Technology

How to become a Cybersecurity Analyst

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

The steps

1. 1

   Build an IT foundation first

   You cannot defend systems you do not understand. Help desk or sysadmin, either works.

   1–2 years

   Course that covers thisCompTIA Network+ N10-009 (V9) Practice Exam QuestionsUdemy · around $19.99 →
2. 2

   Get Security+

   The baseline credential, and a DoD 8570 requirement for a lot of government work.

   CompTIA Security+

   Course that covers thisCompTIA Security+ (SY0-701) Real Practice TestsUdemy · around $19.99 →
3. 3

   Work in a SOC

   Alert triage is the apprenticeship of this field. Tier 1 is where you learn.

   1–2 years

4. 4

   Specialise, then consider CISSP

   Five years of experience required — it is a mid-career credential, not an entry one.

   CISSP

   Course that covers thisCISSP Practice TestsUdemy · around $19.99 →

Course links are Udemy affiliate links — we earn a commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you. Licences and exams named above are issued by state boards and certifying bodies we have no relationship with; we list them because they are what the job actually requires.