Do you at times wish to know how to become a cybersecurity analyst? Here’s a breakdown of the top 5 steps as revealed by experts.

Cybersecurity threats are advancing by the day as technology evolves. Businesses across different industries are adjusting their cyber firewalls to be able to counter any threats and safeguard their business from catastrophic consequences.

And because of the advancements in cyber threats, cybersecurity experts are in high demand. A cybersecurity analyst can work independently or lead a team of cybersecurity experts in analyzing, monitoring, and countering cyber threats. They are also responsible for devising strategies that prevent and put cyber attacks.

At the very least, to become a cybersecurity analyst, you must have a perfect understanding of networks, and information systems, as well as have a hands-on technical experience in cybersecurity training. If you’ve ever wanted to know how to become a cybersecurity analyst, read on.

Compared to other technology careers that have been around, cybersecurity is a relatively new field, therefore you have a variety of paths you can take to become a cybersecurity analyst. Most cybersecurity analyst jobs require you to have a degree either in programming, computer science, or any other related field.

But this is not all. You may also become a cybersecurity analyst even if you have a background in other areas.

How to become a cybersecurity analyst in Five Steps

Below are five steps on how to become a cybersecurity analyst.

Learn Cybersecurity Fundamentals

The only way to learn about cybersecurity is to start by learning the cybersecurity fundamentals. This is what should come to your mind when you think of how to become a cybersecurity analyst. Study the current cybersecurity threat landscape and learn how to identify threats and vulnerabilities. This is so critical because of the ever-changing, ever-evolving technology.

Another area that you need to grasp in learning the cybersecurity fundamentals is how information systems are threatened and how to anticipate and detect these traps well ahead of time. Key cybersecurity elements such as network architecture, firewalls, routing and switching are things that you must have a grasp of.

Practice Cybersecurity Technical Skills

Once you learn the basic cybersecurity fundamentals, it is time to test your cybersecurity technical skills. This includes analyzing network traffic, performing security audits and using encryption to secure information.

Furthermore, you can take advantage of the online cybersecurity training labs that help you to simulate the actual workplace environment. With these training labs, you have a chance to put the skills you’ve gained in cybersecurity into actual testing and practice handling real-world challenges.

Earn a Cybersecurity Certificate (s)

The next step after testing out your cybersecurity skills, either in a lab or by participating in online challenges like ethical hacking, etc. is to register for cybersecurity certification.  Certification would definitely come through completing a cybersecurity course.

A properly structured cybersecurity certification course would include topics such as the current threat landscape, cybersecurity-related technologies, as well as tools that cybersecurity professionals used to detect and protect organizations against threats.

Registering for a good cybersecurity course would give you a perfect understanding of how information systems operate, cybersecurity trends, tools as well as best practices that cybersecurity experts use to identify threats and defend themselves against cyber attacks.

I sent my security certification not only helps your knowledge of the cybersecurity landscape but also boosts your chances of landing a job as well as earning a high average pay.

Research the Cybersecurity Industry

Technology is evolving and changing very fast and so is cybersecurity and its threats. As cyber threats and hackers become more technical and advanced in their tactics, you need to be aware of these new tactics and how to work around them.

To be successful as a cybersecurity analyst, you must research the cybersecurity industry and stay on top of all the developments within the industry as well as news about cybercrime. As you understand these new trends in the information technology and security industry, your skills and knowledge increase in the current needs of the industry.

Apply to Cybersecurity Jobs

The last step in this process of learning how to become a cybersecurity analyst is to apply for cybersecurity analyst jobs. You may not start directly with cybersecurity analyst jobs, but you are free to apply for all the available channels that can lead you to the analyst job.

According to a recent survey by Cybersecurity Ventures, at least 3.5 million cybersecurity jobs will be unfulfilled globally by the end of 2021.

There are many positions that you can apply for within the cybersecurity industry. Some of these roles would require very highly specialized and technical skills in cybersecurity, but don’t be discouraged. You can start from the very least and move up the ladder.

Some of the highest in-demand cybersecurity positions include network engineer or architect, vulnerability analyst, security manager or administrator, cybersecurity consultant, penetration tester, cybersecurity analyst, cybersecurity engineer, systems analyst, etc.

Is Cybersecurity a Growing Field?

Definitely. Cybersecurity is rated among the fastest-growing fields within the US job market. It is predicted that by the end of 2026, there will be at least a 28% increase in the number of jobs available to cybersecurity experts. This represents nearly 28,500 jobs.

Besides the fact that the predictions are looking positive, cybersecurity is evolving in all areas. Today, cyber threats are using AI to instill unimaginable damage to IT infrastructure and data breaches in organizations.

More and more organizations are on the lookout for the right cybersecurity skills to help them get ready in case of an attack. Cybersecurity analysts are being hired everywhere to help devise strategies and mechanisms to stop attacks.

If you ever wanted to know how to become a cybersecurity analyst, used this guide to jump-start your step forward.

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