OVERVIEW
What Is an Intrusion Analyst?
An intrusion analyst is a security professional with specialized training in detecting network security breaches. They tap into a variety of analysis tools and cybersecurity methods—such as penetration testing, network forensics, security audits, ethical hacking, and computer surveillance—to monitor networks in real time. If a security breach is detected, it’s an intrusion analyst’s job to inform the incident response team, provide a notification of the breach, and document evidence of it.
Intrusion analysts typically work as part of a team and communicate with external stakeholders, including customers and third-party sources of threat and vulnerability intelligence and advice.
Sometimes, intrusion analysts are referred to as “incident and intrusion analysts,” “cybersecurity analysts,” “network security analysts,” and “IT security analysts.”
RESPONSIBILITIES
What Does an Intrusion Analyst Do?
An intrusion analyst detects breaches in network security for escalation to incident response or other determined functions by using a range of automated tools to monitor networks in real-time. The day-to-day duties of an intrusion analyst might include:
- Maintaining firewalls and network updates.
- Developing plans to safeguard computer files against accidental or unauthorized modification, destruction, or disclosure.
- Monitoring current reports of computer viruses to determine when to update virus protection systems.
- Training users and promoting security awareness to ensure system security.
- Documenting computer security and emergency measures policies, procedures, and tests.
- Encrypting data transmissions and setting up firewalls to conceal confidential information.
- Modifying computer security files to incorporate new software, correct errors, or change individual access status.
- Monitoring malicious activity and regulating access to safeguarded information in computer files.
- Performing risk assessments and executing tests of a data processing system to ensure it functions correctly.
- Reviewing violations of computer security procedures and discussing procedures with violators to ensure violations aren't repeated.
EDUCATION & BEST DEGREES
How Do I Become an Intrusion Analyst?
Becoming an intrusion analyst requires a solid background in IT and a lot of experience in the field. With that in mind, here are some steps you can take to help you land this role.
Step One: Earn your bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity. If you're interested in becoming an intrusion analyst, one of the first things to consider is how much education you’ll need. A cybersecurity degree will prepare you for this career by teaching you the latest in cybersecurity, network structures, best practices, and tools.
Step Two: Gain experience in the field. You may find that experience in other IT jobs will help you become an intrusion analyst. In fact, many intrusion analyst jobs require experience in roles such as those of a systems administrator, analyst, or network technician.
Step Three: Consider a master's degree in cybersecurity. Earning an advanced cybersecurity degree can prepare you for more of a leadership role, helping you to rise in the ranks from intrusion analyst to systems manager or director of network operations.
Step Four: Consider relevant certifications. Earning certifications is a great way to stay up-to-date and engaged with the rapidly changing world of cybercrime. Plus, many employers prefer to hire candidates who have information security certifications. Some of the most common certifications for intrusion analysts are:
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
- CompTIA Security+
- GIAC Intrusion Analyst
- Chief Information Security Officers (CISO)
- Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) Network +
- Certified Computer Forensics Examiner (CCFE)
Best Degrees For an Intrusion Analyst:
Technology
Cybersecurity and Information Assurance – B.S.
Protect your career and earning potential with this degree....
Protect your career and earning potential with this degree.
- Time: 60% of graduates finish within 29 months.
- Tuition: $4,365 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 34 total courses in this program.
Certifications included in this program at no extra cost include:
- Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) - Associate of (ISC)2 designation
- Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP) - Associate of (ISC)2 designation
- ITIL® Foundation Certification
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst Certification (CySA+)
- CompTIA IT Operations Specialist
- CompTIA Network+
- CompTIA Network Vulnerability Assessment Professional
- CompTIA Network Security Professional
- CompTIA PenTest+
- CompTIA Project+
- CompTIA Secure Infrastructure Specialist
- CompTIA Security+
- CompTIA Security Analytics Professional
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:
- Secure Systems Analysis & Design
- Data Management
- Web and Cloud Security
- Hacking Countermeasures and Techniques
- Digital Forensics and Incident Response
Technology
Cybersecurity and Information Assurance – M.S.
Become the authority on keeping infrastructures and information safe....
Become the authority on keeping infrastructures and information safe.
- Time: 63% of graduates finish within 18 months.
- Tuition: $4,655 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 9 total courses in this program.
Certifications in this program at no additional cost include:
- CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+)
- CompTIA PenTest+
- CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+) Optional Voucher
- ISACA Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) Optional Voucher
- (ISC)² Certified in Cybersecurity (CC)
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:
- Cybersecurity Strategy
- Information Assurance
- Incident Response
- Penetration Testing
The curriculum is closely aligned with the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE) Workforce Framework. The program was designed in collaboration with national intelligence organizations and IT industry leaders, ensuring you'll learn emerging technologies and best practices in security governance.
How Much Does an Intrusion Analyst Make?
$86,000
The annual income of intrusion analysts ranges from $63,000 to $117,000, with a median salary of $86,000, according to data from ZipRecruiter.
That same data also shows that education is definitely a factor in how much an intrusion analyst can earn. For example, intrusion analysts with a master’s degree earn about $97,000 annually while those with a bachelor’s degree earn an annual income of about $89,000.
What Is the Projected Job Growth?
33%
These professionals are in high demand as cyberattacks become more frequent and more organizations need people who can help protect their information security infrastructure. In fact, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts that employment opportunities for all cybersecurity analysts will grow by 33% from 2020 to 2030.
SKILLS
What Skills Does an Intrusion Analyst Need?
To be successful in this role requires great attention to detail, excellent problem-solving skills, and the ability to work under pressure during intense situations, such as a security breach. You’ll also need to have:
- Programming experience, specifically with foundational programming languages such as C, C++, PHP, Perl, and Java.
- Understanding of IT network features and functions.
- The ability to utilize Operating System (OS) security functions and associated features.
- The ability to anticipate the future based on current data and trends to make sound security recommendations.
- Logical and creative thinking skills.
- Analytical and problem-solving skills, specifically when working with data from a variety of sources.
- The ability to work independently.
- The ability to communicate effectively under pressure, especially when reporting a security breach.
- Knowledge of industry-standard network intrusion detection system (IDS) rules.
- Experience using Wireshark to analyze network traffic and perform traffic analysis.
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