How to Become a Cyber Security Analyst
Cybercrime is on the rise, which means it’s more important than ever to protect our computer networks and systems. That’s where you come in! In this blog post, we’ll dive into what a cyber security analyst does, how to become job-ready, the expected salary in this field, and more. So, grab a cup of coffee and let’s get started!
What is a cyber security analyst?
As a cyber security analyst, you’ll be responsible for protecting your organisation’s computer networks and systems from cyber threats. This is becoming increasingly important as cybercrime continues to rise, and organisations are looking for skilled professionals to safeguard their data and systems.
You’ll also be responsible for maintaining the privacy, integrity, and availability of your organisation’s data and systems. Some of the key tasks include identifying potential threats, responding to security incidents, and developing and implementing security measures.
What does a cyber security analyst do?
Let’s take a closer look at some of the primary tasks of a cyber security analyst:
- Monitoring an organisation’s network traffic to identify any potential threats
- Analysing network traffic, logs, and system activity
- Staying up-to-date with the latest security threats and trends to help identify and mitigate potential risks
- Investigating the incident and determining the scope of the attack.
Cyber security analyst salary in Australia
According to Talent, the average salary for a cyber security analyst in Australia is $107,367 AUD per year.
Entry-level cyber security analysts with less than one year of experience can expect to earn around $93,000 per year. More experienced cyber security analysts earn up to $140,000 per year.
How to become a cyber security analyst
Becoming a cyber security analyst requires a combination of education, experience, and technical skills.
Here are the steps you can take to become a cyber security analyst:
Certified Cybersecurity Professional
The Certified Cybersecurity Professional is an online course designed for individuals with little to zero experience in becoming job-ready cyber security analysts. The course comprises of 3 CompTIA certifications that have accreditation from the International Organisation for Standardisation and the American National Standards Institute (ISO/ANSI).
This course typically takes less than 6 months to complete. It’s ideal for recent graduates, career changers, or those simply interested in the field.
Certificate IV in Cyber Security
A Certificate IV in Cyber Security is a vocational qualification that provides students with the foundational knowledge and skills needed to pursue a career in cyber security. This course is designed for individuals who are looking to enter the field of cyber security, as well as those who are currently working in the industry and want to upskill.
It typically takes between 6 to 12 months to complete, depending on the course provider and study mode. The course is delivered online or in a classroom, and it covers topics such as network security, information security, risk management, and incident response.
The course is ideal for individuals who have a background in IT, but it is also suitable for those with no prior experience in the field.
Bachelor of Cyber Security
A Bachelor of Cybersecurity is an undergraduate course that focuses on the study of cybersecurity, equipping students with the necessary knowledge and skills to secure digital information and combat cyber threats.
The bachelor course usually takes around three to four years, depending on the university. During this time, you’ll delve into a wide range of subjects such as network security, cryptography, ethical hacking, risk management, and incident response.
If you’re someone who loves all things cybersecurity and is passionate about technology, problem-solving, and critical thinking, then this course is made for you! It’s perfect for those who want to dive into exciting careers in cyber security, network security, information security, cybersecurity management, cybersecurity consulting, and other related fields.
To kickstart your career as a cyber security analyst, you’ll need a mix of education, experience, and technical skills. Getting a degree or certification in cyber security, gaining hands-on experience, and developing technical skills are all essential steps to getting started.
The demand for cyber security professionals is increasing, so this career path can be both fulfilling and financially rewarding. If you’re looking to break into this exciting field, consider studying a cyber security course.
Find a cyber security analyst course