Cybersecurity Risk Analyst

The Cybersecurity Risk Analyst will primarily focus on risk identification and assessment by evaluating internal systems and third-party vendors for potential cybersecurity risks. They will also conduct formal risk assessments, collaborate with IT and security teams to recommend remediation activities, and assist with the implementation of security governance frameworks.

Candidates for the Cybersecurity Risk Analyst role should possess a bachelor's degree in Information Security, Computer Science, Risk Management, or a related field. Additionally, a minimum of 5 years of experience in cybersecurity or IT risk management, along with professional certifications like CompTIA Security+ or CISSP, are highly desired.

The Cybersecurity Risk Analyst plays a key role in supporting the implementation and monitoring of cybersecurity governance frameworks such as NIST and ISO 27001. They ensure the organization complies with regulatory standards like CCPA, GDPR, and PCI-DSS, helping to mitigate legal and financial risks.

Important skills for the Cybersecurity Risk Analyst include a strong understanding of cybersecurity concepts, risk assessment methodologies, excellent communication abilities to convey complex risk concepts to various audiences, and experience with GRC platforms and cloud security solutions.

A successful Cybersecurity Risk Analyst should be familiar with risk assessment tools, GRC platforms like Workiva and TrustCloud, and have experience with major cloud security providers such as AWS, Azure, and GCP. Familiarity with cybersecurity frameworks and compliance requirements is also crucial.

When approaching risk assessments, I systematically evaluate assets, identify vulnerabilities, and assess potential threats. I prioritize risks based on their potential impact and likelihood, utilizing established methodologies to ensure a thorough analysis.

A risk treatment plan outlines the actions needed to mitigate identified risks. This includes identifying risk owners, establishing mitigation strategies, and monitoring timelines to ensure timely remediation and acceptance of risks.

I am familiar with several frameworks, including NIST, ISO 27001, and CIS Controls. I understand how to implement these frameworks and monitor compliance effectively.

In a previous role, I discovered a vulnerability in a third-party vendor's system that could expose our data. I promptly reported it, assisted in reassessing our vendor risk strategies, and worked on implementing additional controls to mitigate potential exposure.

I subscribe to industry newsletters, participate in relevant webinars, and engage in cybersecurity communities to stay informed about the latest threats and trends. Continuously updating my skills through training and certifications is also part of my strategy.

Effective communication is crucial for a Cybersecurity Risk Analyst. I need to translate technical risk assessments into understandable terms for stakeholders and collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure that everyone is aware of risks and strategies.

I have assisted with both internal and external audits. My responsibilities included evidence collection, control testing, and preparing reports that highlight our compliance with various security frameworks and standards.

I assess the effectiveness of security controls by performing regular tests, analyzing incident reports, and reviewing compliance with established protocols. Continuous monitoring and updates are crucial to adapt to new threats.

I have hands-on experience using GRC platforms like Drata and A-SCEND for managing cybersecurity compliance, tracking risk assessments, and streamlining reporting processes, which helps in maintaining a strong security posture.

To prioritize risks, I assess factors such as potential impact, exploitability, and the current control measures in place. By categorizing risks based on severity, I can allocate resources to address the most critical vulnerabilities first.