How to become a cyber security analyst

A cyber security analyst with eye glasses working on a laptop.
A cyber security analyst with eye glasses working on a laptop.
Cyber Security

The tech revolution has transformed how we live, work and connect, but it has also introduced serious vulnerabilities and security threats.

Cybercrime and security breaches already cost the Australian economy an estimated $30 billion dollars annually and as digital transformation accelerates, so does the complexity and scale of cyber threats.

This growing risk makes skilled cyber security analysts indispensable – and their earning potential reflects it. Access to cyber security professionals, particularly analysts, is essential for any organisation aiming to safeguard its systems and data from breaches.

This guide is designed to help early career professionals, current information technology professionals or those from non-tech backgrounds take the next steps toward becoming a cyber security analyst.

First things first, what is a cyber security analyst? 

A cyber security analyst is someone within an organisation dedicated to protecting and safeguarding computer systems, digital assets, data, networks and information systems from cyber threats.

Known by various titles such as Information Security Analysts, Cyber Security Specialists or simply Security Analysts, they are the frontline defenders against cyber threats.

Cyber security analysts monitor and defend against cyberattacks, investigate security incidents, develop solutions and implement preventative measures to secure and protect an organisation's systems and data against potential threats.

These experts play a crucial role in preventing security breaches and educating users about best practices in information security.

Their work involves continuous monitoring, analysis and implementation of security measures to secure systems and protect digital assets from unauthorised access and cyber attacks.

How to become a cyber security analyst in Australia

Get degree qualified

The rapidly growing cyber security industry offers great opportunities for professionals to advance their careers with specialised qualifications.

This ever-evolving field requires professionals with strong critical thinking to tackle emerging challenges. A computer science or information technology degree provides essential foundational knowledge of information and operating systems, forming a solid foundation for success in cyber security roles.

For industry professionals and bachelor’s degree holders, a postgraduate qualification offers advanced expertise and a level of versatility that practical experience alone cannot achieve. Online degrees like University of New South Wales (UNSW) Master of Cyber Security offer busy professionals a flexible, accelerated way to gain the top skills and knowledge typically required to navigate the future of cyber security.

Whether your goal is to become a technical specialist or step into a leadership role, a master’s degree unlocks a wide range of opportunities in the ever-evolving field of cyber security.

Explore pathways and certifications

If you don’t meet the entry requirements for a master’s degree or you are looking to transition from a related field, there are alternative postgraduate pathways available. A Graduate Diploma in Cyber Security or a Graduate Certificate in Cyber Security can equip you with the skills and experience you need to gain entry to a master's program.

You can also explore relevant industry certifications such as CompTIA Security+ or EC Council's Certified Ethical Hacker to validate your skills and knowledge prior to pursuing formal qualifications.

Gain hands on experience

As with essentially every industry, gaining on-the-job, real-world experience in the field of cyber security can make a huge difference in accelerating your cyber security analyst career trajectory. Working on actual projects will not only build your skill set, confidence and portfolio, it can also help you build your network. More on that shortly.

Comprehensive postgraduate education programs, like UNSW Online’s Master of Cyber Security, build practical units into their curriculum to ensure you can apply the up-to-date theory you’re learning when it counts the most.

To gain differentiating hands-on experience, look for opportunities and courses that allow you to engage with key areas like penetration testing, threat intelligence, risk assessment, network security and incident response, as well as provide exposure to refine your skills in monitoring networks, maintaining firewalls, programming languages and software development.

Developing your skills in security information and event management (SIEM) systems is also crucial, as these play a significant role in managing and analysing security events.

Build a strong professional network

What you know is crucial when launching a career in cyber security, but if you want to truly unlock your potential and accelerate your growth, who you know can make all the difference. Building strong connections is the key to accessing sought-after roles, unlocking career-defining collaborations and broadening your expertise through mentorship.

The great news? It’s never too early (or too late) to start cultivating a robust network in the cyber security field. Beyond forming relationships within your workplace or through postgraduate programs, actively engaging in industry groups and attending events will keep you both informed and connected.

Connect with industry groups

The cyber security community continues to grow, offering a wealth of opportunities to connect through both in-person and online events hosted by industry groups.

