{"id":3952,"date":"2022-03-01T18:16:14","date_gmt":"2022-03-01T18:16:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.cyberdegrees.org\/?p=3952"},"modified":"2022-10-06T14:23:22","modified_gmt":"2022-10-06T14:23:22","slug":"how-to-become-a-security-analyst","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.cyberdegrees.org\/careers\/security-analyst\/how-to-become\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Become a Security Analyst"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Of the 1.65 million cybersecurity jobs<\/a> in the U.S, nearly 600,000 remain unfilled.<\/p>\r\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\r\n\r\n

Information security analysts help organizations anticipate, avoid, and recover from cybersecurity attacks. These tech professionals work in a growing and rewarding field.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

Of the 1.65 million cybersecurity jobs<\/a> in the U.S, nearly 600,000<\/a> remain unfilled. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics<\/a> (BLS), these professionals earn a median annual salary of $103,590. Information security analysts play a critical role on a cybersecurity team.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

Becoming a security analyst typically requires a bachelor's degree in cybersecurity<\/a> or a related field. Aspiring information security professionals with degrees in other fields may pursue bootcamps or other alternative paths. Most security analysts hold one or more certifications in the industry alongside their degrees.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

This page takes an in-depth look at how to become a security analyst.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

What Is a Security Analyst?<\/h2>\r\n\r\n

Information security analysts plan, execute, and manage security solutions. Their mission is to anticipate and avoid cybersecurity attacks.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

Security analysts use information from penetration testers<\/a> to improve company security policies. They also review data from previous breaches to strengthen their organization's security tools and networks. Analysts must research current cybersecurity trends, develop security standards, review current tools and procedures, and recommend security enhancements.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

Security analysts work in information technology departments. They may interact with penetration testers, project managers, computer network administrators, and other technology and management specialists.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

These professionals can work for companies, banks, hospitals, nonprofit organizations, or government agencies. They often report to information security managers or chief information security officers<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\n

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Education Requirements for Security Analysts<\/h2>\r\n\r\n

Security analysts typically need a bachelor's degree to get started in the field. Some employers also expect these professionals to complete security certifications<\/a> or a master's degree in cybersecurity<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

Prospective information security analysts may already hold a bachelor's degree in another field. These learners might consider a cybersecurity bootcamp<\/a> to supplement their existing degrees. Shorter programs that provide skills-focused training, bootcamps do not involve the same academic requirements as a college or university.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

Whether they choose a bootcamp or a degree, most security professionals need to earn certification. Some degrees include certification as part of their curriculum. Many bootcamps train students to pass certification exams. Industry-related associations also confer certifications, often requiring students to pass rigorous exams.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

Earning advanced degrees can help information security analysts become security engineers<\/a>, networking directors, or chief information security officers. Students who aspire to do research, teach, or influence information security policy need a master's degree or doctorate.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

A master's in cybersecurity usually focuses on advanced technology<\/a> and the larger cybersecurity environment. A doctorate requires original research. This degree trains students to expand the frontiers of knowledge in the discipline.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

Cybersecurity professionals with a certificate or associate may want to look into a four-year program or bootcamp if they plan to advance professionally.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

Explore Your Degree Options<\/h3>\r\n\r\n