How to Become a Cybersecurity Analyst
Five essential steps to help you kickstart your career in cybersecurity.
The digital world offers a wealth of opportunity, but unfortunately, this is accompanied by alarming threats. For one, cyberattacks are on the rise; in 2023 alone, the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) received upwards of 880,000 complaints regarding internet scams across the globe that resulted in potential losses exceeding $12.5 billion. In addition, IBM reported worrisome findings in 2024, sharing that the average breach cost $4.88 million. This marks a 10% year-over-year increase.
Businesses across a range of sectors must prioritize cybersecurity to ensure that the most talented cyber professionals safeguard their systems. Yet, the widespread shortage of individuals to fill these roles, driven by a skills gap, has become more pressing: more than half of public organizations express obstacles related to a lack of resources for cyber resilience.
On the front lines of this ongoing battle are cybersecurity analysts — professionals who leverage advanced technological skills to help organizations identify, respond to, and prevent cyberattacks. This is just one example of the high-demand roles in cybersecurity, but it is particularly versatile and allows for hands-on applications of skills on a daily basis.
What Does a Cybersecurity Analyst Do?
Cybersecurity analysts play a comprehensive role in helping organizations protect their IT systems from significant cyber threats. This position typically involves a mix of monitoring, detection, and incident response. Key responsibilities include:
- Consistently monitor networks or applications for security breaches
- Conduct vulnerability scans to reveal security weaknesses
- Perform audits to reveal compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements
- Inform employees and stakeholders of cybersecurity best practices
Become a Cybersecurity Analyst in 5 Steps
There is no singular or simple cybersecurity analyst career path. It takes considerable training not only to enter the field but also to keep necessary tech skills up-to-date given the dynamic and fast-paced nature of cybersecurity. Generally, the process of becoming and ultimately thriving as a cybersecurity analyst entails these key steps:
Earn a Degree
The first and most crucial step toward becoming a cybersecurity analyst involves acquiring a strong foundation in information security. This is ideally obtained while enrolled in a structured degree program. The Georgia Tech Online Master of Science in Cybersecurity (OMS Cybersecurity) is an excellent option, offering a globally recognized degree from an institution ranked among the top 10 public universities by U.S. News & World Report. Encompassing fundamental concepts such as cryptography, access control, intrusion detection, and more, this curriculum is designed to elevate students’ knowledge and skill sets. Additionally, the best degree programs like the OMS Cybersecurity encourage students to apply these concepts through capstone or practicum courses.
Develop Skills
While the fast pace of modern cybersecurity may call for continual, on-the-job learning, fundamental skills must be developed in advance to help you rapidly acquire further, more specialized skills — and to understand how these integrate into the bigger picture of cybersecurity. This step can be pursued while enrolled in a graduate or certificate program. Skills worth developing include:
- Technical experience such as programming languages, configuring firewalls, applying patches, and using vulnerability scanning tools
- Interpersonal competencies such as communication, collaboration, and adaptability
Gain Certification
In addition to degrees and verifiable skills, employers typically prefer to hire candidates who have earned targeted certifications. These confirm that applicants have developed the necessary skills and technical abilities to execute advanced cybersecurity tasks or initiatives. Examples of certifications worth seeking include:
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
- Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
- Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC) Security Essentials (GSEC)
Network
Networking is a must in every field, and cybersecurity is no exception. This occurs naturally while enrolled in college programs and professional certificate courses. However, it also must be pursued individually to ensure access to the best opportunities. Although it can take various forms, networking often entails creating and fostering meaningful professional connections by participating in conferences and conventions or exchanging ideas through online platforms like LinkedIn.
Pursue an IT Career
After earning a degree and certification, you should be ready to take the next step and apply for cybersecurity jobs. Begin by setting career goals — finding your why and understanding how your education and experience will help you fulfill this destiny.
Next, research employers, emphasizing job opportunities that reflect your unique skills and interests. Update your resume to reflect your recently acquired skills and knowledge and be prepared to speak to these qualities if you secure an interview.
Remain mindful of your long-term objectives as you break into entry-level roles. Continue to train and pursue additional certifications or other credentials so you can remain agile and adaptable.
Industry Outlook for Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity and information security is one of the fastest-growing fields (ranked fifth by the Bureau of Labor Statistics), offering a wealth of opportunities, job stability and excellent wages. It is essential to understand not only the field's general outlook but also emerging trends involving specialty or leadership roles.
Average Salary for a Cybersecurity Analyst
The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) lists an average annual salary for information security analysts at $120,360. Those working in finance and insurance, however, can obtain even higher wages of about $126,230. ZipRecruiter provides additional insight into average earnings for aligned roles: $119,895 for penetration testers and an impressive $144,461 for cybersecurity architects.
Cybersecurity Job Outlook
As demand for cybersecurity analysts continues to rise, BLS insights reveal a positive job outlook of 33% growth between 2023 and 2033. Comparatively, the average outlook across all occupations is a mere 3%. This strong demand is driven by widespread concerns about information security, with the BLS explaining, “Analysts will be needed to create innovative solutions to prevent hackers from stealing critical information or creating problems for computer networks.”
Cybersecurity Analyst FAQ
Can you become a cybersecurity analyst without a degree?
It is sometimes possible to secure certain, entry-level cybersecurity jobs without a degree, but employers increasingly prefer to hire candidates with bachelor's or even master's degrees. These degrees provide instant verification of skills mastery and can also help applicants' resumes stand out.
How long does it typically take to become a cybersecurity analyst?
The timeline to become a cybersecurity analyst can vary but typically includes at least four years to earn a bachelor's degree, followed by an additional one or two years to secure graduate-level credentials. Additional time may be required to obtain professional certifications. With these credentials, it should be possible to secure entry-level cybersecurity analyst jobs, which, after acquiring a few years of experience, could lead to senior or leadership roles.
Embrace a Bright Future in Cybersecurity with a Degree or Certificate from Georgia Tech Professional Education
Now that you know what it takes to become a cybersecurity analyst, it may be time to take the next step by earning a relevant degree or certificate. Georgia Tech Professional Education offers multiple options worth exploring, such as the Online Master of Science in Cybersecurity, Master of Science in International Security, Online, and Cybersecurity Certificate. Click the links to learn more and request additional information about these opportunities.
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