- The Australian Cyber Security Growth Network predicts that the cybersecurity industry in Australia will continue to be understaffed and will experience a shortage of over 3,000 workers by 2026 as the gap between demand and supply continues to widen.
- A qualification is the first step to gaining a role in the cybersecurity field, such as Monash Online’s fully online Graduate Certificate of Cybersecurity.
- Sectors such as government, defence and financial services employ cybersecurity professionals regularly as their cyber safety is a top priority.
From personal protection to building resilience for private businesses, public organisations and government, we must have experts with the knowledge and skills to stay on top of the latest cybersecurity measures.
The cost of cybercrime to businesses is growing, and not just financially. Reputational damage and business disruption can take a real toll on a business – affecting brand perception and customer experience and even impacting employee well-being.
Warding off cyber attacks and protecting systems and networks are just part of a cybersecurity analyst’s job responsibilities. In this career guide, you’ll learn about what cybersecurity analysts do, how to become a cybersecurity expert and get an insight into the cybersecurity job market.
What does a cybersecurity analyst do?
Cybersecurity experts generally work in IT teams to protect their organisations’ networks, systems and data. It’s an important role, and one that’s constantly evolving – just as cyber threats change and diversify, so does the day-to-day work of a cybersecurity analyst.
With emerging digital threats and increased exposure to cyber risk, organisations of all sorts are now focused on consolidating their digital strategies and regulating their processes and frameworks to manage cyber risk.
Cybersecurity analysts create, monitor and enforce security measures that identify and neutralise cyber threats – from malware and viruses to cloud vulnerability and exposure, threats and attacks aim to access, expose or destroy a business’s information.
Cybersecurity analyst job growth and earning potential
In 2023, 42 per cent of entities indicated that they report at least half of the cyber security incidents observed on their networks to the Australian Signals Directorate (ASD). Government data suggests that the local cybersecurity industry is growing by over eight per cent annually and has the potential to triple in size over the coming decade.
Cybersecurity skills are in high demand, so highly competitive salaries are on offer to attract top talent. ICT security experts get paid approximately $125,000 to $145,000 according to Seek.
Where would I work as a cybersecurity analyst?
Cybersecurity analysts are needed across a wide range of organisations and industries. Unsurprisingly, sectors such as government, defence and financial services employ cybersecurity professionals regularly as their cyber safety is a top priority.
Other industries that hire cybersecurity analysts include healthcare, insurance and telecommunications companies.
It’s more than just big businesses and large organisations that need experts with skills and understanding of information technology security issues. Small and medium enterprises across industries also need qualified professionals, as they are less likely to have big IT departments with solid systems and processes.
What type of skills do cybersecurity analysts need to develop?
To work as a cybersecurity analyst, you’ll need solid technical IT skills, be highly analytical and also have good general business skills. Comprehensive knowledge of Python or Java programming is a great starting point. You will then need to expand your technical skills depending on the job role or industry you want to pursue.
In a tertiary qualification, like Monash Online’s Graduate Certificate of Cybersecurity, you’ll study software and network security units that will give you the skills you need to thrive in any kind of cybersecurity career you want. In addition, you’ll learn about enterprise IT security and information and computer security, and have the opportunity to develop skills in emerging technologies like blockchain and cloud computing.
How do I become a cybersecurity analyst in Australia?
Qualification is the first step to gaining a role in the cybersecurity field. Monash’s fully online Graduate Certificate of Cybersecurity graduates enter the workforce in a diverse range of roles, including cybersecurity consultant, cybersecurity systems architect, business analyst, information security officer, forensic computer scientist and cryptoanalyst.
Starting your career as a cybersecurity analyst
If you’re looking to become a cybersecurity analyst and begin a challenging, diverse and rewarding career, our online Graduate Certificate of Cybersecurity will give you the foundation to move into this in-demand sector.
Whether you’re currently working in the field of cybersecurity and want to formalise your knowledge or if you have a background in IT and want to kick-start a change in direction within the sector, the graduate certificate will prepare you for a wealth of opportunities in this rapidly expanding market.
Learn more about how to start your cybersecurity career with Monash Online by calling a course consultant today on 1300 272 509 or arranging an online booking.
