How to Become a Cybersecurity Analyst - Career Path and Job Description

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To become a security analyst you will need at least a bachelor’s degree in a computer-related area. However, the only way you would be able to get your foot in the door with a bachelor’s is if someone with a higher degree doesn’t apply for the same position, as many employers will most likely choose the one with more education or experience. There are some steps that you can take to improve your chances, though.

Adding important credentials to your portfolio is a major plus, as it says a lot about your commitment to advancing your career. Having some experience can also help out a lot; therefore, you should consider an internship while earning a degree.

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What is a Cybersecurity Analyst?

A security analyst is responsible for keeping an organization’s sensitive and proprietary information secure. The role of security analysts involves identifying and correcting defects and flaws found in the company’s programs, applications, security systems, computer networks, and more. It is also the duty of the security analyst to recommend ways to improve the business's overall security and communicate the specific measures to be taken.

Steps to Become a Cybersecurity Analyst:

Step 1: To become a cybersecurity analyst you need to earn a bachelor's degree in cybersecurity, information technology, computer science, or a related field
Step 2: Complete an internship to obtain experience in a computer related field
Step 3: Gain special credentials by obtaining certification
Step 4: Pursue an entry-level position in general IT or security

Step 1: Earn Your Degree

Although there are some cybersecurity analyst positions that you may obtain with an associate’s degree, most employers of information security analysts desire a bachelor’s degree in computer science and information technology, computer or software engineering, information assurance, or a related area.

The curriculum for a bachelor’s degree in computer science is basically the same as for a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity. Both programs start with a foundation in database applications, programming, and statistics then move on to topics that are more advanced including cryptography, artificial intelligence, and ethical hacking.

In a cybersecurity bachelor's degree program, students will study various methods used for information systems and data protection. Cybersecurity analysts are also trained in business and technical skills, including system administration, database applications, and data recovery. Coursework focuses on digital forensics, criminal psychology, and policy analysis to fully understand IT security.

Upon earning their bachelor’s degree, graduates qualify for entry-level positions as computer forensic analysts, cybersecurity analysts, or information security analysts.

Step 2: Complete an internship

While studying to earn your bachelor’s degree, you can also be working part-time as an intern. This has many benefits for your career; it helps you to get work experience, gain industry connections, have your questions answered by an industry professional, learn first-hand by working with experts in the field, and you can make some extra cash, too.

Although you may be able to fill a position without experience, it is always better to have some, as many employers won’t hire candidates without at least a little experience. Speak to your schools' career counselor for help in gaining internship employment. Cybersecurity analysts can direct you to the many rewarding opportunities for your interest.

Step 3: Gain credentials with certification

Earning certification can be both costly and time-consuming. For example, the CompTIA Security+ certification costs roughly $320 for the exam and anywhere from $750 to $1,700 for the GSEC exam, but are well worth it considering that the credentials you will obtain will help you stand out from the competition and will allow you to negotiate a higher starting salary.

Moreover, if you are already employed, your employer may pay for the exam costs since you will be more of a value to them with the knowledge and experience you will gain by obtaining credentials. It is also important to keep your knowledge up-to-date. Many certifications require recertification after so many years in the field of cybersecurity analyst. For instance, CISSP and Security+ require recertification.

Some of the Certifications available for Cybersecurity Professionals are:

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC)
GIAC Penetration Tester (GPEN)
Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
CompTIA Security+
EC-Council Certified Security Analyst (ECSA)

Step 4: Find a Position

Once you have all of the above, including a bachelor’s degree in a computer related field, some experienced acquired through an internship program (along with hands-on training), and certifications of your choosing, you can become a cybersecurity analyst. Or if your school has a good job placement program you may already have a job all lined up for you just waiting for you to graduate or at least have some promising interviews set up.

As part of a government or military agency, you will need security clearances in order to work with classified information. There are various agencies that issue both facility and personnel security clearances, however, the majority of them are issued by the “Department of Defense” (DOD).

Additionally, paperwork and procedures depend on each clearance type. The clearance process can take three months to one year and does not start until you are hired for employment and receive a conditional employment opportunity. You will first have to submit clearance documents and then commit to a background check investigation.

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What Does a Security Analyst do?

