If you’re interested in becoming a cybersecurity analyst, you’ll need to acquire a strong understanding of information systems and networks, gain technical experience, and continuously receive cybersecurity training.
As the demand for cybersecurity professionals continues to increase, companies are prioritizing individuals with proven skills and technical knowledge. Developing such expertise requires high-quality training and practical experience.
According to a report, the field of cybersecurity is expected to have a demand for 3.5 million professionals. But becoming a sought-after professional is not easy. Start by analyzing your salary and job outlook. This way you will know if it is right for you. The following tips will help you develop a cybersecurity analyst and acquire the necessary skills.
Cybersecurity Engineer Salary
Glassdoor reports that cybersecurity engineers earn an average salary of around $101,000 per year. Senior-level engineers make an average of $145K annually, while beginners can expect $71K per year. It’s a lucrative career if you can secure it!
In India, the average annual salary for a cybersecurity engineer is ₹600,000. In Australia, a similar engineer earns A$95K, and in the UK, the annual salary can reach £47,048.
Keep in mind that these figures can vary depending on the demand in your region. Nevertheless, a career in cybersecurity can bring significant financial rewards.
Careers in Cybersecurity
Companies hire IT and cybersecurity professionals to prevent risks to internal and external systems, protecting against such attacks. Depending on your skill set, there are five common cybersecurity career paths to consider: engineering and architecture, incident response, management and administration, consulting, and testing and hacking.
Additionally, you can explore in-demand cybersecurity jobs, entry-level jobs, and a comprehensive career guide that provides detailed articles on specific entry-, mid-, and senior-level roles. Below are a few examples.
#1 Do Research
We previously provided a list of entry-level job roles in cybersecurity. If you possess transferable skills and technical IT knowledge, you can make a lateral move. Research these career paths. Identify the specific jobs that align with your existing skills.
For instance, if you have a degree in engineering, you might aspire to become a cybersecurity engineer. Explore the profiles of professionals on LinkedIn who hold these roles. Determine their qualifications, such as master’s degrees or specific certifications.
#2 Learn Cybersecurity Fundamentals
To start your journey as a Cybersecurity Analyst, the first step is to gain knowledge about the current threat landscape. As technologies evolve, it becomes crucial to understand vulnerability and threat identification.
When you are laying the foundation in skills and qualifications, you will have to visit many information sites. It often happens that one of the free resources for training is not available in your region.
All you have to do is change your region. The logical question is how to change the location on Android. Here’s an Android location trick that will help you gain skills for beginners, deeper information, or access to geo-restricted web resources.
#3 Develop Your Skills
Once you’ve determined your specific interest in cybersecurity jobs, you can begin honing the skills required. Generally, a solid grasp of the following is crucial:
- Network and systems administration: Understanding the inner workings of networks and systems forms the foundation for entry-level positions.
- Operating system familiarity: Proficiency with Windows, Linux, and Mac OS is necessary for roles involving penetration testing, cybersecurity research and analysis, and computer forensics.
- Familiarity with cloud security platforms: Being well-versed in Azure, AWS, and Google Cloud is essential.
- Coding skills: Comfort with languages like Python, C and C++, JavaScript, and SQL is vital.
- Risk analysis and security auditing: These skills enable effective threat mitigation strategies.
- Apart from technical skills, communication, leadership, critical thinking, and adaptability are important soft skills given the frequent collaboration and problem-solving in cybersecurity teams.
#4 Get Cybersecurity Tools and Software
While gaining skills, you will become familiar with various cybersecurity tools, software, and hardware systems. It is advisable to familiarize yourself with the usage of at least one cloud program like Azure, as this will help you understand the fundamentals of AWS and Google Cloud.
Some programs provide free trials, allowing you to gain hands-on experience. Companies typically require expertise in the tools and software they utilize, so it is important to be prepared for any situation.
#5 Create A Killer Portfolio
To secure a well-paying job as a beginner in the industry, focus on building a robust portfolio. Create an impressive portfolio by engaging in diverse live projects that effectively demonstrate your skills to recruiters.
You can use different strategies, and all of them are good in their own way. You can check out 2024 trends in cybersecurity and also use VeePN to surf securely. This will help you create the perfect resume.
#6 Consider a Certification
Hiring managers place significant value on cybersecurity certifications as they provide tangible credentials and showcase expertise. One popular entry-level certification is the CompTIA Security+, which validates core cybersecurity skills.
Another notable certification is the Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), demonstrating the ability to assess security vulnerabilities and report compliance.
#7 Gain Work Experience
Gaining hands-on experience through cybersecurity projects is an excellent method to acquire knowledge and showcase your skills to potential employers. If you’re interested in auditing, consulting, or incident response, consider applying for internships or entry-level positions that align with these roles or offer opportunities to collaborate with professionals in these areas.
#8 Utilizing a Unconventional Background
Diverse thinking and problem-solving skills prove invaluable in the field of cybersecurity. Creative and unconventional individuals, like digital artists, writers, or psychologists, can employ their unique perspectives to approach security challenges from different angles.
Conclusion
To become a cybersecurity professional, both technical skills and experience are equally important. All this can be purchased, the only question is whether you are willing to pay the price. You must be interested in this direction, otherwise you will not have the patience to reach a high level and become a professional.
