homepage
Menu
Open menu
  • Training
    Go one level top Back

    Training

    • Courses

      Build cyber prowess with training from renowned experts

    • Hands-On Simulations

      Hands-on learning exercises keep you at the top of your cyber game

    • Certifications

      Demonstrate cybersecurity expertise with GIAC certifications

    • Ways to Train

      Multiple training options to best fit your schedule and preferred learning style

    • Training Events & Summits

      Expert-led training at locations around the world

    • Free Training Events

      Upcoming workshops, webinars and local events

    • Security Awareness

      Harden enterprise security with end-user and role-based training

    Featured: Solutions for Emerging Risks

    Discover tailored resources that translate emerging threats into actionable strategies

    Risk-Based Solutions

    Can't find what you are looking for?

    Let us help.
    Contact us
  • Learning Paths
    Go one level top Back

    Learning Paths

    • By Focus Area

      Chart your path to job-specific training courses

    • By NICE Framework

      Navigate cybersecurity training through NICE framework roles

    • DoDD 8140 Work Roles

      US DoD 8140 Directive Frameworks

    • By European Skills Framework

      Align your enterprise cyber skills with ECSF profiles

    • By Skills Roadmap

      Find the right training path based on critical skills

    • New to Cyber

      Give your cybersecurity career the right foundation for success

    • Leadership

      Training designed to help security leaders reduce organizational risk

    • Degree and Certificate Programs

      Gain the skills, certifications, and confidence to launch or advance your cybersecurity career.

    Featured

    New to Cyber resources

    Start your career
  • Community Resources
    Go one level top Back

    Community Resources

    Watch & Listen

    • Webinars
    • Live Streams
    • Podcasts

    Read

    • Blog
    • Newsletters
    • White Papers
    • Internet Storm Center

    Download

    • Open Source Tools
    • Posters & Cheat Sheets
    • Policy Templates
    • Summit Presentations
    • SANS Community Benefits

      Connect, learn, and share with other cybersecurity professionals

    • CISO Network

      Engage, challenge, and network with fellow CISOs in this exclusive community of security leaders

  • For Organizations
    Go one level top Back

    For Organizations

    Team Development

    • Why Partner with SANS
    • Group Purchasing
    • Skills & Talent Assessments
    • Private & Custom Training

    Leadership Development

    • Leadership Courses & Accreditation
    • Executive Cybersecurity Exercises
    • CISO Network

    Security Awareness

    • End-User Training
    • Phishing Simulation
    • Specialized Role-Based Training
    • Risk Assessments
    • Public Sector Partnerships

      Explore industry-specific programming and customized training solutions

    • Sponsorship Opportunities

      Sponsor a SANS event or research paper

    Interested in developing a training plan to fit your organization’s needs?

    We're here to help.
    Contact us
  • Talk with an expert
  • Log In
  • Join - it's free
  • Account
    • Account Dashboard
    • Log Out
  1. Home >
  2. Blog >
  3. How to Become a Cyber Risk and Compliance Analyst
SANS_social_88x82.jpg
SANS Institute

How to Become a Cyber Risk and Compliance Analyst

Explore the role, daily duties, and career progression of a Risk and Compliance Analyst.

August 14, 2024

In the dynamic and ever-changing landscape of cybersecurity, the role of a Risk and Compliance Analyst is paramount. They ensure that organizations meet security objectives, comply with regulatory requirements, and manage risks effectively. This blog is designed to provide an overview of the path to becoming a Risk and Compliance Analyst, focusing on the essential skills, daily responsibilities, and career progression opportunities. Whether new to cybersecurity or aiming to specialize in risk and compliance, this blog will equip you with the insights and guidance you need to succeed.

What is a Risk and Compliance Analyst?

A Risk and Compliance Analyst evaluates and ensures that an organization meets its security objectives and complies with relevant regulatory requirements. They work to identify and mitigate risks, develop and implement policies and procedures, and ensure ongoing compliance with industry standards.

Key responsibilities include conducting risk assessments, monitoring compliance, preparing reports, and collaborating with various departments to implement security measures. Analysts must stay current with the latest regulations and industry standards to manage and reduce risks effectively.

