Your Next Move: Vulnerability Analyst

If you have a knack for determining problems and wanting to find solutions, then a career as a vulnerability analyst may be for you.

What is a vulnerability analyst?

A vulnerability analyst detects weaknesses in networks and software and then takes measures to correct and strengthen security within the system. Job duties include:

• Developing risk-based mitigation strategies for networks, operating systems, and applications
• Compiling and tracking vulnerabilities and mitigation results to quantify program effectiveness
• Creating and maintaining vulnerability management policies, procedures, and training
• Reviewing and defining requirements for information security solutions
• Organizing network-based scans to identify possible network security attacks and host-based scans to identify vulnerabilities in workstations, servers, and other network hosts.

The vulnerability analyst role can be an in-house position or a consultant hired for specific times or tasks. Either way, though, the job is important—determining critical security flaws and figuring out how to fix them.

A vulnerability analyst must think like a hacker to protect against them. Most companies doing business online are at risk for cybercrime, and a vulnerability analyst position is essential to protect an organization. The larger the organization, the more vulnerability analysts they will employ.

While some of the vulnerability analyst’s responsibilities include penetration testing, a vulnerability analyst is not the same as a penetration tester. A penetration tester identifies risks in a network or system, and a vulnerability analyst does that, too. However, a penetration tester also uncovers vulnerabilities in a network and provides solutions to manage the vulnerability.

How to become a vulnerability analyst

Some companies hiring a vulnerability analyst are looking for someone with a bachelor’s degree in computer science, cybersecurity, programming, or a related field. Still, many employers would be satisfied with an applicant with a couple of years of practical experience, along with some certifications. Certifications like CompTIA CySA+, CompTIA Network+, CompTIA Security+, and CompTIA PenTest+ can prove you have the skills to be a vulnerability analyst. Check out the CompTIA Career Roadmap to see what other certifications can help you become a vulnerability analyst.

Job titles related to vulnerability analyst

• Penetration tester
• Vulnerability tester
• Security analyst (II)
• Vulnerability assessment analyst
• Network security operations
• Application security vulnerability

Will your next move be vulnerability analyst?