To start building your network, explore leading organisations such as:

To go one step further – keep an eye out for cyber security expos, hackathons and conferences like this one from the Australian Cyber Collaboration Centre, where you can interact with industry leaders and discover the latest developments in the field.

What does the future look like for cyber security analysts?

What is the cyber security job outlook in Australia?

Cyber security is one of the fastest-growing industries, with no signs of slowing down. Cybercrime and cyber attacks are on the rise and are projected to cost global organisations $265 billion by 2031, while millions of cyber security jobs remain unfilled worldwide.

The Australian Cyber Security Centre’s Annual Cyber Threat Report revealed a 13 per cent rise in data breach notifications in 2023/24, while McKinsey estimates a $2 trillion market opportunity in cybersecurity services, indicating the strong demand for skilled professionals to manage cyber security threats and manage information technology systems and design security measures is only expected to rise.

What types of roles are available for cyber security analyst graduates?

Demand for skilled cyber security analysts and information security analysts is growing across industries like finance, healthcare and government. Starting roles like junior cyber security analyst or SOC analyst can lead to specialised careers as penetration testers or incident response specialists.

Experienced professionals looking to advance their careers in cyber security can benefit from programs like UNSW Online’s Master of Cyber Security, which offer specialised training for top-tier roles. Postgraduate qualifications open pathways to senior positions such as senior cyber security analyst, cyber security manager, or even chief information security officer (CISO). These roles blend technical expertise with strategic leadership and come with the potential to earn salaries exceeding $200,000 per year.

These figures underline the growing demand and importance of cybersecurity roles in Australia’s increasingly digital economy.

What kind of salary range can you expect as a cyber security analyst?

The salary range for cybersecurity analyst roles vary depending on location, industry and experience level, however what we do know, is post-graduate qualified cyber security experts have higher earning and career potential, making a master's degree a sound investment in your future.

According to Seek, the average salary for a cybersecurity analyst in Australia is approximately $115,000 per year, with entry-level professionals earning around $80,000 and experienced professionals making up to $150,000.

Where to next?

As cybercrime continues to rise globally, the demand for skilled cyber security professionals has never been higher. Protecting sensitive data and combating evolving threats are critical skills in today’s digital landscape.

For those looking to build a successful cyber security career and secure one of the most sought-after and well-paid roles, advanced qualifications and technical expertise are essential – and UNSW Online delivers both.

Learn from globally recognised leaders in cyber security

A globally recognised institution, UNSW combines academic excellence with real-world relevance. Ranked #1 in Australia for engineering and technology, and a member of the prestigious Group of Eight (Go8), UNSW has been voted as having the most employable graduates at the AFR Top 100 Future Leaders for five consecutive years since 2020.

At the forefront of its cyber security leadership is the Institute for Cyber Security (IFCYBER) at UNSW Canberra, the largest hub for cyber security research and education in the Southern Hemisphere. Students gain access to cutting-edge research, industry innovations and insights that prepare them for the challenges of modern cyber security roles.

Specialise in high-demand areas of cyber security

UNSW Online's industry-informed program equips you with the knowledge and connections to excel in a cyber security career, whether you're exploring how to become a cyber security analyst or specialising in other areas of cyber security. The program also allows you to tailor your studies with two focused streams: 

  • Security Engineering – A technical path covering penetration testing, digital forensics, cloud security and building the technical skills cyber security specialists need. 
  • Security Management and Leadership – A strategic leadership pathway focusing on governance, risk management and resilience strategies, ideal for those stepping into leadership positions. 

Learn on your own terms

The 100% online Master of Cyber Security from UNSW is designed for working professionals, offering six annual intakes and a flexible seven-week course structure that fits seamlessly around your commitments. This accelerated model lets you progress faster while enjoying the flexibility of asynchronous learning, so you can study anytime and stay motivated as you quickly achieve milestones in your education. Learn more about the benefits of studying with UNSW online.

Take the next step

Whether you're aiming to become a cyber security analyst, develop as a cyber security specialist, or advance into leadership, this program prepares you for success in one of the fastest-growing and highest-paid sectors. The digital economy is evolving rapidly – now is the time to align your career with it.

Apply today and join a global community of professionals shaping the future of cyber security.

Take the next step toward a rewarding cyber security career – your opportunity is waiting.