How to become a cybersecurity analyst
Published: 3 Feb 2026
Do you want to work in cybersecurity but feel unsure about where to start or what qualifications you need? If you are confused about how to become a cybersecurity analyst, you are not alone, and this guide will help clarify the steps needed to enter and grow in this field.
Cybersecurity analysts are vital in today’s digital world, protecting organizations from cyber threats and data breaches. Learning how to become a cybersecurity analyst involves understanding the necessary skills, education, and certifications required to excel in this important field. This guide explores the cybersecurity analyst career path and provides a roadmap for aspiring professionals.
The main benefits of learning how to become a cybersecurity analyst include securing a high-demand, well-compensated career, making a tangible impact on protecting sensitive information, and continuously learning and adapting to the ever-evolving threat landscape. The main uses of this knowledge are to guide career choices, identify relevant educational opportunities, and prepare for job interviews in the cybersecurity field.
The main components of understanding how to become a cybersecurity analyst involve assessing the roles and responsibilities of a cybersecurity analyst, exploring different career paths, identifying necessary skills, obtaining relevant certifications, and continuously developing expertise in areas like Security Information and Event Management (SIEM), Intrusion Detection System (IDS), Intrusion Prevention System (IPS), and incident response.
Table of Contents
What do cybersecurity analysts do?
Cybersecurity analyst is a broad term encompassing various specialized roles. The specific duties of a Cybersecurity Analyst depend on their job title and the scope of their role, but generally include:
- Conducting risk assessments and testing security measures.
- Monitoring networks and systems for suspicious activity.
- Responding to security incidents and cyberattacks.
- Documenting and analyzing security breaches.
- Researching emerging cyberthreats and vulnerabilities.
As a Cybersecurity Analyst, you might work in-house for an organization or for a firm providing security services to multiple clients. You can also work as an independent cybersecurity contractor. Your daily tasks might involve penetration testing proficiency, ethical hacking methodologies, digital forensics applications, and malware reverse engineering.
Cybersecurity analyst vs. network security administrator
Cybersecurity analyst and network security administrator roles share some similarities. Here’s a comparison:
| Aspect | Cybersecurity Analyst | Network Security Administrator |
|---|---|---|
| Primary goal | Identify and reduce cybersecurity vulnerabilities and respond to security incidents | Build, manage, and maintain secure and functional computer networks |
| Focus | Organization wide security across systems, applications, and networks | Security of specific computer networks or network environments |
| Scope | Primarily focused on cyber threats, risks, and incident response | Primarily focused on network infrastructure, access control, and performance |
| Key duties | Testing security controls, updating protection measures, monitoring network traffic, coordinating incident response | Testing security controls, updating protection measures, monitoring network traffic, and coordinating incident response |
Steps to become a cybersecurity analyst
There are multiple paths to becoming a Cybersecurity Analyst. One common path involves degree-based education and professional certifications. The steps below outline a possible route to becoming an entry-level Cybersecurity Analyst and advancing your career.
Earn a bachelor’s degree
A bachelor’s degree can help you enter and advance in your career. A degree in computer science can provide versatile skills, while a degree in cybersecurity offers specialized training. If pursuing a general computer science degree, consider cybersecurity-focused electives. This will help develop the hard skills needed to become a cybersecurity analyst. A cybersecurity analyst internship can provide targeted skills in a field-based setting.
While prerequisites vary, having basic computer science fluency, knowledge of programming languages, and a strong math background will be helpful. Bachelor’s programs typically require about 120 credits of coursework and four years of full-time study.
What jobs can you get as a cybersecurity analyst?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), information security analysts earned a median annual salary of $124,910 as of May 2024. The BLS projects that jobs for these and related security professionals will grow by 29% between 2024 and 2034, much faster than the 3% average across all occupations. This growth is driven by the increasing need for proactive vulnerability mitigation and security posture assessment.
The BLS category of “information security analysts” includes many roles, some with similar names like cybersecurity analyst. Here are some examples:
Entry-level cybersecurity job titles
- Cybercrime analyst
- Cybersecurity specialist
- Incident/intrusion analyst
- Information technology auditor
Mid-level-to-advanced cybersecurity job titles
- Cybersecurity architect
- cybersecurity engineer
- Cybersecurity manager
- Penetration/vulnerability tester
Pay rates are influenced by factors like experience and location. Cybersecurity analysts in California earned an average of $152,640 per year in 2024, $24,000 more than the national average.
Get started on EdX
EdX offers opportunities to learn cybersecurity. You can start with cybersecurity courses for beginners, explore cybersecurity certificates, and compare bachelor’s programs in cybersecurity to begin your journey. This can help you with compliance framework adherence and risk management strategies.
Browse online Cybersecurity Certificates
Find new interests and advance your career opportunities
Stand out in your field
Use the knowledge and skills to drive impact at work and grow your career. Earning certifications like CompTIA Security+, Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), or Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) can help you stand out.
Learn at your own pace
Online courses on your computer, tablet, or phone make learning flexible to fit your busy life.
Earn a valuable credential
Showcase your key skills and valuable knowledge.
Certificates
Consider pursuing certificates from reputable organizations like the SANS Institute or ISC2. These certificates can validate your skills and knowledge in specific areas of cybersecurity.
Frequently asked questions
What do I need to become a cybersecurity analyst?
Employer requirements vary, but a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity or a related field is often an entry-level requirement. A master’s degree can support advancement, especially when paired with relevant professional certifications. These certifications can include CompTIA Security+, Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), or Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH).
How long does it take to become a cybersecurity analyst?
If starting as a beginner, allow four years of full-time study to earn a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity. According to the BLS, a bachelor’s degree is the minimum education needed to start. If you have a strong computer science background and an undergraduate degree in a related field, consider spending 1-2 years earning a master’s degree in cybersecurity.
How different are information security analysts and cybersecurity analysts?
Information security analysts protect organizations from physical and digital threats, while cybersecurity analysts focus exclusively on digital threats. Both are concerned with securing sensitive data, including company trade secrets, employee information, and customer details. Day-to-day tasks often overlap. As an information security analyst, you may specifically be responsible for creating data privacy procedures, performing compliance testing, and monitoring both physical and electronic data for potential breaches.
What is the most challenging part of being a cybersecurity analyst?
Many professionals cite the constantly evolving nature of cyberthreats as a major challenge. Cybersecurity roles often involve long hours spent on intensive, high-stakes tasks, which can lead to burnout. Adapting to the ever-changing threat landscape is crucial.
Can I become a cybersecurity analyst without a degree?
Yes, you can become a cybersecurity analyst without a degree. However, you will need to validate your skills through an alternative pathway, such as a professional certification program. Some employers value demonstrable hard skills over formal credentials, but degree-based education remains one of the most direct and reliable ways to build those skills. For that reason, it is recommended.
Conclusion
Becoming a Cybersecurity Analyst requires dedication and continuous learning. By following these steps and staying up-to-date with the latest security trends, you can establish a successful and rewarding cybersecurity analyst career, contributing to critical infrastructure protection and security awareness training. The cybersecurity analyst path involves continuous adaptation to the cyber threat intelligence and vulnerability exploit analysis.
- Be Respectful
- Stay Relevant
- Stay Positive
- True Feedback
- Encourage Discussion
- Avoid Spamming
- No Fake News
- Don't Copy-Paste
- No Personal Attacks
- Be Respectful
- Stay Relevant
- Stay Positive
- True Feedback
- Encourage Discussion
- Avoid Spamming
- No Fake News
- Don't Copy-Paste
- No Personal Attacks
