Your Next Move: Cybersecurity Analyst

If you like to scope out vulnerabilities in your network and stop cybercriminals in their tracks, then cybersecurity analyst may be a good next step for you. Keep reading to learn what a cybersecurity analyst does and how to get there.

YNM Cybersecurity AnalystIT Career News is starting a new series called Your Next Move. These articles will take an inside look at the roles related to CompTIA certifications. Each article will include the responsibilities, qualifications, related job titles and salary range for the role. As you consider the next move in your IT career, check back with CompTIA to learn more about your job prospects and how to get there.

If you like to scope out vulnerabilities in your network and stop cybercriminals in their tracks, then cybersecurity analyst may be a good next step for you.

What Is a Cybersecurity Analyst?

A cybersecurity analyst detects cyber threats and then implements changes to protect an organization in the following ways:

  • Manages and configures tools to monitor activity on the network
  • Analyzes the reports from those tools to identify unusual behavior on the network
  • Proactively identifies network vulnerabilities through penetration testing, vulnerability scans and vulnerability assessment reports
  • Plans and recommends changes to increase the security of the network
  • Applies security patches to protect the network

The role of cybersecurity analyst varies depending on company size. For example, at a small company, information security analysis and intrusion detection may be part of a larger IT role held by one person. A medium-sized company may have one full-time information security analyst who handles intrusion detection, firewalls and antivirus software. An enterprise-level cybersecurity analyst may work in a security operations center (SOC) on a team that centralizes cybersecurity efforts. A SOC team likely has several tiers of SOC analysts that monitor, detect, contain and remediate IT threats and report to a SOC manager.

How To Become a Cybersecurity Analyst

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Most companies hiring a cybersecurity analyst are looking for someone with a bachelor’s degree in computer science, cybersecurity, programming or a related field. Many cybersecurity analysts previously worked as network or systems administrators. Certifications like CompTIA Network+, CompTIA Security+, CompTIA PenTest+ and CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+) can prove that you have the skills to be a cybersecurity analyst.

CompTIA Security+ covers the core skills needed to support security operations, which is a key skill of security analysts. Security operations includes continuous security monitoring, vulnerability management, security alerting, identification of potential security issues and mitigation. This also involves the ability to report and communicate security incidents to the proper channels.

Check out the CompTIA Career Roadmap to see what other certifications can help you become an information security analyst.

The Details

Cybersecurity Analyst Salary Range

The average advertised salary for information security analysts is $107,517 as of April 2023 (Cyberseek).

Cybersecurity Analyst Job Outlook

According to Cyberseek, Cybersecurity analyst have had 26,000+ net new jobs during this past 12-year period.

Job Titles Related to Cybersecurity Analyst

Read about more IT jobs featured in Your Next Move. 


Will your next move be cybersecurity analyst? If so, check out CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+) to get the skills to get you there.

Read More from the CompTIA Blog

Jerel Berry
Jerel Berry Thu Aug 10 2023

I’m interested in Security +.

Michael D
Michael D Sun Jul 23 2023

I just completed my IT support Professional Program one week ago Today. I am currently Preparing for

I just completed my IT support Professional Program one week ago Today. I am currently Preparing for my IT+ fundamentals and CompTia A+ 220/1101 and 220/1102 national exams. Once completed I am moving on to start my cybersecurity training in October. I'm very excited for this chance.Read full comment

Ameer
Ameer Wed May 18 2022

This has been of great help in determining what I actually want to become in the cyber security fiel

This has been of great help in determining what I actually want to become in the cyber security field. However, I would love to know more about being a cyber security analyst and how I can get some certifications.Read full comment

Inmar D Bonilla
Inmar D Bonilla Tue May 25 2021

I am a A+, Network+, Novell CNA 4.11 holing an AAS and three more diplomas. One as a Network

I am a A+, Network+, Novell CNA 4.11 holing an AAS and three more diplomas. One as a Network Engineering and Management, the other as a Computer Electronics Technician and the last two as a Mechanical/Electronics technician and Electromechanical Xerography tech...and the last one was as a Computer and Repair tech. My question to you is that if I go for the Cyber Security Certification is enough to secure a good job? I am trying to decide if that is my best career path, thank youRead full comment

cyber radar academy
cyber radar academy Mon Nov 30 2020

Thanks for posting useful information. Your Blog helps to clarify a few terms for me as well as givi

Thanks for posting useful information. Your Blog helps to clarify a few terms for me as well as giving. Great article and interesting.Read full comment

Bikila Melaku
Bikila Melaku Mon Nov 16 2020

I am interested to do in cyber security

Brayden Masterson
Brayden Masterson Fri Dec 13 2019

Hi, I am currently doing my GCSE's, I wanted to know what I need for getting a job into Cyber Securi

Hi, I am currently doing my GCSE's, I wanted to know what I need for getting a job into Cyber Security, it is one of my careers I am looking into. I hope to hear from you soon, Thanks.Read full comment

Missing user
Missing user Mon Nov 18 2019

Hi, Garth! Thanks for your question. There are no official pre-requisites for CySA+, however we

Hi, Garth! Thanks for your question. There are no official pre-requisites for CySA+, however we recommend that you have either Network+, Security+ or the equivalent knowledge plus 3-4 years of hands-on information security experience. You can download the exam objectives for free to see what the exam covers and see if it's right for you. If it is right for you, simply purchase an exam voucher and schedule your exam. You'll earn CySA+ by passing the exam, and your certification is then good for three years from the date you passed. You'll then need to complete continuing education requirements to renew it every three years. Check out the CySA+ page on this site as well as the Continuing Education section to learn more. Good luck!Read full comment

Garth
Garth Mon Nov 18 2019

Hi there Please help me . I'm interested in the below. CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+) How

Hi there Please help me . I'm interested in the below. CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+) How do I apply and for how long is this certificate. Hope to hear from you soon Regards, Garth Read full comment

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