Skills and Experience Required

To excel in this role, a Risk and Compliance Analyst need both technical and soft skills:

  • Analytical Skills: Analyze data and identify potential risks.
  • Attention to Detail: Ensure all compliance aspects are thoroughly checked and maintained.
  • Communication: Effectively communicate risk assessments and compliance requirements to various stakeholders.
  • Regulatory Knowledge: Stay up to date with industry regulations such as GDPR, HIPAA, and SOX.
  • Problem-Solving: Develop strategies to mitigate identified risks.

What is a Day in the Life of a Risk and Compliance Analyst?

The daily tasks of a Risk and Compliance Analyst can vary widely, depending on the organization and its specific needs. Typical activities include:

  • Conducting Risk Assessments: Identifying potential risks and developing strategies to mitigate them.
  • Monitoring Compliance: Ensuring the organization adheres to regulatory requirements and internal policies.
  • Preparing Reports: Documenting findings and providing recommendations to management.
  • Collaborating with Teams: Working with various departments to implement security measures and ensure compliance.
  • Staying Informed: Keeping up-to-date with the latest regulations, industry standards, and best practices.

What is the Career Path for a Risk and Compliance Analyst?

Individuals from various backgrounds can transition into a Risk and Compliance Analyst role and find numerous opportunities for growth and advancement. Common starting points include:

  • Project Management: Skills in planning, organization, and coordination are valuable.
  • IT Help Desk: Experience in IT support provides a solid foundation.
  • Communications: Strong communication skills are essential for this role.
  • Psychology: Understanding human behavior can help assess and manage risks.
  • Compliance: Previous experience in compliance roles provides a strong foundation.

Starting from an entry-level position, you can progress through various governance, risk and compliance (GRC) roles:

  • Junior Risk and Compliance Analyst: Gaining foundational experience and developing essential skills.
  • Risk and Compliance Analyst: Taking on more responsibilities, conducting risk assessments, and ensuring compliance.
  • Senior Risk and Compliance Analyst: Handling more complex projects and leading compliance initiatives.
  • Risk and Compliance Manager: Overseeing a team of analysts and managing the organization’s risk and compliance strategy.
  • Chief Risk Officer (CRO): Leading the organization’s overall risk management strategy.

Becoming a Risk and Compliance Analyst is a rewarding career with excellent growth potential. You can succeed in this dynamic and critical field by developing the necessary skills, gaining relevant experience, and continuously learning about new regulations and best practices. Start by exploring educational resources, pursuing certifications, and seeking hands-on experience to build a strong foundation for your career in governance, risk, and compliance.

To learn more about this role and other exciting career paths in cybersecurity, download the SANS New to Cyber Career Guide.

