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How to Become a Cyber Defense Analyst: Skills, Abilities, and Knowledge You Need to Learn and How to Get Them

Cyber Defense Analysts (PR-CDA-001) are professionals who analyze events occurring in their environments using data collected from various cyber defense tools, such as firewalls, network traffic logs, and IDS alerts. The purpose of their analysis is to identify and mitigate any threats to the system.

The abilities required for this work role include the ability to analyze malware and conduct vulnerability scans to identify vulnerabilities in security systems. They must have the ability to apply cybersecurity and privacy principles to organizational requirements such as confidentiality, integrity, availability, authentication, and non-repudiation. They must also be able to interpret the information collected by network tools, such as Nslookup, Ping, and Traceroute, and accurately and completely source all data used in intelligence, assessment, and/or planning products.

Cyber Defense Analysts must have knowledge of computer networking concepts and protocols, risk management processes, cybersecurity and privacy principles, and cyber threats and vulnerabilities. They must also understand specific operational impacts of cybersecurity lapses and have knowledge of authentication, authorization, and access control methods. Knowledge of cybersecurity and privacy principles and organizational requirements relevant to confidentiality, integrity, availability, authentication, and non-repudiation is also required. Cyber Defense Analysts must have knowledge of incident response and handling methodologies and the capability to detect host and network-based intrusions using intrusion detection technologies.

Furthermore, they must have knowledge of key concepts in security management, network security architecture, and network traffic analysis methods. They must also be knowledgeable in new and emerging information technology and cybersecurity technologies. Cyber Defense Analysts must have knowledge of operating systems, telecommunications concepts, and relevant laws, legal authorities, restrictions, and regulations related to cybersecurity.


To perform the tasks required of them, Cyber Defense Analysts must have skills such as developing and deploying signatures and detecting host and network-based intrusions via intrusion detection technologies. They must have the skill to evaluate the adequacy of security designs and use incident handling methodologies to document and escalate incidents. They must be skilled in assessing security controls based on cybersecurity principles and tenets and performing packet-level analysis. They must have the skill to recognize vulnerabilities in security systems, conduct trend analysis, and perform security reviews. They must also have the ability to use cyber defense service provider reporting structures and processes within their own organization.

Some of the tasks that Cyber Defense Analysts perform include developing content for cyber defense tools, characterizing and analyzing network traffic to identify anomalous activity and potential threats, coordinating with enterprise-wide cyber defense staff to validate network alerts, and ensuring that cybersecurity-enabled products or other compensating security control technologies reduce identified risk to an acceptable level. Cyber Defense Analysts also need to provide daily summary reports of network events and activity relevant to cyber defense practices and analyze identified malicious activity to determine weaknesses exploited, exploitation methods, and effects on the system and information.

In summary, Cyber Defense Analysts must have a range of abilities, knowledge, and skills to perform their duties effectively. They need to have expertise in cybersecurity and privacy principles, incident response, and handling methodologies, and the ability to detect and mitigate threats to their organization's systems.

Here are some ways people can start learning the abilities, knowledge, and skills required for a Cyber Defense Analyst role, starting with free options and moving to more expensive options:

  1. Free online resources: There are many free online resources available that can help individuals learn the necessary skills and knowledge. These include online courses, tutorials, videos, and blogs. Some popular options include:
    • Cybrary: Offers free cybersecurity training resources and courses
    • Open Security Training: Provides free security training courses and materials
    • SANS Cyber Aces: Offers free cybersecurity courses and training resources
    • Coursera: Provides free online courses in cybersecurity from top universities and institutions
    • edX: Offers free online courses in cybersecurity from top universities and institution
  2. Online certifications: Some online certifications, such as CompTIA Security+ and Cisco CCNA Cyber Ops, can be obtained through self-study and online exams. These certifications can be valuable in demonstrating knowledge and skills to potential employers.
  3. Local cybersecurity groups: Joining local cybersecurity groups can be a great way to meet other professionals in the field and gain valuable knowledge and skills through networking and educational events. Many of these groups offer free or low-cost events and workshops.
  4. Community college courses: Community colleges often offer low-cost courses in cybersecurity and related topics. These courses can be a great way to gain foundational knowledge and skills.
  5. Bootcamps and intensive training programs: These programs can offer a more focused and intensive approach to learning and can provide hands-on experience with the tools and technologies used in the field. However, they can also be quite expensive.
  6. Bachelor's or Master's degree programs: Pursuing a degree in cybersecurity or a related field can provide a comprehensive education and a strong foundation of knowledge and skills. However, these programs can be expensive and time-consuming.



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Location: Las Vegas, NV, USA

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