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?