Explore the skills and education requirements for a rewarding career as a cyber security analyst. Discover industry statistics on employment, salary potential, and weekly job hours.
Overview
Cyber Security analysts (also known as “information security analysts”) provide businesses with solutions on improving their ICT security. Their general duties include research on the latest security trends, data analysis on a company’s current ICT systems, and developing strategies for improving data protection against new and common cyber threats, and implementing effective security measures.
Cyber Security analysts also conduct regular assessments of one's IT environment; monitoring logs and network traffic to ensure the health of computer systems as well as keep track of suspicious activity. They also make sure to regularly update existing technologies, helping companies minimize downtime and remain protected from new cyber threats and cyber attacks.
Those working in ICT security can expect industry growth in the coming years, with an expected increase of 43,900 workers in 2018 to 47,300 by 2023.
Key Skills
Well-skilled in managing and maintaining IT infrastructure, such as operating systems, firewalls, routers, and other related items to establish network security, prevent data breaches and implement effective cyber security solutions.
Perceptive; possessing high-level skills in identifying potential threats, vulnerabilities, and cyber attacks (e.g., phishing attacks, insider threats, malware attacks, distributed denial of service), and ensuring endpoint security, cloud security, and mobile security.
Ability to keep track of system activities and monitor processes as required
Strong collaboration skills; often working in an office setting with other ICT professionals, working to achieve company goals
Advanced knowledge of new technologies and trends in cyber security
Excellent customer service skills; able to provide high-quality, well-trusted security services
Quick Facts
Employment for database and systems administrators and those pursuing a cyber security career is large, with weekly earnings higher than the all-jobs average (these tend to be lower when starting out – increasing as experience grows). Most cyber security professionals work full time, with opportunities across many regions of Australia.
Salary Range
$57,000 - $108,000 (Median: $77,000)*
Average Weekly Hours
41 hours (vs. all jobs average of 44 hours)*
Main Industries
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services; Public Administration and Safety; and Financial and Insurance Services
Most Common Qualification Level
38.3% hold a Bachelor’s Degree*
STUDY PATHWAYS
Getting the skills you need is simple by studying one of our information technology courses below.
*Sources: payscale.com.au and joboutlook.gov.au – All information is to be used as a guide only, and are accurate at the time of publication.
