Cybersecurity Analysts: How to Become One
If you were to ask a group of cybersecurity analysts about how they arrived at their current job, there's a good chance you would get several different answers about the paths and steps that each person took.
That said, there are still ways that you can develop a baseline understanding of the preparation that is necessary to become one.
The Best Adult Colleges and Careers Guide has gathered data to provide you with insight into the type of education that's commonly required for cybersecurity analysts to land a job. This page contains information, sourced from real job postings, that describes the experience levels and specific skills that employers of cybersecurity analysts expect candidates to have. In the end, this information will help you create an education or professional development plan that aligns with your career aspirations.
Keep reading to learn more about career steps for cybersecurity analysts.
What Education & Experience is Needed for Cybersecurity Analysts?
Do cybersecurity analysts need a degree? What kind of experience do cybersecurity analysts typically need? Thanks to data sourced from Lightcast™ from real job postings, we can get some clarity on those questions, as well as the level of education that is commonly required for cybersecurity analysts to secure jobs.
Education Level Required in Job Postings for Cybersecurity Analysts
Jobs Postings for Cybersecurity Analysts By Education
- Bachelor's degree: 127,857 (53%)
- No Education Listed: 57,889 (24%)
- Master's degree: 36,335 (15%)
- High School or GED: 13,818 (6%)
- Ph.D. or professional degree: 7,252 (3%)
A bachelor's degree is the level of education sought the most by employers of cybersecurity analysts. According to job data, a bachelor's degree was required for 53% of positions. In 24% of job listings no education level was listed and in 15% of postings a master's degree was required.
Experience Level Required in Job Postings for Cybersecurity Analysts
Jobs Postings for Cybersecurity Analysts By Experience
- 0-1 Years: 10,762 (7%)
- 2-3 Years: 33,017 (23%)
- 4-6 Years: 53,690 (37%)
- 7-9 Years: 25,154 (17%)
- 10+ Years: 21,810 (15%)
While the amount of required experience will vary based on the responsibility and seniority of the position, an aggregate view of job posting data can help paint a picture of the experience level sought for most job openings for cybersecurity analysts. In 37% of job postings for Cybersecurity Analysts, employers were looking for candidates with 4-6 years of experience. In 23% of listings employers were looking for candidates with 2-3 years of experience, while 7-9 years of experience was sought in 17% of job postings for cybersecurity analysts.
What Kind of Degree Do Cybersecurity Analysts Need?
So far this page has provided detail into the level of education and the amount of experience required in job openings for cybersecurity analysts, but what type of education or degree will help prepare you for a career in the field?
According to occupational data obtained through Lightcast,™ there are 23 key academic programs that can help prepare prospective cybersecurity analysts, and in 2021 a total of 288,586 of those programs were completed at institutions in the United States.
Check out the information below to learn more about the specific programs that should be considered by prospective cybersecurity analysts.
Top Degree Programs for Cybersecurity Analysts
Top 5 Degree Programs for Cybersecurity Analysts (2021)
| Program | Completions |
|---|---|
| Computer Science. | 59,346 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | 51,511 |
| Criminal Justice/Safety Studies. | 46,381 |
| Information Technology. | 31,478 |
| Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance. | 22,799 |
| Program | Completions |
|---|---|
| Computer Science. | 59,346 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | 51,511 |
| Criminal Justice/Safety Studies. | 46,381 |
| Information Technology. | 31,478 |
| Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance. | 22,799 |
| Information Science/Studies. | 18,279 |
| Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications. | 14,182 |
| Management Information Systems, General. | 11,636 |
| Network and System Administration/Administrator. | 5,472 |
| Computer/Information Technology Services Administration and Management, Other. | 4,000 |
| Data Modeling/Warehousing and Database Administration. | 3,745 |
| Homeland Security. | 3,012 |
| Informatics. | 2,726 |
| Intelligence, General. | 2,261 |
| System, Networking, and LAN/WAN Management/Manager. | 2,077 |
| Information Technology Project Management. | 2,076 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, Other. | 1,880 |
| Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services, Other. | 1,755 |
| Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting and Related Protective Services, Other. | 1,640 |
| Cyber/Computer Forensics and Counterterrorism. | 1,569 |
| Management Information Systems and Services, Other. | 476 |
| Computer Programming, Vendor/Product Certification. | 278 |
| Healthcare Information Privacy Assurance and Security. | 7 |
Top Online College For Working Adults
Franklin University is a top choice for adults who need to balance school with busy lives. Founded in 1902 in Columbus, Ohio, Franklin's main focus has been serving adult students and tailoring education to fit their needs. Nonprofit and accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org/800.621.7440), Franklin offers more than 50 affordable bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs — all available 100% online.
