How to Be Military Cyber Security Analyst - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jul 25, 2021 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The rise of cyber security threats in the military sector has caused organizations to invest more money and resources into cyber security measures. Consequently, the need for skilled cyber security analysts has grown exponentially in recent years. Cyber security analysts are responsible for identifying, analyzing, and mitigating potential cyber-attacks and other malicious activities.

They work closely with other security professionals, such as software engineers and system administrators, to ensure the safety and security of a militarys digital infrastructure. Furthermore, cyber security analysts are also expected to develop new strategies and technologies to protect against future attacks. As such, the role of a cyber security analyst is essential in protecting a militarys sensitive information and systems from malicious actors.

Steps How to Become

Earn a Bachelor's Degree. A bachelor's degree in computer science, cyber security, or a related field is the first step in becoming a military cyber security analyst. Most employers also require at least one year of related experience.
Obtain Certification. Certification programs provide additional credentials and demonstrate a commitment to the field. Various certifications are available from organizations like the International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium (ISC2).
Join the Military. To become a military cyber security analyst, you must first join the military and complete basic training. Once in the military, you may be eligible for specialized training in cyber security.
Complete Training. Training programs vary depending on the branch of the military and the specific job. After completing a cyber security training program, you will be ready to begin working as a military cyber security analyst.
Maintain Certification. Military cyber security analysts must keep their certifications up to date and complete periodic training to maintain their qualifications. Many employers also require annual or biennial recertification.

The rapid development of technology has made cyber security an increasingly important priority for businesses and governments. Cyber attackers are constantly evolving their methods to gain access to sensitive information, and organizations are struggling to keep up. To stay ahead of the curve, cyber security analysts must stay informed of the latest threats and tactics used by attackers.

This can be accomplished by regularly attending industry conferences, participating in online forums, and reading industry publications. cyber security analysts must keep their skills up to date by taking courses and certifications that focus on the latest security technologies and methods. By implementing these steps, organizations can ensure their systems remain secure and capable of defending against the latest cyber threats.

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Job Description

Develop and implement cyber security strategies and policies
Monitor and analyze cyber security threats
Conduct risk analysis, security assessments, and penetration tests
Analyze and investigate security incidents
Proactively develop and maintain security architectures, systems, and networks
Develop and implement secure coding practices
Assess the security of applications and systems
Implement controls to prevent unauthorized access
Collaborate with other departments to identify, assess, and prioritize risks
Support the development and maintenance of security tools and technologies

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of cyber security techniques, software and hardware
Comprehensive understanding of cyber security threats, vulnerabilities, and risk management
Ability to develop, implement, and maintain security policies, procedures, and standards
Strong project management skills
Ability to analyze complex systems and develop appropriate security solutions
Knowledge of network security protocols and firewalls
Familiarity with encryption systems and secure communications protocols
Experience with cyber security risk assessment and auditing processes
Expertise in identifying areas of potential vulnerability and developing strategies for protection
Understanding of malicious code and sophisticated cyberattacks
Proficient in network and systems administration
Ability to work with technical staff to ensure compliance with security requirements
Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Cyber security analysts play a critical role in protecting organizations from malicious cyber-attacks. As such, they must have a wide range of technical and non-technical skills in order to be successful. The most important skill that a cyber security analyst must possess is an understanding of the attack surface.

This means they must understand the various parts of a system and how they interact with each other. They must also have a deep knowledge of the different types of malicious software and techniques used by attackers. they must have the ability to analyze network traffic and detect anomalies that may indicate a potential attack.

Finally, they must be able to communicate effectively with stakeholders and explain security risks in a way that is understandable to them. These skills are essential for any cyber security analyst to be successful in their role.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in cyber security, particularly in the military environment?
How would you handle a cyber security incident or breach?
What strategies or tactics do you use to identify, detect and prevent cyber threats?
Are you familiar with US military networks and protocols for cyber security?
What techniques do you use to ensure secure data transmission and storage?
Are you familiar with the latest military standards and regulations for cyber security?
What tools and systems have you used to manage and monitor cyber security activities?
How do you stay up to date on the latest trends and developments in military cyber security?
How would you manage a team of cyber security analysts?
What experience do you have in developing and implementing security policies and procedures?