As the numbers of cyber-attacks continue to rise, the responsibilities of a system analyst will also increase. Information security analysts strategically develop and carry out plans that include which security measures to take to protect a company’s computer systems and networks from unauthorized access. To do this the security analyst will secure both on-premise and online infrastructures while weaving through data and metrics to filter out suspicious activities as well as mitigating risks before security breaches occur.

If and when a security breach takes place, the security analyst will take his place on the front line in an effort to counter the attack and secure the system. It is also their duty to evaluate the efficiency of the security policies and measures in place then generate reports for business managers and IT administrators. Cybersecurity analysts also make the changes necessary to make the network more secure and may even develop training modules and programs to educate users and staff of security protocols.

Other responsibilities may include:

Conducting risk analysis and vulnerability testing through security assessments
Monitoring security access
Performing security audits, both internal and external
Updating the company’s disaster recovery and incident response plans
Identifying the root cause of breaches by analyzing security
Collaborating with third-party vendors to reach security clearance then verifying access

Security Analyst Skills to Acquire

Skills are important in cybersecurity as cybersecurity analysts will have to be one step ahead of hackers who are also very highly skilled. Some of the more important skills to acquire are:

Communication Skills
Security analyst professionals need strong written and verbal skills in order to communicate clearly and concisely with staff, employers, network administrators, executives, clients, law enforcement, legal professionals, public relations staff, and more.
Capable of working in a Team Environment
The ability to be able to get along and work well with others is a required skill for practically any profession, but it is especially important for cybersecurity analyst professionals as they must be able to work with a team regularly to establish secure systems and networks.
Integrity and Discretion
Working in the cybersecurity analyst field requires honesty and sensitivity to security issues. In order to be able to tackle those issues, it is important that staff members respect and trust your judgment, so cybersecurity analysts won't be reluctant to carry out your directions and accomplish the goals cybersecurity analysts set as the team leader.
Organizational and Problem-Solving Skills
With so much going on all around you and a sheer mass of data involved with system security it is important to stay on top of things by improving your Organizational and Problem-Solving Skills.
Programming Skills
Having keen programming skills in both systems and networking are imperative to information security analysts who work with numerous programming tools and scripts regularly to develop and analyze security programs that work against breaches and cyber-attacks.
Understanding of Security Principles
Cybersecurity analysts must have a thorough understanding of security principles such as confidentiality, access control, privacy, and more in order to be able to create systems that are less vulnerable to attacks and failures.
Risk Analysis
Cybersecurity analysts will need a strong knowledge of analytical principles to be able to access the security needs of clients and staff as it is cybersecurity analysts responsibility to secure the systems and networks.
Network Protocols
Information security analysts must possess an in-depth knowledge not only of common network protocols, but of how they work, their similarities, and what they are for.
Malicious Codes
Another must-have for security analysts is a complete understanding of malicious codes, the risks associated with each, and how they are propagated, as this is what are usually used in cyber-attacks.

Alternative Paths

If you are anxious to start your career as a cybersecurity analyst, but still don’t have what it takes to earn cybersecurity certification, then you can take another path as an associate of (ISC) designation. This alternative path may be the best way for aspiring cybersecurity analyst professionals to fast track their career and immediately earn a badge to prove their knowledge.

The Associate of ISC program allows candidates, who don’t have the required experience, to jump right into an entry-level position, by taking and passing any one of four certification exams to earn an Associate of ISC certification that you can use to work until you obtain full certification.

This certification will also award you with resources to learn, grow, and help you thrive during your productive journey.

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Career and Salary

Where might cybersecurity analysts work?

New cyber threats consistently threaten organizations, both big and small, of all industries worldwide. Fortunately, the more cyber-attacks that pour in, the higher the demand is for cybersecurity analyst experts. Therefore, information security analysts can find themselves working for many different establishments, as every organization is a potential target for hackers, but especially big corporations and government agencies, hospitals, and banks.

In 2017 Information Security Analysts earned a median salary of $95,510 where the 25% lowest-paid earned $72,130 and the 25% highest-paid earned $123,180.

Potential Career Paths

There are a wide variety of opportunities for information security analysts as there is much more involved with combating cyber-attacks. Here are some potential career paths that a security analyst can take:

Chief Information Security Officer
A chief information security officer (CISO) is generally a mid-level executive position. These professionals work with higher-level management to evaluate and determine cybersecurity needs. They are also responsible for overseeing the general operations of an organization's IT security sector and directing, coordinating, and planning all data security, computer networks of the company and staff.