Share:
TwitterLinkedInFacebook
Copy url Url was copied to clipboard
Subscribe to SANS Newsletters
Receive curated news, vulnerabilities, & security awareness tips
United States
Canada
United Kingdom
Spain
Belgium
Denmark
Norway
Netherlands
Australia
India
Japan
Singapore
Afghanistan
Aland Islands
Albania
Algeria
American Samoa
Andorra
Angola
Anguilla
Antarctica
Antigua and Barbuda
Argentina
Armenia
Aruba
Austria
Azerbaijan
Bahamas
Bahrain
Bangladesh
Barbados
Belarus
Belize
Benin
Bermuda
Bhutan
Bolivia
Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba
Bosnia And Herzegovina
Botswana
Bouvet Island
Brazil
British Indian Ocean Territory
Brunei Darussalam
Bulgaria
Burkina Faso
Burundi
Cambodia
Cameroon
Cape Verde
Cayman Islands
Central African Republic
Chad
Chile
China
Christmas Island
Cocos (Keeling) Islands
Colombia
Comoros
Cook Islands
Costa Rica
Cote D'ivoire
Croatia (Local Name: Hrvatska)
Curacao
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Djibouti
Dominica
Dominican Republic
East Timor
Ecuador
Egypt
El Salvador
Equatorial Guinea
Eritrea
Estonia
Eswatini
Ethiopia
Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
Faroe Islands
Fiji
Finland
France
French Guiana
French Polynesia
French Southern Territories
Gabon
Gambia
Georgia
Germany
Ghana
Gibraltar
Greece
Greenland
Grenada
Guadeloupe
Guam
Guatemala
Guernsey
Guinea
Guinea-Bissau
Guyana
Haiti
Heard And McDonald Islands
Honduras
Hong Kong
Hungary
Iceland
Indonesia
Iraq
Ireland
Isle of Man
Israel
Italy
Jamaica
Jersey
Jordan
Kazakhstan
Kenya
Kiribati
Korea, Republic Of
Kosovo
Kuwait
Kyrgyzstan
Lao People's Democratic Republic
Latvia
Lebanon
Lesotho
Liberia
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Macau
Madagascar
Malawi
Malaysia
Maldives
Mali
Malta
Marshall Islands
Martinique
Mauritania
Mauritius
Mayotte
Mexico
Micronesia, Federated States Of
Moldova, Republic Of
Monaco
Mongolia
Montenegro
Montserrat
Morocco
Mozambique
Myanmar
Namibia
Nauru
Nepal
Netherlands Antilles
New Caledonia
New Zealand
Nicaragua
Niger
Nigeria
Niue
Norfolk Island
North Macedonia
Northern Mariana Islands
Oman
Pakistan
Palau
Palestine
Panama
Papua New Guinea
Paraguay
Peru
Philippines
Pitcairn
Poland
Portugal
Puerto Rico
Qatar
Reunion
Romania
Russian Federation
Rwanda
Saint Bartholemy
Saint Kitts And Nevis
Saint Lucia
Saint Martin
Saint Vincent And The Grenadines
Samoa
San Marino
Sao Tome And Principe
Saudi Arabia
Senegal
Serbia
Seychelles
Sierra Leone
Sint Maarten
Slovakia
Slovenia
Solomon Islands
South Africa
South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands
South Sudan
Sri Lanka
St. Helena
St. Pierre And Miquelon
Suriname
Svalbard And Jan Mayen Islands
Sweden
Switzerland
Taiwan
Tajikistan
Tanzania, United Republic Of
Thailand
Togo
Tokelau
Tonga
Trinidad And Tobago
Tunisia
Turkey
Turkmenistan
Turks And Caicos Islands
Tuvalu
Uganda
Ukraine
United Arab Emirates
United States Minor Outlying Islands
Uruguay
Uzbekistan
Vanuatu
Vatican City State
Venezuela
Vietnam
Virgin Islands (British)
Virgin Islands (U.S.)
Wallis And Futuna Islands
Western Sahara
Yemen
Zambia
Zimbabwe

By providing this information, you agree to the processing of your personal data by SANS as described in our Privacy Policy.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Tags:
  • Cybersecurity and IT Essentials