Degree Options for Cybersecurity Analysts
Learn to translate business requirements into robust yet functional software applications and database designs to help businesses not only run but thrive, and jump start your career as a user support specialist, computer system analyst, or software developer.
- Class Type: 100% online
- Cost Per Credit: $398
Prepare yourself for an in-demand career in cybersecurity where you’ll build defensive and offensive strategies for cybersecurity to mitigate risks and protect people, processes and systems.
- Class Type: 100% online
- Cost Per Credit: $398
Build in-demand skills in programming, data management and cloud computing with Franklin’s online data science bachelor’s degree.
- Class Type: 100% online
- Cost Per Credit: $398
Excel in the rapidly growing healthcare industry with comprehensive training in healthcare management, informatics and systems.
- Class Type: 100% online
- Cost Per Credit: $398
Go beyond basic programming and develop the technical skills necessary to apply, design, and implement software systems.
- Class Type: 100% online
- Cost Per Credit: $398
Prevent costly security breaches by implementing adequate security measures to protect data in any industry or government sector.
- Class Type: 100% online
- Cost Per Credit: $398
Bridge the gap between business and technology and develop the interpersonal skills to become an IT liaison in your organization.
- Class Type: 100% online
- Cost Per Credit: $398
Harness the power of data by creating data-driven strategies and communicating data insights with a B.S. Information Systems-Analytics Focus.
- Class Type: 100% online
- Cost Per Credit: $398
Develop your ability to lead, communicate and make strategic decisions that impact projects and processes with a B.S. Information Systems-Business Analysis & Project Management Focus
- Class Type: 100% online
- Cost Per Credit: $398
Build technical savvy and business acumen that bridges the gap between business and technology with a B.S. Information Systems with a Business Information Systems focus.
- Class Type: 100% online
- Cost Per Credit: $398
Get the knowledge to manage healthcare data, navigate regulations and inform ethical decision-making with a B.S. Information Systems-Healthcare Information Systems Focus
- Class Type: 100% online
- Cost Per Credit: $398
Play a vital role in any business environment by designing and implementing mission-critical infrastructure, security, and servers.
- Class Type: 100% online
- Cost Per Credit: $398
Develop the advanced technical skills needed to turn complex programming specifications into well-designed computer programs.
- Class Type: Face-to-face, Online coursework
- Placement Tests: GMAT/GRE not required for admission
Deliver high-quality software that helps companies and organizations maintain data security and integrity with Franklin’s 20-month online M.S. in Computer Science with a focus in Cybersecurity.
- Class Type: Face-to-face, Online coursework
- Months To Complete: 20
- Placement Tests: GMAT/GRE not required for admission
Learn to create scalable software systems that Improve organizational effectiveness and efficiency by earning Franklin’s 20-month online M.S. in Computer Science with a focus in Software Systems. The hands-on, theory-to-practice program will prepare you to be an asset in a variety of industries
- Placement Tests: GMAT/GRE not required for admission
- Class Type: 100% online
- Months To Complete: 16
- Placement Tests: GMAT/GRE not required for admission
Earn your M.S. in Information Technology degree 100% online in as few as 16 months.
- Class Type: Face-to-face, Online coursework
- Months To Complete: 16
- Placement Tests: GMAT/GRE not required for admission
Earn your M.S. in Information Technology degree with a focus in Cybersecurity 100% online in as few as 16 months.
- Class Type: Face-to-face, Online coursework
- Months To Complete: 16
- Placement Tests: GMAT/GRE not required for admission
Earn your M.S. in Information Technology degree with a focus in Data Analytics 100% online in as few as 16 months.
