Home Business How to Choose A Right Business Analyst for Your Cyber Security Firm

How to Choose A Right Business Analyst for Your Cyber Security Firm

246
0
How to Choose A Right Business Analyst for Your Cyber Security Firm

Business Analysts have a crucial role to play in cybersecurity firms. A business analyst can help a cybersecurity firm align its product offerings with the company’s objectives. This person will understand your business needs and convert them into practical design requirements so that everyone can comprehend the required functionality. The analyst will then support the technical lead and other members of the team in translating practical design requirements into a real and scalable technical design.

If you are contemplating hiring a business analyst for your cyber security firm, then you need to ensure the person is well versed in technical resources. He/she should have some experience in addressing the potential project security risks. What’s more, with companies already facing the brunt of the COVID pandemic and working with limited resources, engaging a key provider can become a tad difficult. Here are few steps to consider before you sign up a business analyst:

1. Holds a valid certificate 

Business analysts should be qualified from an institute that is recognized by a governing authority. If the training institute from where he/she obtained the certification is not recognized by a governing body, then there could a reason. Find out the reasons. It could be that the institute is a recently established one and trainers haven’t yet taken the steps to obtain industry recognition. In any case, it is always best to go for someone who is a recognized business analyst.

2. Skills matters 

Business Analysts are good communicators, problem-solvers, and they think analytically and critically. Ask them how they would help you with your requirements, whether they use any analyst tools and techniques and will they facilitate any elicitation sessions.

3. Need to be resourceful

A good business analyst will always understand your requirements first and then suggest ways to meet them. He/she won’t get stuck anywhere and often give you solutions to any of the challenges that you may be facing in your cybersecurity firm’s framework – be it product development, operations, process, or administration department. A good BA will understand your business process, the underlying problems, help resolve conflicts and ensure that the solution delivered to you is something that you wanted and are ready to put into use.

4. Creates clarity 

A business analyst shouldn’t be someone who just relies on internet sources, shows stats, and word the documents. He/she should furnish you with insightful data that help you base your decisions. An analyst should be reviewing your competitors’ efforts, and analyze the market in which you operate. He/she will also record the entire process and create a formal specification detailing the needs of your company. The technical team will then further use this specification as a blueprint for product development.

5. Set out clear expectations 

Good business analysts are good listeners. Once they comprehend your needs, they will roll out a strategy that is unique for your business. They will ensure they follow the commitments, won’t make any undue promises, and honor confidentiality. So choose someone who sounds professional and is good to work with.

A business analyst’s role is a vital but challenging one. So it may become difficult to have an in-house analyst that can provide clear documentation and analysis, as well as effectively communicate with all parties. In such a situation, outsourcing may work best for you.

Cyber Security has evolved drastically since it was first developed. People often associate cyber security with computers, but it actually has a far broader application than just this. The first instance of a cyber attack was in 1903, when magician Nevil Maskelyne disrupted John Ambrose Fleming’s demonstration by sending insulting Morse code messages that were projected onto the auditorium’s screen! You can read more about the attack here.

Modern-day Hackers have had 114 years to upgrade and improve at breaking down cyber security systems. Tool and methods for hacking have increased as the internet has grown and it is now much easier to attack a business or an individual in this way. These tools have become known as “Exploit Kits” and are designed to exploit human weakness or vulnerabilities in your PC or Servers; those who operate these tools have been dubbed as “Script Kiddies”.

Effective cyber security is not necessarily about protecting a network, as most Hackers will not attempt to attack a network but instead will target a website or a server. Accessing networks is more difficult for Hackers, as most individuals and businesses have a firewall in place which are difficult for Hackers to penetrate.

Minimum cyber security requirements for a network should be as follows:

  • Endpoint Protection
  • Firewall
  • Intrusion Detection System / Intrusion Prevention System
  • Web Filtering Software
  • Radius Server
  • Logging Software
  • Encryption

Businesses can incur huge fines for failing to protect and handle data effectively. The PCI Security Standards Council are now urging all businesses to ensure they meet the requirements necessary to keep their data secure, especially since there will now be new charges and fines under EU Data Protection Laws. These new laws could see businesses immediately bankrupted by up to £122 Billion in fines.

If you need an analyst for your cyber security firm, discuss your requirements with The Analyst Agency. We are a leading business consultant firm in the US with offices in US, Canada and Mumbai. Our consultants with a track record of providing meaningful business analysis will work with you to develop customized solutions specific to your cybersecurity firm. For more information, you can get in touch with us at info@theanalystagency.com. We would be glad to assist you!

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here