6 answers
7
Asked 996 views

How is the role of cybersecurity analysts changing?

HS sophomore, researching It careers.

information-technology cyber-security information-security cybersecurity-jobs
Answer This
7

6 answers

0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Val’s Answer

The role of cybersecurity analysts is changing quickly as threats evolve, but the core concepts and analytical thinking stay the same. What shifts is the technology around you — more cloud, more automation, more AI-driven tools — so you adapt as you go. As a penetration tester, I see analysts moving from just monitoring alerts to actively threat hunting, using advanced tools, and helping teams secure modern environments. Strong communication now matters just as much as technical skill, and staying curious, learning continuously, and understanding how systems work are what keep you effective in this field.
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Rahul’s Answer

The role of cybersecurity analysts is shifting from reacting to problems to getting ahead of them. Modern tools, including AI handle a lot of routine monitoring, so analysts now spend more time investigating unusual activity and strengthening defenses before attacks happen. There is also a bigger focus on cloud security and protecting data as companies move more systems online. Overall, the job is becoming more strategic and less repetitive.
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Teklemuz Ayenew’s Answer

AI is now a big help in cybersecurity, handling many repetitive tasks. It can scan and analyze logs, filter false alerts, prioritize security events, run routine checks, monitor user behavior, and even block suspicious activities. This allows analysts to focus on supervising these systems, fine-tuning alerts, and tackling threats that AI cannot handle. They also work on cloud security, endpoint protection, network design, threat intelligence, and developing AI expertise to improve automated defenses.

Technical skills like understanding networks, programming in Python or PowerShell, data analysis, and using security tools are very valuable. Equally important are soft skills such as communication, adaptability, problem-solving, teamwork, attention to detail, critical thinking, and staying calm under pressure. Analysts are becoming more proactive, hunting for threats, planning defenses, and helping design secure systems. Gaining hands-on experience, staying curious about technology, keeping up-to-date, and practicing problem-solving are excellent ways to prepare for this exciting and evolving role.
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Erica’s Answer

The role of cybersecurity analysts is evolving rapidly. It is now more proactive, automated, and strategic. In the past, analysts mainly reacted to threats. Today, they predict attacks, use automation, and understand the entire business, not just the technology.

Here are three major changes happening now:
1. Analysts are shifting from "detect and react" to "predict and prevent."
Modern tools identify unusual behavior early. Analysts now focus on analyzing patterns, finding weaknesses before attackers do, and strengthening systems in advance. This makes the job more investigative and less repetitive.

2. Automation and AI handle basic tasks.
Tasks like sorting alerts, scanning logs, and flagging suspicious files are now done by machine learning tools. Analysts can now:
- Interpret findings from these tools
- Make informed decisions
- Understand attacker behavior
- Assess risk

This means the job is moving from just handling alerts to solving real security problems.

3. Cybersecurity is now a business skill, not just a technical one.
Companies rely on cybersecurity for customer trust, finances, operations, and reputation. Analysts work with various teams, explain risks to non-technical people, and help shape company policies. Communication and critical thinking are as important as technical skills.

If you're a high school sophomore interested in cybersecurity, it's a great time to enter the field. Jobs are growing, the work is meaningful, and the skills you learn will remain relevant.

Successful future analysts will:
- Understand networks and operating systems
- Know how to read logs and think like attackers
- Use AI tools effectively
- Communicate clearly about risks
- Keep learning, as threats constantly change

Erica recommends the following next steps:

Try beginner-friendly cybersecurity labs on TryHackMe or HackTheBox Academy.
Learn the basics: networking, Linux commands, and how the internet works.
Take a free intro course like “Cybersecurity Fundamentals” from IBM or Google.
Keep a simple portfolio of labs, notes, and practice challenges to show future employers.
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

PS’s Answer

Detecting threats is becoming crucial as we embrace AI and cloud technologies. This shift demands stronger cybersecurity tools and experts to focus on threat detection.

We need to adopt a proactive mindset instead of a reactive one.

Cybersecurity analysts should create tools to anticipate threats before launching a service. Once a product or service is live, it becomes a target for hackers.

Threat Hunting: Actively look for hidden threats that automated systems might miss.
Process Improvement: Enhance security policies, architecture, and incident response plans.
Strategic Decision Making: Use insights from AI and automation tools to make important decisions.
Cloud Security: Strengthen security as more organizations move to the cloud.
Zero Trust Architecture: Ensure every user and device accessing a system is verified.

PS recommends the following next steps:

Learn more about current tools for cyber security threat detection
Learn more about threat models
Learn more about cloud architecture and security models
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Brigitte’s Answer

Today's cybersecurity analyst is moving from simply responding to security alerts to actively hunting threats and managing automation. This shift is necessary to tackle more advanced and persistent threats. Analysts now look for hidden signs of compromise that automated systems might miss, requiring deep knowledge of attack methods and advanced data analysis, beyond basic incident handling.

Additionally, analysts play a crucial role in managing security technologies and creating automated response plans. They must also understand business strategy to explain technical risks in terms of business impact, helping executives see security as a key part of the business.

Brigitte recommends the following next steps:

Recommendation: Build a personal, hands-on portfolio by using free online labs (like TryHackMe or Hack The Box) to practice log analysis and Python scripting for automation. This will directly develop the crucial Threat Hunting and Automation Orchestrator skills employers now prioritize. Learn management skills.
0