junior cyber security analyst include:

  • Monitoring traffic
  • Managing antivirus software
  • Mitigating risks
  • Putting prevention systems in place
  • Investigating unusual activities
  • Penetration testing
  • Responding to security incidents

The job description for a cyber security junior analyst can vary considerably from one firm to another, so it’s important to peruse listings carefully before applying. As the role can be fairly generalist, it can be a good introduction to information security and offer insight into where you might like to go next with your career.

How much do junior cyber security analysts make?

Understanding how much a cyber security salary is likely to be at the beginning of your career is important when planning your next steps. The average junior cyber security analyst salary in the UK is £26,745 per year, according to Glassdoor.

While additional cash compensation through bonuses and other initiatives are likely to be minimal, it’s still worth enquiring into these at interview. It may be that these kick in after a certain amount of time or experience is gained, so it’s important to get the full picture before making a career decision.

What qualifications do you need to be a cyber security analyst?

Routes into cyber security vary, but you can follow this roadmap to get an idea of the possible career paths. Pursuing academic qualifications while gaining valuable cyber security work experience is the most likely approach to help you secure a job as a cyber security analyst.

As well as a bachelor’s degree in an area like information technology, there are other industry qualifications that offer a good foundation in cyber security principles. For example, CompTIA Security+ is widely recognised and respected within the industry.

Otherwise, it’s a case of honing your skills. Those relevant to junior cyber security analyst roles include:

  • General knowledge of cyber security
  • Understanding of networks, systems and software
  • Problem-solving and analytical skills
  • Scripting
  • Awareness of controls and frameworks best practices
  • Insight into threat detection and incident response
  • Network architecture

Career progression and roadmap of a cyber security analyst

Once you’ve gained the relevant qualifications and work experience to become a junior cyber security analyst, the next step is finding a job. This role should be with a company where you can see clear career progression, but this doesn’t have to be limited to cyber security analyst roles.

Some junior analysts go on to work in other areas of information security, so sideways moves are definitely possible. Progressing into higher-level leadership and managerial roles as you gain experience is a common and achievable career goal.

Eventually, you could become a director or head of cyber security at a major firm, overseeing a team of specialists. Alternatively, you may wish to set up your own cyber security company or work as an independent cyber security consultant.

How to find junior cyber security analyst jobs?

Finding a job as a junior cyber security analyst is as easy as perusing a dedicated job board like CyberSecurityJobsite.com. To increase your chances of success, upload your CV to the site, so recruiters know you’re in the market for a new role.

Check out our selection of the latest junior cyber security analyst jobs to advance your career today.