Cybersecurity analysts are often the first line of defense against cybercrime. Learn more about this career opportunity, including job responsibilities, salary, and outlook.
Cybersecurity analysts protect computer networks from cyberattacks and unauthorized access. They do this by trying to anticipate and defend against cyber threats and responding to security breaches when they do happen. In this job, you play a crucial role in protecting your organization’s valuable data.
Learn more about what working as a cybersecurity analyst is like, why you might pursue a cybersecurity career, and how to find a job in this in-demand field.
As a cybersecurity analyst, you protect your company’s hardware, software, and networks from theft, loss, or unauthorized access. At a small company or organization, you might expect to perform a variety of cybersecurity tasks. At larger organizations, you might specialize as one part of a larger security team.
While the day-to-day tasks of a cybersecurity analyst will vary from company to company, typical job duties include the following:
Monitor network traffic for security incidents and events.
Investigate incidents and respond to events in real-time.
Use encryption to secure organizational data and maximize security.
Install and operate firewalls, encryption programs, and other security software.
Fix vulnerabilities.
Develop and promote best practices for information security.
Conduct threat research.
Perform periodic risk assessments and penetration tests.
Cybersecurity analysts need to understand the latest cyber threat landscape and their company’s IT infrastructure. Depending on where you work, this might mean familiarity with Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems and experience with firewalls, VPNs, proxies, and security and information event management systems (SIEMs).
Information security and cybersecurity overlap, and the terms are sometimes used interchangeably. While cybersecurity and information security analysts might perform similar tasks, their roles differ somewhat.
Information security is a broader term that refers to the protection of data. Cybersecurity refers to the protection of data in its digital form. A cybersecurity analyst is responsible for data security for any data stored on computers, hard drives, or the internet. An information security analyst would also consider the security of data stored elsewhere, such as documents in a filing cabinet or insider knowledge possessed by some employees.
Ask a cybersecurity professional why they chose this as a career, and you might get a variety of answers. You can have an impact on your organization by keeping valuable data protected. With new threats and sophisticated attacks always emerging, you’ll always find something new to learn. Staying one step ahead of cybercriminals can be an exciting job where no two days are the same.
"If you're interested in entering a new career, it means learning," said Amy Kardel, Senior Vice President of Strategic Workforce Relationships at CompTIA, during Coursera's virtual panel, "How can online learning accelerate cybersecurity careers and talent?"
"The important thing is to understand that you're looking for a company that's going to invest in your growth. You're looking for a role that puts you in the right environment to learn and grow."
According to Indeed’s September 2024 data, the average annual salary for cybersecurity analysts in Canada is $89,402 CAD. Various factors can impact how much you will make. For example, cybersecurity analysts working in Montreal make an average of $109,430 CAD, while those in Vancouver earn $74,491 CAD on average [1].
Another benefit of seeking a career in cybersecurity is job security. The Government of Canada Job Bank anticipates a labour shortage in this field through 2031, leaving the field open for skilled employees [2]. More cybersecurity jobs exist than people with the right skills to fill them. If you develop those skills, you can make yourself a more competitive candidate for Canada's numerous open cybersecurity analyst jobs.
Many cybersecurity professionals start out as junior cybersecurity analysts before advancing to more specialized positions. Depending on your interests, you’ll find a variety of cybersecurity career paths you can take.
Interested in strategy? Maybe you’ll want to move toward security engineering and architecture. Curious about law enforcement? Consider becoming a digital forensics investigator. You could build leadership skills to move into IT security management or take an offensive approach to security with a job as a penetration tester or ethical hacker.
Starting a career in cybersecurity—or switching from another field—typically involves developing the right skills for the job. If you’re interested in getting a job as a cybersecurity analyst, follow these steps to get on your way.
The field of cybersecurity has its own set of jargon, tools, and best practices. It can help to get an overview of it all by taking some introductory courses in cybersecurity. While it’s possible to teach yourself through books, blogs, podcasts, and other resources, you may find a course helpful in giving structure and context to your learning.
