Cyber Threat Analyst Onboarding Checklist

Cyber Threat Analyst Onboarding Process

Are you looking for help setting up a staff orientation process so that when your new Cyber Threat Analyst starts their role, they can learn about their responsibilities and your company as quickly as possible? Whether you’re keen to use buddy onboarding, want to automate your Cybersecurity onboarding experience or just need an onboarding checklist for your new Cyber Threat Analyst, you’re in the right place. We’ve put together a sample Cyber Threat Analyst onboarding checklist below and have created onboarding templates & resources to help.

Cyber Threat Analyst Onboarding Checklist

1. Introduction to company policies and procedures: The new Cyber Threat Analyst should be provided with a comprehensive overview of the company’s policies and procedures related to cybersecurity. This includes understanding the acceptable use of technology, data protection guidelines, incident response protocols, and any other relevant policies. The Human Resources department or the cybersecurity team lead typically performs this task.

2. Familiarization with the company’s cybersecurity infrastructure: The new Cyber Threat Analyst should be introduced to the company’s cybersecurity infrastructure, including the tools, software, and systems used for threat detection, analysis, and response. This task is usually performed by the cybersecurity team lead or a senior analyst who will provide a walkthrough of the various tools and their functionalities.

3. Access provisioning and security clearance: To perform their duties effectively, the Cyber Threat Analyst needs appropriate access to systems, networks, and data. The IT department, in collaboration with the cybersecurity team, should ensure that the analyst’s access is provisioned and that they have the necessary security clearances to handle sensitive information.

4. Training on threat intelligence sources and analysis techniques: The new Cyber Threat Analyst should receive training on the various sources of threat intelligence, such as open-source intelligence, dark web monitoring, and industry-specific feeds. They should also be trained on the techniques and methodologies used for analyzing and correlating threat data. This training is typically conducted by the cybersecurity team lead or a senior analyst.

5. Shadowing experienced analysts: To gain practical knowledge and understand the day-to-day responsibilities, the new Cyber Threat Analyst should be given the opportunity to shadow experienced analysts. This allows them to observe real-time threat analysis, incident response, and collaboration with other teams. Senior analysts or team leads usually facilitate this task.

6. Introduction to incident response procedures: Understanding the company’s incident response procedures is crucial for a Cyber Threat Analyst. They should be familiarized with the steps to be taken in the event of a security incident, including reporting, containment, eradication, and recovery. The cybersecurity team lead or incident response manager typically provides this training.

7. Collaboration with other teams: Cyber Threat Analysts often work closely with other teams, such as network security, system administrators, and legal departments. The new analyst should be introduced to these teams and understand their roles and responsibilities. This task is usually performed by the cybersecurity team lead or a designated liaison.

8. Review of previous incidents and lessons learned: To gain insights into the company’s historical security incidents and improve future response, the new Cyber Threat Analyst should review past incidents and the corresponding lessons learned. This can be facilitated by the incident response manager or a senior analyst.

9. Introduction to threat modeling and risk assessment: Understanding the company’s threat modeling and risk assessment processes is essential for a Cyber Threat Analyst. They should be trained on how to identify potential threats, assess their impact and likelihood, and prioritize mitigation efforts. This training is typically conducted by the cybersecurity team lead or a risk management specialist.

10. Continuous professional development opportunities: To stay up-to-date with the rapidly evolving cybersecurity landscape, the new Cyber Threat Analyst should be informed about the company’s support for continuous professional development. This may include access to training courses, certifications, conferences, or industry events. The cybersecurity team lead or HR department can provide information on available opportunities.

11. Introduction to the company’s reporting structure: The new Cyber Threat Analyst should be familiarized with the reporting structure within the company, including who they report to, who they collaborate with, and who they can escalate issues to. This helps establish clear lines of communication and ensures efficient workflow. The cybersecurity team lead or HR department typically provides this information.

12. Review of legal and compliance requirements: Cyber Threat Analysts need to be aware of legal and compliance requirements specific to the industry and the company. This includes understanding data protection regulations, privacy laws, and any industry-specific compliance frameworks. The legal department or compliance officer can provide guidance on these requirements.

13. Introduction to the company’s incident reporting and documentation tools: The new Cyber Threat Analyst should be trained on the incident reporting and documentation tools used within the company. This includes understanding how to log incidents, document findings, and generate reports. The cybersecurity team lead or a designated tool administrator typically provides this training.

14. Introduction to the company’s communication and collaboration platforms: Effective communication and collaboration are crucial for Cyber Threat Analysts. The new analyst should be introduced to the company’s communication and collaboration platforms, such as email, instant messaging, project management tools, and document sharing platforms. The IT department or the cybersecurity team lead can facilitate this task.

15. Performance expectations and goal setting: The new Cyber Threat Analyst should have a clear understanding of their performance expectations and goals. This includes understanding key performance indicators (KPIs), metrics used to measure success, and any performance review processes. The cybersecurity team lead or HR department typically communicates this information.

16. Introduction to the company’s code of conduct and ethics: Cyber Threat Analysts should adhere to a code of conduct and ethical guidelines. The new analyst should be provided with the company’s code of conduct, which outlines expected behavior, professional ethics, and confidentiality requirements. The HR department or the cybersecurity team lead typically provides this information.

17. Introduction to the company’s incident simulation exercises: To ensure preparedness for real-world incidents, the new Cyber Threat Analyst should be informed about the company’s incident simulation exercises. These exercises simulate various cybersecurity scenarios and help the analyst practice their skills and response capabilities. The cybersecurity team lead or incident response manager typically organizes these exercises.

18. Introduction to the company’s escalation procedures: The new Cyber Threat Analyst should be familiarized with the company’s escalation procedures for escalating security incidents, issues, or concerns. This includes understanding who to contact, when to escalate, and how to document the escalation process. The cybersecurity team lead or incident response manager typically provides this information.

19. Introduction to the company’s change management processes: Understanding the company’s change management processes is crucial for a Cyber Threat Analyst. They should be trained on how changes to systems, networks, or configurations are managed, tested, and approved to ensure security is not compromised. The IT department or change management team typically provides this training.

20. Introduction to the company’s disaster recovery and business continuity plans: The new Cyber Threat Analyst should be introduced to the company’s disaster recovery and business continuity plans. This includes understanding how the company prepares for and responds to major disruptions, such as natural disasters or cyberattacks. The cybersecurity team lead or business continuity manager typically provides this training

Setting Up Your Employee Onboarding Process

From reading through the items in the example Cyber Threat Analyst checklist above, you’ll now have an idea of how you can apply best practices to getting your new Cyber Threat Analyst up to speed and working well in your Cybersecurity team. Scroll up to see the link to our onboarding templates & resources or get in touch to discuss getting help setting up your systems and processes in this area.