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How to become a cybersecurity analyst

Cybersecurity professionals help thwart malicious actors and protect data. Explore the cybersecurity analyst career path, and learn how to get started in this important field.

Browse online cybersecurity programs and courses

With cybercrime surging, businesses and governments are working to strengthen their defenses. The emergent landscape spells opportunity, and now is an excellent time to start building a cybersecurity career.

You can choose from multiple pathways to qualify for entry-level cybersecurity analyst roles, with educational options providing structured training and validation of your skills. Gain insight into the skills you need and discover how to build them as you prepare for a career in cybersecurity.

What do cybersecurity analysts do?

"Cybersecurity analyst" is an umbrella term covering many specific roles. Precise duties will depend on your job title and the scope of your position, but they typically involve:

  • Conducting risk assessments and testing active defenses.
  • Monitoring networks and systems for signs of unusual or malicious activity.
  • Responding to security breaches or cyberattacks.
  • Documenting and analyzing security incidents.
  • Researching known, evolving, and emerging cyberthreats.

As a cybersecurity analyst, you may hold an in-house position with a single employer or work for a firm that provides information security services to multiple clients. You can also provide services as a self-employed, independent cybersecurity contractor.

Cybersecurity analyst vs. network security administrator

Cybersecurity analyst roles overlap with some security-focused information technology positions. The following table highlights one example, exploring similarities and differences among cybersecurity analysts and network security administrators:

Cybersecurity analyst vs. network security administrator
AspectCybersecurity analystNetwork security administrator
Primary goalIdentify and close cybersecurity vulnerabilities and respond to security incidentsBuild efficient and functional yet safe and secure computing networks
ScopeWorks across networks and systems in support of organization-wide cybersecurity interestsFocuses specifically on one or more computing networks
FocusMainly concerned with cyberthreats and security incidentsMainly concerned with network infrastructure and access controls
DutiesDuties involve testing cyberdefenses, updating security measures, and monitoring trafficDuties also involve updating security measures and monitoring traffic

Steps to become a cybersecurity analyst

You can choose from multiple paths to become a cybersecurity analyst, but degree-based education and professional certifications play an important role in cybersecurity analyst training.

The steps below outline one route to becoming an entry-level cybersecurity analyst and advancing in your career.

Earn a bachelor's degree

A bachelor's degree can position you for career entry and advancement. Earn a bachelor's in computer science to build versatile skills or a bachelor's in cybersecurity to train as a specialist.

If you pursue a general bachelor's degree in computer science, consider choosing electives focused on cybersecurity. This will help you develop the hard skills you need to become a cybersecurity analyst. You can also pursue a cybersecurity analyst internship to build targeted skills in a field-based setting.

Prerequisites and entry requirements vary, but it will help if you have:

  • At least basic fluency in computer science.
  • Knowledge of one or more programming languages.
  • A strong background in mathematics.

Standard bachelor's programs 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 jobs for these professionals to grow by 29% between 2024 and 2034, much faster than the 3% average across all occupations.

However, note that the BLS category of "information security analysts" includes many different roles — some with similar-sounding names. The following highlights some entry-level and mid-level-to-advanced cybersecurity job titles:

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 vary, depending on factors like your experience level and location. For example, the BLS reports that cybersecurity analysts in California earned an average of $152,640 per year in 2024 — $24,000 more annually than the national average of $127,730 per year.

For additional location-specific insights, explore the top-paying states for cybersecurity analysts.

Get started on edX

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Frequently asked questions

What is needed to become a cybersecurity analyst?

Employer requirements vary, but a bachelor's degree in cybersecurity or a related area is often an entry-level requirement. A master's degree can support your advancement into higher-level cybersecurity roles, especially when paired with one or more relevant professional certifications.

How long does it take to become a cybersecurity analyst?

If you start as a complete 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 level of education you typically need to get started in the field.

If you already have a strong computer science background and an undergraduate degree in a related field, consider spending 1-2 years earning your master's degree in cybersecurity.

What is the most challenging part of being a cybersecurity analyst?

It varies depending on who you ask, but many professionals cite the constantly evolving nature of cyberthreats as a major challenge. Also, cybersecurity roles often demand long hours spent on intensive, high-stakes tasks, which can lead to burnout.

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 to employers through an alternative pathway, such as professional certification programs. 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.

Last updated September 16, 2025