Cyber security analyst job description.
Looking to hire a cyber security analyst or begin a career in digital defence? This cyber security analyst job description outlines responsibilities such as monitoring threats, running vulnerability scans, and reporting incidents. Learn what tools and certifications are valued and what this role typically pays in the UK.
What does a cyber security analyst do?
A cyber security analyst monitors systems and networks to detect, investigate, and respond to security threats. They play a vital role in protecting sensitive data, preventing breaches, and supporting compliance with internal policies and external regulations.
Daily responsibilities include reviewing logs, monitoring alerts, conducting vulnerability scans, managing access controls, and responding to incidents. They work closely with infrastructure, SOC, and IT teams to support wider security operations.
In smaller businesses, they often handle all aspects of monitoring and analysis. In larger teams, they focus on a specific domain, such as endpoint protection or threat intelligence, using tools like Splunk, CrowdStrike, or Microsoft Defender. Their work supports operational continuity and reduces the risk of costly downtime or data loss.
Key responsibilities of a cyber security analyst.
Cyber security analysts monitor, detect, and respond to security threats. Their typical responsibilities include:
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Analysing security alerts and logs for suspicious activity
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Monitoring SIEM tools and escalating potential incidents
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Conducting vulnerability scans and supporting remediation
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Investigating phishing attempts, malware alerts, and endpoint risks
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Collaborating with IT and incident response teams
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Maintaining audit trails and security documentation
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Supporting user awareness training and policy enforcement
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Ensuring access controls and permissions align with role-based policies
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Assisting with compliance audits and risk assessments
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Reporting on security metrics and threat trends
This role blends threat monitoring with analysis, triage, and compliance support.
Skills and requirements for a cyber security analyst.
Cyber security analysts monitor, investigate, and protect against security threats. Employers typically look for:
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2–4 years of experience in cyber security or IT support
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Skilled in monitoring tools, alert triage, and incident response
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Familiarity with SIEM systems and vulnerability scanners
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Ability to investigate threats and support root cause analysis
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Understanding of common attack methods and defence strategies
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Knowledge of network protocols, logs, and endpoint security
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Experience writing reports, logs, or security documentation
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Ability to support audits and compliance checks
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Strong attention to detail and analytical mindset
Most cyber security analysts collaborate closely with IT and engineering teams.
Average salary for a cyber security analyst.
In the UK, the average salary for a cyber security analyst typically ranges from £35,000 to £55,000, depending on threat detection, SIEM tooling, and response coordination.
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Mid-level analysts earn between £35,000 and £45,000
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Senior analysts handling investigations, forensics, or risk assessments earn between £46,000 and £55,000
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Roles involving 24/7 incident response or regulatory compliance pay more
Top salaries are seen in finance, defence, and cyber security consultancy firms.
Career progression for a cyber security analyst.
A cyber security analyst protects systems and data by identifying vulnerabilities and monitoring threats. This critical role is the launchpad for careers in engineering, threat intelligence, or cyber leadership. A typical progression path includes:
IT support engineer / Security technician
Supports endpoint protection, user access controls, and monitors basic threats.
Cyber security analyst
Performs threat detection, incident analysis, and vulnerability scanning. Works with SIEM tools and threat databases.
Senior analyst / SOC lead
Leads investigations, manages incidents, and liaises with engineering and legal teams during escalations.
Cyber security manager / Threat response lead
Oversees day-to-day operations of a SOC or security function. Implements controls and manages security policy compliance.
Head of cyber security / CISO
Owns strategy, team development, and enterprise-wide security governance.
salary guide
Our UK IT salary guide.
Cyber security analysts monitor, detect, and respond to digital threats. Salary should reflect skills across prevention, incident response, and tooling.
Use the UK IT salary guide to benchmark cyber roles, compare with 2024 hiring data, and prepare for 2026 projections.
FAQS
Cyber security analyst FAQs.
Security analysts are most commonly hired by financial institutions, government departments, consultancies, and SaaS businesses. Any organisation with customer data, regulatory exposure, or cloud infrastructure often has a dedicated SOC or MDR partner where analysts play a core role.
SOC analysts typically work within a security operations centre and focus on monitoring, triage, and incident escalation. A cyber security analyst may cover similar ground but often works more broadly — including vulnerability scanning, endpoint alerts, and internal investigations — particularly in smaller businesses
Look for a candidate who demonstrates curiosity and a clear understanding of how threats evolve — not just someone trained on one tool. Analysts who can explain why an alert matters (or doesn’t) are far more valuable than those who escalate everything without context.
Yes — many come from service desk, IT support, or even military/intelligence backgrounds. A foundational knowledge of networks, protocols, and logs is often more useful than academic study alone.
Most move into tier 2 SOC, incident response, or security engineering roles within 12–24 months. Others specialise in threat hunting, GRC, or cloud security depending on the exposure they gain early on.