Common Tools in Industry

Penetration Testing Tools. Used to identify potential security vulnerabilities in computer systems and networks. (eg: Nessus, Burp Suite)
Network Scanning Tools. Used to identify active hosts and services on a network. (eg: Nmap, Wireshark)
Intrusion Detection Systems. Used to detect malicious activity on a network or system. (eg: Snort, Suricata)
Security Information and Event Management Systems. Used to collect, analyze, and report on security-related events from various sources. (eg: SolarWinds Log & Event Manager, Splunk Enterprise Security)
Security Auditing Tools. Used to evaluate the security posture of a system or network. (eg: Tripwire, OpenVAS)
Vulnerability Assessment Tools. Used to detect and report potential vulnerabilities. (eg: Nexpose, QualysGuard)
Web Application Firewalls. Used to protect web applications from malicious attacks. (eg: ModSecurity, Imperva SecureSphere)
Malware Analysis Tools. Used to detect, analyze, and remove malicious software from a system. (eg: Cuckoo Sandbox, REMnux)
Encryption Tools. Used to protect data stored on a system or transmitted over a network. (eg: OpenSSL, TrueCrypt)

Professional Organizations to Know

Cyber Security Alliance
International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium (ISC)²
National Cyber Security Alliance
Cyber Threat Alliance
Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA)
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
International Council of Electronic Commerce Consultants (EC-Council)
Cloud Security Alliance
Global Cyber Alliance
Association for Computing Machinery (ACM)

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Common Important Terms

Cyber Security. The practice of protecting networks, systems, and programs from digital attacks. These attacks are usually aimed at accessing, changing, or destroying sensitive information, extorting money from users, or interrupting normal business processes.
Network Security. A set of tools and protocols used to protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of a network's resources. Common security measures include encryption, authentication, firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and virus protection.
Vulnerability Management. The process of identifying, analyzing, and mitigating security vulnerabilities in order to reduce the risk of successful attacks.
Risk Assessment. The process of assessing the probability of a threat exploiting a vulnerability and the impact it could have on an organization.
Incident Response. The process of responding to cyber security incidents such as data breaches, malicious code, and distributed denial-of-service attacks.
Access Control. The practice of restricting access to a resource based on certain criteria such as identity, roles, and permissions.
Identity and Access Management (IAM). The practice of managing user identities and granting access privileges to certain resources.
Cyber Defense. The practice of defending networks and systems against cyber attacks. This includes implementing security measures such as firewalls, antivirus software, and intrusion detection systems.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Military Cyber Security Analyst?

A Military Cyber Security Analyst is a professional responsible for analyzing, designing, and implementing security measures to protect military networks and computer systems from malicious cyber-attacks.

What qualifications do you need to become a Military Cyber Security Analyst?

To become a Military Cyber Security Analyst, you must have at least a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field, as well as experience in programming, networking, and security systems. Additionally, you must have an active security clearance and be able to pass a background check.

What are some of the responsibilities of a Military Cyber Security Analyst?

The primary responsibilities of a Military Cyber Security Analyst include developing and implementing security policies, monitoring networks for potential threats, performing penetration testing, and responding quickly to any cyber-attacks.

How many military cyber security analysts are currently employed?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were approximately 9,400 Military Cyber Security Analysts employed in 2020.

What skills are necessary to be successful as a Military Cyber Security Analyst?

To be successful as a Military Cyber Security Analyst, you must have strong analytical skills, be proficient in programming languages such as Python and Java, have an understanding of various operating systems and networks, and have excellent problem-solving skills. Additionally, an understanding of cyber security principles and techniques is essential.

Web Resources

Cyber Security Analyst | NC State Online and Distance Education online-distance.ncsu.edu
Cybersecurity Associates Degree | Georgia Military College GMC www.gmc.edu
How to Become a Cyber Security Analyst - University of the potomac.edu