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Career role

Risk Analyst

Risk Analysts identify, assess, and manage cybersecurity risks. You'll conduct risk assessments, manage risk registers, and help organizations make informed decisions about risk acceptance and mitigation.

IntermediateAlso known as Cybersecurity Risk Analyst, Information Risk Analyst
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Why choose this role?

Good fit if you like structured analysis and helping organizations make risk-based decisions. Growing importance as boards demand better risk visibility. Less technical but requires strong business acumen.

Work environment

Setting
Financial services, healthcare, large enterprises with mature security programs
Schedule
Standard business hours
Remote work
Hybrid and remote options common
Experience
Mid-level (2-5 years in security or risk)

Education requirements

Bachelor's degree in Business, IT, or related field preferred

Key responsibilities

  • Conduct cybersecurity risk assessments
  • Maintain risk registers and risk treatment plans
  • Perform business impact analysis (BIA)
  • Support third-party risk assessments
  • Report risk metrics to management
  • Recommend risk mitigation strategies

Required skills

Risk assessment frameworks (NIST, ISO 27005)Qualitative and quantitative risk analysisRisk management tools (RSA Archer, ServiceNow GRC)Strong analytical and communication skillsUnderstanding of security controls

Career path

  1. Previous roles
    Security AnalystCompliance AnalystBusiness Analyst
  2. This role
    Risk Analyst
    Time to next level: 3-5 years
  3. Next roles
    Senior Risk AnalystRisk ManagerDirector of Risk

Certifications we recommend

Our editorial picks, based on what each exam covers. They don't show how often employers ask for a certification.

Advanced1

Expert2

ISACA

Expert

Certified Information Security Manager

Verifies that you can run an information security program, and ISACA checks five years of security management experience before granting it

Exam
$760
Study
6-12 months