After completing the Microsoft Cybersecurity Analyst Professional Certificate, you’ll have a thorough introduction to the skills and knowledge you’ll need for an entry-level role as a cybersecurity analyst.
According to the Government of Canada Job Bank, cybersecurity analysts typically hold at least a bachelor’s degree and some employers also require industry certifications [3].
While earning a degree isn’t strictly necessary to get a job, earning one could mean more job opportunities and a more competitive resume.
While cybersecurity analysis is a technical role with some job-specific skills, you’ll also want to develop your workplace skills—some may even transfer from your previous experiences. Focus on these skills as you get yourself job-ready.
Intrusion detection: While the ultimate goal of cybersecurity is to prevent attacks, you’ll need to know how to detect them when they do happen. This can include network monitoring, event log analysis, and familiarity with SIEMs.
Endpoint management: As more and more people work from home, companies need security professionals who know how to secure multiple endpoints, such as computers, phones, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices. Tools might include firewalls, antivirus software, network access controls, and virtual private networks (VPNs).
Data security: Data represents a valuable resource for most organizations. Knowing how to protect it involves understanding encryption, access management, transmission control and internet protocols (TCPs and IPs), and the CIA Triad (confidentiality, integrity, accessibility).
Networking and network security: Most attacks occur on networked systems. To protect against these types of threats, you’ll need to know how networks work and their particular vulnerabilities.
Programming: While technological advances enable cybersecurity analysts to perform their work without having to write code, a foundational understanding of languages such as JavaScript, Python, and C/C++ could give you a competitive edge.
Attention to detail: Noticing a small anomaly could mean saving your company from a significant data loss.
Communication: When security events occur, you’ll need to coordinate with your security team and document the investigation and recovery process. You may also train your fellow employees in best security practices.
Critical thinking: Whether responding to a threat, patching a vulnerability, or recommending new security protocols, critical thinking skills empower you to make data-driven decisions.
Curiosity: Technology continues to evolve, and cybercriminals continue to develop new ways to steal or destroy data. Curiosity will help you stay up to date on new threats and security best practices.
Calm under pressure: Responding to a security event means acting fast and prioritizing the tasks that will shut down the attack or isolate the data breach quickly to minimize damage.
Earning a cybersecurity certification can be a great way to validate your skills to recruiters and potential employers. Preparing for an exam doubles as a way to learn more about the field and build your skills.
Once you’ve built your cybersecurity skill set, start applying for jobs or internships in the field. Depending on your professional and educational background, you may begin in an entry-level information technology (IT) job or as a junior data analyst before advancing into more specialized positions.
In addition to searching for jobs in the private sector, consider opportunities through the Government of Canada, which also hires cybersecurity professionals.
Cybersecurity is a growing field with plenty of career opportunities in Canada. If you want to start a career in this field, consider the Microsoft Cybersecurity Analyst Professional Certificate on Coursera. This program helps individuals with no previous experience prepare for Microsoft’s SC-900 exam and a first job in cybersecurity, all at their own pace.
Cybersecurity involves several technical skills, and the fast-paced work environment can be challenging. Fortunately, with some time and dedication, it’s possible to gain the required knowledge and learn the right skills.
Set aside a little time each day for cybersecurity learning, and consider setting up a virtual environment to practice those skills.
Your daily tasks in an entry-level role will depend on the company you’re working for. Generally, day-to-day tasks might include:
Cybersecurity analysts often work full-time but sometimes outside the typical 9-to-5 hours. Since cyberattacks can happen anytime, some organizations and security companies keep security analysts on call outside of usual business hours. Cybersecurity could be a good fit if you’re looking for a job with the flexibility to work evenings or weekend hours.
Indeed. “Cybersecurity Analyst Salary in Canada, https://ca.indeed.com/career/cybersecurity-analyst/salaries.” Accessed September 28, 2024.
Government of Canada Job Bank. “Cybersecurity Analyst in Canada: Job Prospects, https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/outlook-occupation/296427/ca.” Accessed September 28, 2024.
Government of Canada Job Bank. “Cybersecurity Analyst in Canada: Job Requirements, https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/requirements/296427/ca.” Accessed September 28, 2024.
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