Career Spotlight: Cybersecurity Compliance Analyst
As cybersecurity evolves, so do the number of threats and attacks a company may experience. Businesses need to have the appropriate resources to defend against these threats. Enter cybersecurity compliance. Cybersecurity compliance is risk management for businesses and organizations. It involves meeting various measures and controls, usually set in place by a regulatory authority, to protect a company’s data.
The individual tasked with making sure an organization meets the certain requirements necessary to protect data is a cybersecurity compliance analyst, or simply, compliance analyst. Let’s take a closer look at this position.
What Is a Cybersecurity Compliance Analyst and What Do They Do?
A compliance analyst helps ensure an organization is complying with all laws, regulations, and standards related to information security.
You can find compliance analysts in almost any industry, from health care and government, to finance and insurance.
Cybersecurity Compliance Analyst Job Duties
Depending on what industry a compliance analyst enters, some of their job duties may look different. For example, those in health care looks at medial compliance issues, such as those associated with HIPPA. In the financial sector, analysts might look at auditing expenses and accounting practices. However, there are many responsibilities that remain the same in any industry. Let’s explore some of them.
- Document all procedures and policies
- Develop workflows and procedures to meet standards of compliance
- Investigate security breaches by performing forensic analysis of computer systems
- Proactively stay up to date with rules and regulations
- Review data security to ensure protection
- Design a company’s compliance program
- Analyze, identify, and solve compliance problems
- Conduct compliance training for team members
- Communicate compliance regulations to the team
- Work as a subject-matter specialist on compliance issues
- Develop security policies for new technology systems
Cybersecurity Compliance Analyst Salary
According to Glassdoor, the average salary of a compliance analyst is about $60,764, but the salary can range up to $151,000. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the employment of cybersecurity and information security analysts to grow 31 percent by 2029, which is significantly faster than other professions.
Salary depends on the company and industry you work in, of course, as well as on your experience level and background.
Let’s look at how you might be able to land this job.
How to Become a Cybersecurity Compliance Analyst
To become a compliance analyst, many employers prefer candidates with at least a bachelor’s degree in business, accounting, IT, or a related field. Excelsior’s Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity and Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity Operations can help prepare you to enter the cybersecurity field by enhancing your knowledge and skills in technology.
Although it’s not required, a master’s degree is certainly preferable. It’s important to be proficient in compliance, so it’s good to have previous experience in compliance, auditing, or another regulatory field. In addition, there are a number of other skills that make a good compliance analyst. Here are some of them:
- Computer skills, including proficiency in many programs and systems
- Good problem-solving skills
- Excellent interpersonal communication
- Able to think critically in difficult situations
- Detail-oriented
- Ability to research current rules and regulations
- Ability to multitask
- Organizational skills
Does a cybersecurity compliance analyst sound like the career for you? Talk to an Excelsior admissions counselor today to get started on your educational path.