- Class Type: Face-to-face, Online coursework
- Months To Complete: 16
- Placement Tests: GMAT/GRE not required for admission
Earn your M.S. in Information Technology degree with a focus in Healthcare 100% online in as few as 16 months.
- Class Type: Face-to-face, Online coursework
- Months To Complete: 16
- Placement Tests: GMAT/GRE not required for admission
Earn your M.S. in Information Technology degree with a focus in IT Management 100% online in as few as 16 months.
- Class Type: Face-to-face, Online coursework
- Months To Complete: 16
- Placement Tests: GMAT/GRE not required for admission
What Skills Do Cybersecurity Analysts Need?
Education and experience have been covered, so what are the specific skills and traits needed by cybersecurity analysts to secure a job?
A good way to understand this is to examine actual job postings for skills commonly sought by employers. Continue reading for a breakdown of specialized skills found in job postings for cybersecurity analysts, as well as common skills that can help you thrive in the workplace.
In-Demand Skills for Today's Cybersecurity Analysts
Based on 198,394 job postings
Top 5 Specialized Skills for Cybersecurity Analysts
| Skills | Postings | % of Total Postings |
|---|---|---|
| Cyber Security | 83,610 | 42% |
| Computer Science | 59,681 | 30% |
| Auditing | 54,088 | 27% |
| Vulnerability | 53,838 | 27% |
| Risk Analysis | 38,272 | 19% |
Top 5 Common Skills for Cybersecurity Analysts
| Skills | Postings | % of Total Postings |
|---|---|---|
| Management | 86,575 | 44% |
| Communications | 83,979 | 42% |
| Operations | 53,369 | 27% |
| Leadership | 52,571 | 26% |
| Information Technology | 49,063 | 25% |
Based on 198,394 job postings related to cybersecurity analysts, cyber security was the top specialized skill sought by employers, with 42% of all postings looking for that skillset. Skills for computer science, auditing, vulnerability, risk analysis and firewall were also highly sought.
As for common skills, management was the most desired skill found in job postings for cybersecurity analysts, followed by communications, operations, leadership, information technology and problem solving.
| Skill | Postings | % of Total Postings |
|---|---|---|
| Cyber Security | 83,610 | 42% |
| Computer Science | 59,681 | 30% |
| Auditing | 54,088 | 27% |
| Vulnerability | 53,838 | 27% |
| Risk Analysis | 38,272 | 19% |
| Firewall | 36,734 | 19% |
| Information Systems | 35,855 | 18% |
| Security Controls | 35,634 | 18% |
| Risk Management | 34,494 | 17% |
| Network Security | 34,101 | 17% |
| Incident Response | 33,987 | 17% |
| Automation | 30,539 | 15% |
| Amazon Web Services | 30,420 | 15% |
| Project Management | 30,282 | 15% |
| Operating Systems | 27,539 | 14% |
| Python (Programming Language) | 27,444 | 14% |
| Linux | 27,093 | 14% |
| Microsoft Azure | 26,519 | 13% |
| Security Information And Event Management (SIEM) | 24,534 | 12% |
| Scripting | 23,123 | 12% |
| Skill | Postings | % of Total Postings |
|---|---|---|
| Management | 86,575 | 44% |
| Communications | 83,979 | 42% |
| Operations | 53,369 | 27% |
| Leadership | 52,571 | 26% |
| Information Technology | 49,063 | 25% |
| Problem Solving | 40,057 | 20% |
| Planning | 37,321 | 19% |
| Research | 34,767 | 18% |
| Writing | 32,953 | 17% |
| Security Policies | 32,116 | 16% |
| Governance | 27,363 | 14% |
| Troubleshooting (Problem Solving) | 25,394 | 13% |
| Verbal Communication Skills | 25,216 | 13% |
| Presentations | 25,143 | 13% |
| Coordinating | 22,918 | 12% |
| Customer Service | 22,655 | 11% |
| Detail Oriented | 21,841 | 11% |
| Innovation | 20,479 | 10% |
| Investigation | 19,438 | 10% |
| Interpersonal Communications | 18,984 | 10% |
Additional Links
Ready to dig deeper into career information about cybersecurity analysts? Visit our other pages focused on salary and education for cybersecurity analysts.
What do cybersecurity analysts do?
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