Cybersecurity Data Analyst: What They Do + How to Become One

Key takeaways

Cybersecurity data analysts use their data analytics expertise to help organizations strengthen their cybersecurity efforts.

• The demand for cybersecurity data analysts may continue to increase, as Fortune Business Insights estimates the global cybersecurity market size at $248.28 billion in 2026 and expects it to reach $699.39 billion by 2034 [1].

• Steps to becoming a cybersecurity data analyst include pursuing a degree, building the necessary skill set, gaining experience, earning certifications, and networking.

• You can work toward becoming a cybersecurity data analyst by earning a degree in computer science or a related field.

Discover more about the role of a cybersecurity data analyst, their salary, and the steps you can take to start your career in cybersecurity analytics. If you’re ready to begin developing your cybersecurity skills, enroll in the Microsoft Cybersecurity Analyst Professional Certificate. In as little as six months, you can learn about cloud security, network security, threat management, penetration testing, and more.

What is a cybersecurity data analyst?

A cybersecurity data analyst, also known as an information security analyst, protects organizations from cyberattacks and security breaches by analyzing data to assess vulnerabilities in infrastructure and computer networks.

Cybersecurity data analysts apply their skills in data analytics to the field of cybersecurity, interpreting data related to cybersecurity attacks and threats to protect an organization's digital assets. Knowing what to look for and developing familiarity with bad actors' tactics allows cybersecurity data analysts to implement more robust security measures for their employers.

Duties and responsibilities 

The typical tasks you'll perform as a cybersecurity data analyst are similar to those of a general data analyst. However, in this role, you'll analyze and interpret data specifically relevant to cybersecurity and the safety of a company. Duties and responsibilities include:

• Analyzing and assessing security systems and infrastructure

• Monitoring website traffic and potential threats as they happen

• Using encryption and firewalls for protection and restricting access

• Undertaking risk analysis

• Conducting penetration tests

• Writing reports and incident logs

• Strengthening security vulnerabilities

Read more: What Is Encryption and How Does It Work?

Cybersecurity data analyst salary and job outlook

Cybersecurity data analysts are in high demand and command a competitive salary.

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the number of job openings for information security analysts is projected to grow by 29 percent between 2024 and 2034 [2]. By comparison, the BLS notes that the average growth for all jobs in the country is projected to be just 3 percent during that same period [3]. BLS also reports that the median pay for an information security analyst in the United States is $124,910 annually [2].

In comparison, Glassdoor suggests that a data analyst outside of the cybersecurity industry earns significantly less, with a median total pay of $93,000, including base salary and additional pay, which may represent profit-sharing, commissions, bonuses, or other compensation [4].

How to become a cybersecurity analyst

Working as a cybersecurity data analyst involves demonstrating your skills in data analysis and applying them to the context of cybersecurity, along with gaining relevant experience, qualifications, and certifications.

Let’s examine each step in more detail to help you envision the path forward.

1. Get a degree.

Earning a degree is an excellent way to acquire the skills and knowledge needed to work as a cybersecurity data analyst.

Consider earning your degree in computer science or a similar field. Sometimes, employers may look for professionals with a master’s degree. In some colleges, you may find specialist cybersecurity degrees to help you focus your studies further. Examples include a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity and information assurance and a master’s in information security.

However, a degree is only one of your options. According to Zippia, only 61 percent of cybersecurity data analysts have a bachelor’s degree [5]. In other cases, employers value skills over education and look favorably on boot camps where you learn up-to-date skills in a hands-on setting and in a shorter time than a degree.

2. Build cybersecurity data analyst skills.

Cybersecurity data analysts have a specific skill set that blends both technical skills and workplace skills. Furthermore, research by ISC2 reveals a significant gap between the number of skilled cybersecurity professionals and their demand [6]. To secure a role, consider building and demonstrating these skills:

Technical skills

• Network security

• Cloud security

• Data modeling and management

• Data analysis

• Risk analysis

• Data modeling 

• Python and other programming languages

• Intrusion detection

• Incident response

• Scripting

Workplace skills

• Analytical skills

• Communication skills

• Problem-solving

• Critical thinking

• Adaptability

• Collaboration

• Time management

• Creativity

• Attention to detail

3. Gain experience.

Experience is crucial in getting hired as a cybersecurity analyst; in some cases, experience and certifications can be enough without a degree. Some relevant experience includes working in an IT role, an entry-level information security job, taking an internship, or coming from a data analysis role outside cybersecurity.

4. Obtain certification.

In a fast-moving technical industry like cybersecurity, certifications are crucial. They allow one to learn relevant, up-to-date skills essential to working in the field. Some employers ask for specific certifications, but even if it’s not required, having these credentials can be a helpful addition to your resume, particularly when applying for a competitive role.

For a cybersecurity data analyst role, you might consider credentials such as:

• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)

• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

• CompTIA Security+

• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)

5. Put yourself out there.

Leverage your professional network to help find opportunities. Attend industry events, enroll in boot camps, network, and work on personal projects with others. You might also consider connecting with a mentor to guide you based on their experience. 

How to transition from data analyst to cybersecurity data analyst

Although you may already have many foundational skills necessary for working as a cybersecurity data analyst, you'll likely need additional training or to earn cybersecurity certifications to effectively transition from a general data analyst role. Some areas you may need to develop include a robust understanding of privacy issues, regulatory standards, compliance strategies, and how to work with threat models.

Perks of working in cybersecurity

Working in cybersecurity has numerous perks, many of which you’ll find outlined above. Let's recap:

• High salary: The cybersecurity industry offers high salaries, with median annual wages over $120,000 [7]. Top-level roles in cybersecurity come with even higher wages. For example, a chief information security officer earns a median total pay of $323,000, according to data from Glassdoor as of April 2026 [8]. This figure includes base salary and additional pay, which may represent profit-sharing, commissions, bonuses, or other compensation.

• Growing industry: The BLS anticipates a growth rate of 29 percent in the decade leading up to 2034 [2]. Furthermore, Fortune Business Insights estimates the global cybersecurity market size at $248.28 billion in 2026 and expects it to reach $699.39 billion by 2034 [1].

• Career growth: Due to the industry’s rapid rate of expansion and significant skills gap, available jobs outweigh the number of suitable candidates. If you have the right skills, this translates to professional opportunities.

Discover more with our free resources

Discover fresh insights into your career or learn about trends in your industry by subscribing to our LinkedIn newsletter, Career Chat! Or if you want to keep learning more about cybersecurity, check out these free resources:

• Watch on YouTube: How to Pivot Industries as a Cybersecurity Analyst

• Earn a certification: 8 Cybersecurity Certifications for Career Growth

• Learn the terminology: Cybersecurity Glossary: Key Terms & Definitions

Accelerate your career growth with a Coursera Plus subscription. When you enroll in either the monthly or annual option, you’ll get access to over 10,000 courses. 

Build job-ready skills with Coursera Plus

Start 7-day free trial

• 
• 
• 
• 

Start 7-day free trial