How to Become a Cybersecurity Analyst and Pursue a Career in Information Technology

Hackers conduct web attacks every 39 seconds, according to Security Magazine, and 30,000 new websites are attacked every day, according to Forbes. This hostile business environment has created an urgent need for cybersecurity experts. Companies and organizations are working harder than ever to ward off attacks and to protect their data, networks, and websites. To do so, they look to cybersecurity analysts, who can test systems, identify issues, and help improve security.

What a Cybersecurity Analyst Does

Cybersecurity analysts test an organization’s database, computer systems, and networks to identify security threats or determine if there have been any attacks. While monitoring networks and databases, they conduct assessments for vulnerabilities in the system. Cybersecurity analysts are responsible for analyzing attacks to identify how they happened, who may have caused them, and how to prevent them in the future. Based on the information they collect, cybersecurity analysts create reports to inform the cybersecurity department and company management about security breaches.

Cybersecurity analysts work alongside cybersecurity engineers to ensure the security of a business’s network. Cybersecurity engineers primarily help to design systems, while cybersecurity analysts, on the other hand, probe systems and perform tests in which they sometimes pose as hackers, actively analyzing where security systems need better protection.

The demand for cybersecurity professionals has grown over the last several years. While 1 million positions were open in 2014, Cybercrime Magazine projects 3.5 million positions to be available by 2021. In addition, Cyber Seek and the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE) report that cybersecurity analyst is the second-most in-demand cybersecurity role for 2020.>/p>

Necessary Skills for Cybersecurity Analysts

In conjunction with pursuing a bachelor’s degree, it is important for prospective cybersecurity analysts to gain the specific skills required for careers in the field:

• Cybersecurity analysts must have a thorough understanding of information technology systems, databases, and networks.
• Cybersecurity analysts should develop skills such as learning how to oversee and manage security systems.
• They must be able to identify cyber threats and viruses, as well as troubleshoot security issues.
• Cybersecurity analysts should understand how to ethically hack in order to effectively prevent cyber attacks and other threats.
• They should also have the ability to document and report issues regarding cyberattacks to an organization’s management.

In addition to these technical skills, they must also develop communication skills to facilitate their collaboration with managers, business leaders, and other cybersecurity professionals. It is important for cybersecurity analysts to gain hands-on experience in the field to develop other skills, such as problem-solving and organization. Another critical aspect of cybersecurity is staying up to date on current trends and challenges in the industry. Analysts should be aware of the latest threats, as well as emerging hacking techniques. Cybersecurity analysts have an important job protecting healthcare networks and data, especially in facilities affected by COVID-19. Since it is vital that cybersecurity engineers understand current trends and issues in the field, it can benefit students to attend conferences or apply for internships, to gain experience while earning a degree.

How to Become a Cybersecurity Analyst

Professionals who want to learn more about how to become cybersecurity analysts should begin by building an understanding of the field as a whole, as well as establishing a solid foundation in mathematics, computer science, and basic software design.>/p>

Aspiring analysts can begin by earning a bachelor’s degree in information technology security, computer engineering, computer science, or a related field. Then, they can pursue additional credentials, such as Certified Ethical Hacker, Certified Web App Penetration Tester, or the CompTIA Network+ certificate. Certification is not typically required but can help distinguish candidates during the job application process.

After earning a bachelor’s degree and gaining experience, professionals may want to consider pursuing a master’s degree in cybersecurity. Completing a graduate program in cybersecurity management can help cybersecurity analysts validate their skills and expand their knowledge of cybersecurity. Through courses such as Networks and Systems, and Cybersecurity and Information Security, students learn to identify security risks, formulate preventive security controls, and implement a tailored organizational cybersecurity strategy.

Pursue a Cybersecurity Analyst Career

The role of cybersecurity analyst is becoming increasingly vital as more companies understand the stakes of protecting their data, and the career outlook is positive. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the employment of cybersecurity analysts to grow by 32% between 2018 and 2028. Therefore, graduates of information technology programs can pursue rewarding careers as cybersecurity analysts in a time when jobs in the field are growing four times faster than the average for all occupations. Cybersecurity professionals are in even greater demand in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, as more businesses, schools, and corporations move online.

The Tulane University School of Professional Advancement’s Online Master of Professional Studies in Cybersecurity Management equips students with the knowledge and experience needed to take on a range of challenges. The Online MPS in Cybersecurity Management provides students with both the technical and leadership skills needed to advance their IT careers and have a significant impact on any organization or industry. Learn how to become a cybersecurity analyst and explore the program today.

Recommended Readings
Cybersecurity Skills Gap: Key Needs for Tomorrow’s Workforce
NIST Cybersecurity Framework: 5 Essential Phases for Optimal Security
11 Tips to Protect Consumer Privacy for 2019 National Cybersecurity Awareness Month

Sources:
Council on Foreign Relations, “Cybersecurity in the Time of COVID-19”
Cybercrime Magazine, “Cybersecurity Talent Crunch to Create 3.5 Million Unfilled Jobs Globally by 2021”
Cyber Seek, “Hack the Gap: Close the Cybersecurity Talent Gap With Interactive Tools and Data”
Digital Guardian, “What Is a Security Analyst? Responsibilities, Qualifications, and More”
Focal Point, “The 5 Most In-Demand Cybersecurity Jobs for 2020”
Plural Sight, “4 Essential Skills for a Security Analyst”
SSI, “Difference Between a Security Analyst and a Security Engineer?”
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Information Security Analysts”
WebARX, “Website Hacking Statistics in 2020”