Related Content

Blog
SCA_Blog_Cyber Skills Shortage_340 x 340.jpg
Cybersecurity and IT Essentials
May 15, 2025
Cyber Skills Shortage: SANS Institute to Triple Academy Cybersecurity Scholarships By 2026
The cost of a bad hire in cybersecurity isn’t just about money, it’s about risk, downtime, lost productivity, and missed opportunities.
thomas.jpg
Thomas Wolfe
read more
Blog
powershell_option_340x340.jpg
Offensive Operations, Pen Testing, and Red Teaming, Penetration Testing and Red Teaming, Cybersecurity and IT Essentials, Cyber Defense
July 27, 2022
Month of PowerShell: Fileless Malware with Get-Clipboard
Let's take a look at a sneaky attack to use PowerShell maliciously while evading detection (and some ways to detect it).
Josh Wright - Headshot - 370x370 2025.jpg
Joshua Wright
read more
Blog
powershell_option_340x340.jpg
Cyber Defense, Cybersecurity and IT Essentials
July 19, 2022
Month of PowerShell: Solving Problems (DeepBlueCLI, Syslog, and JSON)
Let's look at an example of problem solving using PowerShell with DeepBlueCLI, Syslog, and JSON data.
Josh Wright - Headshot - 370x370 2025.jpg
Joshua Wright
read more
  • Company
  • Mission
  • Instructors
  • About
  • FAQ
  • Press
  • Contact Us
  • Careers
  • Policies
  • Training Programs
  • Work Study
  • Academies & Scholarships
  • Public Sector Partnerships
  • Law Enforcement
  • SkillsFuture Singapore
  • Degree Programs
  • Get Involved
  • Join the Community
  • Become an Instructor
  • Become a Sponsor
  • Speak at a Summit
  • Join the CISO Network
  • Award Programs
  • Partner Portal
Subscribe to SANS Newsletters
Receive curated news, vulnerabilities, & security awareness tips
United States
Canada
United Kingdom
Spain
Belgium
Denmark
Norway
Netherlands
Australia
India
Japan
Singapore
Afghanistan
Aland Islands
Albania
Algeria
American Samoa
Andorra
Angola
Anguilla
Antarctica
Antigua and Barbuda
Argentina
Armenia
Aruba
Austria
Azerbaijan
Bahamas
Bahrain
Bangladesh
Barbados
Belarus
Belize
Benin
Bermuda
Bhutan
Bolivia
Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba
Bosnia And Herzegovina
Botswana
Bouvet Island
Brazil
British Indian Ocean Territory
Brunei Darussalam
Bulgaria
Burkina Faso
Burundi
Cambodia
Cameroon
Cape Verde
Cayman Islands
Central African Republic
Chad
Chile
China
Christmas Island
Cocos (Keeling) Islands
Colombia
Comoros
Cook Islands
Costa Rica
Cote D'ivoire
Croatia (Local Name: Hrvatska)
Curacao
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Djibouti
Dominica
Dominican Republic
East Timor
Ecuador
Egypt
El Salvador
Equatorial Guinea
Eritrea
Estonia
Eswatini
Ethiopia
Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
Faroe Islands
Fiji
Finland
France
French Guiana
French Polynesia
French Southern Territories
Gabon
Gambia
Georgia
Germany
Ghana
Gibraltar
Greece
Greenland
Grenada
Guadeloupe
Guam
Guatemala
Guernsey
Guinea
Guinea-Bissau
Guyana
Haiti
Heard And McDonald Islands
Honduras
Hong Kong
Hungary
Iceland
Indonesia
Iraq
Ireland
Isle of Man
Israel
Italy
Jamaica
Jersey
Jordan
Kazakhstan
Kenya
Kiribati
Korea, Republic Of
Kosovo
Kuwait
Kyrgyzstan
Lao People's Democratic Republic
Latvia
Lebanon
Lesotho
Liberia
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Macau
Madagascar
Malawi
Malaysia
Maldives
Mali
Malta
Marshall Islands
Martinique
Mauritania
Mauritius
Mayotte
Mexico
Micronesia, Federated States Of
Moldova, Republic Of
Monaco
Mongolia
Montenegro
Montserrat
Morocco
Mozambique
Myanmar
Namibia
Nauru
Nepal
Netherlands Antilles
New Caledonia
New Zealand
Nicaragua
Niger
Nigeria
Niue
Norfolk Island
North Macedonia
Northern Mariana Islands
Oman
Pakistan
Palau
Palestine
Panama
Papua New Guinea
Paraguay
Peru
Philippines
Pitcairn
Poland
Portugal
Puerto Rico
Qatar
Reunion
Romania
Russian Federation
Rwanda
Saint Bartholemy
Saint Kitts And Nevis
Saint Lucia
Saint Martin
Saint Vincent And The Grenadines
Samoa
San Marino
Sao Tome And Principe
Saudi Arabia
Senegal
Serbia
Seychelles
Sierra Leone
Sint Maarten
Slovakia
Slovenia
Solomon Islands
South Africa
South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands
South Sudan
Sri Lanka
St. Helena
St. Pierre And Miquelon
Suriname
Svalbard And Jan Mayen Islands
Sweden
Switzerland
Taiwan
Tajikistan
Tanzania, United Republic Of
Thailand
Togo
Tokelau
Tonga
Trinidad And Tobago
Tunisia
Turkey
Turkmenistan
Turks And Caicos Islands
Tuvalu
Uganda
Ukraine
United Arab Emirates
United States Minor Outlying Islands
Uruguay
Uzbekistan
Vanuatu
Vatican City State
Venezuela
Vietnam
Virgin Islands (British)
Virgin Islands (U.S.)
Wallis And Futuna Islands
Western Sahara
Yemen
Zambia
Zimbabwe

By providing this information, you agree to the processing of your personal data by SANS as described in our Privacy Policy.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information
  • Contact
  • Careers
© 2025 The Escal Institute of Advanced Technologies, Inc. d/b/a SANS Institute. Our Terms and Conditions detail our trademark and copyright rights. Any unauthorized use is expressly prohibited.
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Youtube
  • LinkedIn