Technology
How to become a Cybersecurity Analyst
Watches a company's systems for intrusions and investigates when something looks wrong. From IT support: every step, how long it takes, and the credential it earns.
- Time to get there
- 1–3 years
- Typical pay
- $78k–$105k
- Starting from
- IT support
Pay is an estimate of typical US entry-level pay for this role and varies by state, employer and shift. The timeline assumes you are starting from IT support and includes any licence or programme legally required, not just course length.
Commonly asked for
- Bachelor's degree in a technical field commonly asked for, though not universal
- 1–2 years in IT support or systems administration first
- Security+ often required for entry-level government and contractor roles
The route
Build an IT foundation first
You cannot defend systems you do not understand. Help desk or sysadmin, either works.
Course that covers thisCompTIA Network+ N10-009 (V9) Practice Exam QuestionsUdemy · around $19.99Typical titles at this level
- Help Desk Technician
- IT Support Specialist
- Systems Administrator
Get Security+
The baseline credential, and a DoD 8570 requirement for a lot of government work.
Course that covers thisCompTIA Security+ (SY0-701) Real Practice TestsUdemy · around $19.99CompTIA Security+
Work in a SOC
Alert triage is the apprenticeship of this field. Tier 1 is where you learn.
Specialise, then consider CISSP
Five years of experience required — it is a mid-career credential, not an entry one.
Course that covers thisCISSP Practice TestsUdemy · around $19.99CISSP
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Destination
Cybersecurity Analyst
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