How To Become A Cyber Security Analyst In Australia? Important 6 steps

If the latest news and trends in technology make you more interested and curious, then you are naturally inquisitive and love to put your critical thinking skills to good use. In this case, a career such as Cybersecurity Analyst could be perfect for you. 

The cybersecurity industry currently has a 0% unemployment rate. Where other industries are still suffering. There is a large skill shortage in this profession, and more and more companies are recognizing the importance of a strong and secure network. 

This means that if you begin studying a cybersecurity course today, you will be able to enter a reliable and secured industry that can offer you growth and stability.

 

What’s the responsibility of a Cyber Security Analyst

 

Cybersecurity is all about protecting systems, networks, programs, and individual devices from various cyber threats and attacks. As businesses begin to rely more heavily on technology, the need for strong security protocols is rising. 

As a Cyber Security Analyst, it will be your job to create and enforce security policies for various organizations. You will have to configure wired and wireless networks, identify and neutralise different types of cyber threats, and perform penetration testing, among a variety of other things. 

One thing’s for sure your day will always offer variety and plenty of challenges to test your skills and potential. You can learn all these skills and more from our Cyber Security Courses at South Sydney College.

 

Technical Skills that every Cyber Security Analyst Must Have

 

As technology is advancing regularly, cyber security professionals need to constantly learn and refine their skills to effectively safeguard the organization. So you’ll need the right combination of technical skills and soft skills to grow a successful career as a cyber security analyst.

You’ll need knowledge and experience in programming languages such as C, PHP, C++, Perl, and Java. A strong understanding of network configuration and security systems, web development, and firewall installation.

If you can gather experience in implementing and administering cloud computing systems and processes that will be an advantage. Also, you should be able to manage a proprietary network, train other employees, or conduct penetration testing on the organization’s digital properties. 

Lastly, the game changes now and then in this profession so you’ll need to stay updated on the latest industrial development in the area of systems and processes.

 

Are You Qualified To Be A Cyber Security Analyst

 

Wherever you are, you’ll have to have a qualification to follow this career, find the qualification below.

1. You’ll need to gain your Senior Secondary Certificate of Education in one or more of the pre-requisite subjects such as English, chemistry, physics, and mathematics.
2. You’ll need to complete a Bachelor’s degree in information technology, computer science, or other related fields. 
3. You’ll need to complete a relevant industry certification, such as Certified Ethical Hacker, CompTIA Security+, Certified Information Systems Security Professional, etc. 
4. If possible earn a postgraduate qualification such as a Master of Business Administration in information systems. 
5. Lastly, gain IT industry experience working as a System, Network, or Database Administrator.

 

A step-by-step guide to becoming a Cyber Security Analyst

 

Step 1: Conduct a research

Your first step is to decide which type of cyber security role you’d want to pursue. There are those more focused on the business, and regulatory aspects of the industry, while others concentrate on technical skills and system administration. 

Your ultimate career pathway will depend on your interests and natural skill set. Typical cyber security jobs in Australia include security consultants, computer forensics analysts, penetration testers, and security systems administrators. 

Once you have a clear idea of your desired role, do your research on the required skills for the position, and the characteristics and traits of the employees. You may also want to pick up on additional statistics or facts on the industry that will help you to decide if this is the field for you or not. 

The current cyber security suggests us a projection of 26,000 job openings by the year 2023. So if you start today you’ll be in a great place tomorrow. 

 

Step 2: Get a proper qualification

Once you have all the necessary information, you will need to pursue an educational qualification. According to job Outlook, most Australians working in the ICT security industry has no formal qualifications. This happens mostly because their technical competency is demonstrated to employers. 

However, vendor and industry certifications are highly regarded and can improve your possibilities to get into the job market. Out of all those employed in the relevant field, 25.7% hold a certificate, diploma, or advanced diploma qualification. 

Reports show a growing need for cyber security workers in Australia is up to an additional 17,600 by 2026. The government is planning to increase the quality of university courses in the sector. 

For those who are filled with full-time work or family commitments, online programs in the field are fortunately on the rise. They will be provided with the opportunity of studying on a flexible basis. 

 

Step 3: Focus more on self-learning and personal projects 

On top of the certification or qualification, you’re striving toward, it’s also important to take the time to teach yourself and learn something extra. A lack of certification shouldn’t hold you back from pursuing projects or further learning on the side. 

Explore new things from online videos and forums available in your profession, and gaining new knowledge from industry veterans across the globe will help you grow. On top of the skills training in your current courses. 

Software development platforms such as GitHub allow aspiring security experts to contribute to open source projects. This is definitely an effective way of testing your current skill sets that allows you to connect with fellow professionals around the world, and taking your resume up with personal ventures to impress potential employers. 

On top of technical skills, however, it’s also important to invest in your soft skills. Reach out to other students in your course, or communicate with other aspiring experts online; brushing up on your social and marketing skills can help prepare you for the job-hunting process, as well as the workplace.

 

STEP 4: Do an internship

Once you get your first qualification in cyber security, now it is time to prepare yourself for the workforce. If you’re one of the lucky ones, you may just get full-time employment right out of your training. 

For many others, pursuing an internship is common to gain detailed industry experience. An internship is a perfect opportunity to put your classroom skills to practical use. It also allows entry-level experts in two different ways. 

While you aren’t expected to have the seasoned knowledge of long-time industry professionals, at the same time, you’re immersed in the professional responsibilities and conduct required of a formal workplace. 

You’ll still learn the corporate standards and demands in a typical cyber security setting, training you for your days as a full-time professional. An internship also offers the opportunity of collaborating with other aspiring experts, helping you consume all the workplace dynamics and enhance your communication skills. 

Lastly, you’ll get to make common rookie mistakes and learn from them that will help you avoid the same pitfalls come to your first official job.

 

STEP 5: Get into your first job

When hunting down your first, professional role please don’t expect the grandest opportunities right off the bat. Rather than scouting for prestige, six-figure earnings, and exciting tasks glorified by hacker-based movies, it’s far more important to focus on all you can learn from your first job experience.

The new skills and knowledge you’ll gain from working with field professionals. You’ll also gain an in-depth understanding of what employers value in today’s security experts. You need to understand that an aptitude for learning and critical thinking are the main skills needed.

Technological skills can be taught, but essential skills like problem-solving and critical thinking are much harder to develop. However, it’s also important to develop a growth-centered, open mindset and welcome new views, methods, and unfamiliar discoveries to enhance your current knowledge base and progress you along your career journey. 

 

STEP 6: Continue learning

Though getting a job may seem like the end goal, it’s crucial to remain curious and inquisitive. Surround yourself with new insights and expertise, whether it is through YouTube videos or browsing through your favorite tech websites. 

Sign up for new courses if it suits you, or attend conferences to network with other like-minded professionals. You’ll find many lists available regarding cyber security events taking place in Australia that are updated each year. 

You’ll pick up a new thing or two from fellow experts, or at the very least, expand your business circle. If you’d like, it can also help to share your knowledge with others. This can be done through blogging, social media posts, or even public speaking.

Whatever you feel is helping you start a discussion, do accept feedback or constructive criticism from others. These exchanges can help you further improve and grow in your profession. 

 

If you are really focused to build a career in this growing industry then do remember, that South Sydney College offers a variety of courses for all aspiring cyber security analysts. Additionally, you will learn to sharpen your soft skills, preparing yourself for success in a professional workplace environment. 

Best of all, it’s 100% online, helping you train according to your personal needs and commitments. Enquire today to kickstart a fulfilling career in the world of cyber security.

Read More on 8 Benefits Of Seeking A Career In Cyber Security.