In cybersecurity, there is no such thing as being too prepared. The larger the company and the more sensitive the data it handles, the stronger its security team must be. This dedicated department is responsible for developing and implementing the company’s security strategy, working closely with other teams to ensure robust protection.
In today’s article, Amir Aliev, Head of Infrastructure Security and Operations, delves into the crucial profession of cyber security, focusing on Incident Response Analyst roles and responsibilities.
An Incident Response Analyst is a key player in any security team. Understanding the Incident Response Analyst’s salary can also provide insight into the value of these experts within the industry. Their primary role is to efficiently manage all security incidents: to thoroughly investigate incidents from start to finish, ensuring no detail is overlooked, while simultaneously implementing countermeasures to thwart attackers and prevent further attack development. This includes responsibilities typically associated with Incident Management Analysts and Security Incident Response Analysts.
This specialist must be a ‘universal soldier’ in cybersecurity, possessing a deep understanding of various security aspects, strong analytical skills, and the ability to perform under pressure in emergencies. Their expertise often extends to incident response team roles, which include coordination, communication, and direct action during and after security incidents.
Trends in Incident Response Analytics
In 2024, cybersecurity has evolved from merely an essential aspect of IT companies to a strategic priority. This shift is mainly because hackers now have a powerful assistant at their disposal – artificial intelligence (AI). Attackers use AI not only for phishing campaigns and inventing new, clever attack schemes but also for creating highly realistic deepfakes, which is the most dangerous application.
Consider the illustrative case from February, where a corporate manager in Hong Kong voluntarily clicked on a suspicious link and transferred USD 25 million to scammers. Using deepfakes during a call, these scammers created convincing images of the manager’s colleagues and superiors. This incident underscores the dangerous combination of AI, social engineering, and phishing, a trend that, unfortunately, is poised to grow.
On the flip side, AI tools can also be employed for defence. The side with more advanced specialists will invariably have the upper hand. Leaders are re-evaluating security budgets in the current climate of global economic uncertainty. To ensure optimisation rather than unnecessary cuts, leaders must formulate a personalised cyber defence strategy in collaboration with CTOs and security team heads. This involves accurately assessing actual and potential risks and utilising the budget effectively.
Gartner predicts that by 2026, 70% of boards will have at least one subject matter expert in cybersecurity. This will enhance the implementation of cybersecurity strategies, enabling organisations to transition from reactive to proactive measures.
What Does an Incident Response Analyst Do?
Analytics
An Incident Response Analyst is a critical player in cybersecurity, leveraging various security systems to meticulously compare events, investigate incidents, and identify anomalies in system and employee behaviour. They aim to detect deviations from the norm and plan response activities for suspicious or dangerous events. Alerts may come from security systems like SIEM, EDR, and NTA or employees reporting strange emails, instant messages, or unusual computer activity. The analyst’s crucial task is to differentiate real threats from normal system behaviour.
Incident Response
1. Threat Assessment and Evaluation of Potential Consequences
Analysts evaluate the potential impact of the threat to prioritise response actions effectively.
2. Action Plans and Playbooks
The analyst then follows a predefined action plan (playbook) to address specific types of threats. If no suitable playbook exists, a new action plan is created tailored to the unique aspects of the threat.
3. Identifying the Initial Penetration Vector
Identifying the initial penetration vector – the security gap that enabled the attack – is essential. Understanding how the attacker breached the security perimeter helps in fortifying defences and preventing similar future incidents.
4. Mitigation of Identified Threats
When a threat bypasses existing security measures and is detected through alternative means, the analyst prioritises actions to mitigate its impact. This includes stopping the threat, preventing its escalation, and addressing critical events such as monetary theft, data breaches, or trade secret leaks.
5. Strengthening the First Line of Defence
The ‘first line of defence’ must have robust mechanisms to counter threats actively, not just monitor them. This proactive approach is essential for a resilient cybersecurity posture.
Collaboration with Other Experts
The analyst interacts with management, IT, development, and legal departments to address vulnerabilities and mitigate the consequences of an attack. In the case of serious incidents, they also assist law enforcement agencies. Additionally, recommendations often include improving monitoring rules for security systems. In in-house teams, IR analysts may also handle such corrections, cover new event sources/systems with regulations, and implement other monitoring engineering improvements.
By leveraging their skills and working collaboratively with other departments, Incident Response Analysts play a vital role in maintaining the security and integrity of an organisation’s systems and data.
What is an Incident Response Analyst job description?
As a rule, the main Threat Response Analyst requirements from companies are:
- Experience with event analysis systems: SIEM, EDR, IDS/IPS, IRP/SOAR.
- Knowledge of SecOps processes (monitoring, detection of positive events, investigation, and analysis of threats).
- Understanding the structure of attacks (MITRE ATT&CK Framework, Cyber Kill-Chain).
- Understanding the operating principles of essential systems and protocols and proficiency in tools (Splunk, ELK, Graylog, etc.).
- Automation skills (Bash/PowerShell, Python).
- Experience as an information security analyst SOC/Incident response engineer.
In addition to technical skills, such a specialist must have strong analytical skills and a level of English proficiency of B1 and above.
A number of additional skills are also considered advantages when assessing a candidate. Here they are:
- Familiarity with CI/CD, software development cycle, Terraform/Ansible, etc.
- Experience with modern infrastructures (AWS, Azure, GCP, k8s, Docker) and knowledge of the principles of attacks on them.
- Linux system administration experience.
- Knowledge of Open Source solutions for ensuring endpoint and infrastructure security (Audit.d, Sysmon, AppArmor, SELinux).
- Experience in the position of Threat Hunting/Threat Intelligence/Red Team specialist.
- Experience in static and dynamic malware analysis.
Career Growth and Opportunities in Cybersecurity
Career growth in cybersecurity often involves advancing through various certification levels. Incident Response Security Analysts who obtain these credentials can expect improved working conditions and potential bonuses. Here are three vital international incident response certifications that can significantly boost your career:
- GIAC Certified Incident Handler (GCIH)
- GIAC Certified Forensic Analyst (GCFA)
- CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+)
Depending on their interests, an experienced analyst can either lead a team or become a leading analyst within a company. The technical track offers intriguing opportunities for those passionate about deepening their expertise.
If you are interested in becoming a CSIRT Analyst (Computer Security Incident Response Team Analyst) in a new infrastructure, you will need the ability to analyse incidents and defend against various attacks. Essential qualities include stress resistance and the readiness to handle incidents at night and on weekends.
If you have not had any experience in this area yet, the listed basic and additional requirements can be considered a set of skills you should master for this position. For seasoned analysts, pursuing the certifications above is advisable. Continuous education through cybersecurity courses and seminars, active participation in professional communities, and attending hackathons and conferences (such as DEF CON, Black Hat, and RSA Conference) are crucial for staying updated on new trends and trying not to lose interest in your work. An incident response job can be inspiring, but remember to rest and recover.
By following these guidelines, you can enhance your skills and significantly increase your marketability and career prospects in Incident Response Analysis.