Launch your cybersecurity career
Find out what it takes to get hired, what you can earn, how to grow your skills with courses, programs, and certifications, and how to transition into leadership roles in the cybersecurity field.
Key takeaways
- To start a cybersecurity career, you need skills in threat detection, incident response, networking, and hands-on experience through entry-level roles or internships.
- edX offers cybersecurity courses, MicroBachelors, and degree programs that build skills in network security, risk management, and system defense.
- Cybersecurity analyst roles are projected to grow 29% from 2024–2034, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
What does a cybersecurity analyst do?
Cybersecurity is never a one-person job. As a cybersecurity analyst, you'll be part of the information technology (IT) team that protects and defends an organization from cyberattacks and digital threats. You'll be on the front lines, monitoring systems and networks to detect unusual activity, investigate incidents, assess impact, and identify root causes. You'll contribute to response efforts and document incidents and remediation in detailed reports for future reference.
This role requires sharp attention to detail, quick decision-making, and proficiency in cybersecurity tools. You'll also need strong communication and collaboration skills to work with teams across the organization, including executives.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics Profiles
Your path to becoming a cybersecurity analyst
For career starters
Thinking about how to become a cybersecurity analyst but not sure where to begin? While there's no one-size-fits-all path into the field, here is one course of action:
- Build your foundation with online cybersecurity courses for beginners on edX, which introduce core subjects like network security, operating systems, and risk management.
- Pursue a bachelor's degree in cybersecurity or computer science, which provides a technical base and is often the minimum education requirement for employers. If you're not ready for a full degree, a MicroBachelors® program can help you demonstrate skills and earn college credit.
- Get real-world experience with internships, help desk roles, or entry-level positions in a Security Operations Center (SOC). These hands-on opportunities can help you develop practical skills in cybersecurity tools and gain work experience before graduating.
For career starters
Thinking about how to become a cybersecurity analyst but not sure where to begin? While there's no one-size-fits-all path into the field, here is one course of action:
- Build your foundation with online cybersecurity courses for beginners on edX, which introduce core subjects like network security, operating systems, and risk management.
- Pursue a bachelor's degree in cybersecurity or computer science, which provides a technical base and is often the minimum education requirement for employers. If you're not ready for a full degree, a MicroBachelors® program can help you demonstrate skills and earn college credit.
- Get real-world experience with internships, help desk roles, or entry-level positions in a Security Operations Center (SOC). These hands-on opportunities can help you develop practical skills in cybersecurity tools and gain work experience before graduating.
Programs that can prepare you for a cybersecurity analyst role
What do you need to learn to work as a cybersecurity analyst?
There's no single way in, but most cybersecurity analysts build their careers by combining education, technical skills, soft skills, and certifications.
Here's what Emmanuel Morales, certified information systems auditor (CISA) with over a decade of cybersecurity experience within the banking and healthcare sectors, recommends for aspiring analysts or those aiming to advance in cybersecurity.
Employers may prefer candidates with a bachelor's degree in:
- Computer science
- Cybersecurity
- Engineering
- Information assurance
- IT
- Math
That said, it's entirely possible to break into the field through a combination of an associate degree or community college coursework, relevant industry experience, and professional certifications.
"Even if a degree is not always required, you do need a strong grasp of the fundamental concepts. Cybersecurity is a field of continuous learning, as security risks and practices evolve daily."
— Emmanuel Morales, MS, CISA
Top technical and soft skills for cybersecurity analysts
Essential technical skills
- Threat monitoring and detection (Security Information and Event Management tools)
- Incident response
- Vulnerability scanning and management
- Firewall and antivirus configuration
- Basic networking, scripting, and system administration skills
Soft skills
- Critical thinking and fast decision-making under pressure
- Written and verbal communication to explain complex security issues to stakeholders
- Team collaboration with IT, compliance, and leadership
- Flexibility to adapt to evolving threats and tools
- Curiosity and willingness to learn
3 cybersecurity industry insights
1. There's a strong demand for cybersecurity professionals and good salaries.
Cybersecurity analysts are the fifth fastest-growing occupation in the United States, with demand projected to grow by 29% through 2034, according to the BLS.
Salaries reflect the growing demand: As of May 2024, the median annual wages for information security analysts in the top-paying industries ranged from $120,050-$136,390, with sectors like information technology, finance, and tech leading the way.
2. You'll have room to specialize and grow.
Within the field of cybersecurity, you won't stay in the same role forever. Morales highlights the ability to specialize in technical focus areas (like incident response, cloud security, or risk analysis) or develop industry-specific expertise. This, along with experience and certifications, may help you progress from an analyst-level role to management positions. Eventually, you could qualify for executive roles.
"Don't be intimidated by the scope of topics and skills in the field. Cybersecurity has room for almost everyone, with opportunities to explore," says Morales.
3. AI is disrupting cybersecurity. You need to prepare for it.
Artificial intelligence is one of the top emerging threats in cybersecurity, but also one of the biggest areas of opportunity for aspiring cybersecurity analysts. Morales notes that companies are adopting AI tools to automate tasks that analysts used to perform manually.
By combining cybersecurity training with a foundation in AI and machine learning, you'll enter the workforce with in-demand skills and the ability to leverage these tools and shape future security strategies.
"Personally, what keeps me engaged is the field's constant evolution. Much of what I learned during my college years is outdated with the arrival of new technologies. Constantly learning new techniques and concepts is a major driver of my continued interest in this field."
— Emmanuel Morales, MS, CISA
Common job titles and professional associations for cybersecurity analysts
Common job titles
- Cyber analyst
- Incident response analyst
- Information security analyst
- IT security analyst
- Network security analyst
- Systems security analyst
Professional associations
- CompTIA
- ISC2 - International Information System Security Certification Consortium
- ISACA - Information Systems Audit and Control Association
- SANS Institute
Top 5 paying industries for cybersecurity analysts
Source: BLS
Explore top cybersecurity analysts' salaries by state
Cybersecurity analyst career track
Here's how a common cybersecurity analyst can progress in their career, from entry-level roles to executive leadership:
Early career roles
(0–2 years)
- Security analyst
- Junior security engineer
Mid-career roles
(2–5 years)
- Cybersecurity analyst
- Vulnerability analyst
- Security engineer
Senior career roles
(5–10 years)
- Senior security analyst
- Senior architect
- Incident response manager
Leadership roles
(8-15 years)
- Security manager
- Cybersecurity program manager
- GRC lead
Executive roles
(10-20+ years)
- Chief information security officer (CISO)
- VP of information security
- Chief security officer (CSO)
Ready to advance your career?