Forensic Computer Analyst
The forensic computer analyst is like a cybersecurity world detective as they search through computers to find and review information that may be evidence involved in a cyber incident.
Their duties include identifying vulnerabilities by utilizing special skills, programs, and tools to recover data from hard drives, external drives, or other storage devices that may have been damaged or destroyed.

Information Security Analyst
An Information Security Analyst (ISA) protects an organization's computer network and systems from attacks by developing and executing plans or taking other measures that include installing programs for use with firewalls and data encryption.
In addition, ISAs helps develop and implement methods and plans for systems and data recovery following a cyber-attack.

IT Security Engineer
Security engineering involves designing security systems and taking a specialized approach to counter cybersecurity and other potential issues.
They are also responsible for performing security checks to identify possible vulnerabilities, systems maintenance to keep everything running smooth, keeping logs, and designing automation scripts to track incidents.

Security Analyst Careers Salaries

Occupation	Entry-Level	Mid-Career	Late-Career
Cybersecurity Analyst	$63,000	$88,000	$114,000
Security Consultant	$67,000	$92,000	$117,000
Computer Forensics Expert	$41,000	$84,000	$99,000
Security Engineer	$72,000	$101,000	$117,000
Penetration Tester	$68,000	$107,000	$126,000

**Salary info provided by PayScale

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Career Outlook

The demand for professionals in the cyber security field is high now, yet is expected to get even higher as these professionals will be needed to help develop innovative solutions for system security. A report by Burning Glass Technologies, a job analytics firm, found cybersecurity analyst job opening posts have grown three times faster than openings posted for cyber security analyst jobs overall, and are taking home 9% more income than their IT counterparts.

According to Cisco Systems, Inc., there is a shortage of cybersecurity analyst experts, especially those skilled in data science, resulting in many computer science professionals, particularly in IT fields, taking notice and eyeing the field of cybersecurity. Still, professionals that outpace information security analysts are currently hard to find.

In addition, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Projects that between 2016 and 2026, employment growth for information security analysts will rise 28.5%, which should result in 28,500 new job openings. Another projection noted by the BLS is a 37% job growth for information security analysts from 2012 to 2021 compared to an 11% growth for all occupations and 18% for all computer related jobs.

Advancing From Here

One way to advance from here is to earn a graduate degree in cybersecurity. To meet this goal, some employers may offer tuition reimbursement, as employees will be more of a benefit to a company after earning higher-education.

Assuming cybersecurity analysts already have a bachelor’s degree, it can take one to two years to earn a master’s degree, which provides advanced electronic infrastructures and instruction in countermeasures and various techniques to protect computers and network systems from attack.

Even though you’ve already obtained certain certifications, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t earn more, yet there are many reasons why you should

You will gain more knowledge in other areas of the industry
It proves you are committed to continuing your education and acing your craft
Your portfolio will look all the more appealing to prospective employers
Get ahead of your competition
Earn more income
Gain more experience
Meet more individuals in your industry

After you have been working for several years as a security analyst, you can hone your skills in cryptography, engineering, auditing, and more. Other higher level positions you can one day enter include the following:

Security Engineer
Security Consultant
Security Architect
Security Manager
Security Administrator
Forensics Expert
Cryptographer

From these positions, cybersecurity analysts can work your way up to the C-Suite and become a:

Chief Information Officer (CIO)
Chief Security Officer (CSO)
Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)
Security Director

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much can you make as a cyber security analyst?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average cyber security analyst makes around $63,000 to $114,000 annually.

How long does it take to get a degree in cybersecurity?

Most cyber security analyst jobs require a four year bachelors degree.

What is the job outlook for cybersecurity?

The Bureau of Labor Statists predicts that cyber security analyst jobs will increase by 33% from 2020 to 2030.

What skills does a cyber security analyst need?

A cyber security analyst jobs require excellent communication, integrity, problem-solving skills, and the ability to work in a team. Cyber security analysts jobs will also require hard skills such as programming, risk analysis, malicious code, and understanding of security principals.

How much do cyber security analyst jobs pay?

Cyber security analysts make around $89,000 annually.

Become a Cyber Security Analyst – Careers & Outlook