Cybersecurity Analyst

Secure your thrilling career.

You desire an innovative career that makes a difference in the changing technological landscape — and a career as a cybersecurity analyst is perfect for you. Cybersecurity analysts develop and execute security measures that protect an organization’s computer networks from vulnerability … all while being part of one of the most in-demand industries today.

The Perks

Due to a shortage of cybersecurity professionals — and an elevated number of cyber attacks worldwide — there has never been a better time to enter into this field.

3.5

Million

There will be an estimated 3.5 million unfilled cybersecurity jobs in the world by 2021.

28%

Growth

Jobs in cybersecurity are expected to grow by 28% between 2016-= and 2026.

$63911

Salary

The median entry level annual salary for cybersecurity analysts is $63,911.

Cybersecurity Analyst

Integrity

Every day presents new and exciting challenges. You never quite know what’s going to happen. And you don’t even have to have a four-year degree to get into this field.

What Do I Need?

To become a cybersecurity analyst, you’ll need a passion for technical tasks and a drive to solve complicated challenges.

Cybersecurity Certificate

Certifications — such as the Certified Information Systems Security Professional certificate— are not always required but can be an excellent boost while applying to analyst positions.

Technical Experience

For those without bachelor’s degrees, technical experience will be extremely valuable in this field. This includes having knowledge of operating systems, networking, programming and virtualization software.

IT Fundamentals

In addition to technical skills, it’s important to have a basic understanding of web applications and system administration.

Communication Skills

You should be able to know how to communicate — both verbally and through writing — complex subjects to those who may not have a technical background, such as high-level executives.

IT Fundamentals

Individuals who work in cybersecurity have strong diagnostic skills and are able to dig into technical problems to provide the best solutions.

Big-Picture Thinking

In addition to knowing the technical components of cybersecurity-related tasks, you’ll need to stay up-to-date on the privacy and security regulations that heavily influence your work.

Cybersecurity Certificate

Certifications — such as the Certified Information Systems Security Professional certificate— are not always required but can be an excellent boost while applying to analyst positions.

Technical Experience

IT Fundamentals

In addition to technical skills, it’s important to have a basic understanding of web applications and system administration.

Communication Skills

You should be able to know how to communicate — both verbally and through writing — complex subjects to those who may not have a technical background, such as high-level executives.

IT Fundamentals

Individuals who work in cybersecurity have strong diagnostic skills and are able to dig into technical problems to provide the best solutions.

Big-Picture Thinking

In addition to knowing the technical components of cybersecurity-related tasks, you’ll need to stay up-to-date on the privacy and security regulations that heavily influence your work.

Your Resources

Ready to get started? Here are some resources and pathways you can explore to get started in a successful career as a cybersecurity analyst!

WGU Missouri Online Degree Programs

The mission of WGU Missouri is to expand access to affordable higher education for Missouri residents through online, competency-based programs that address key workforce needs. WGU Missouri offers more than 60 bachelor’s and master’s degrees in the high-demand fields of business, IT, teacher education, and healthcare. WGU now serves almost 3,200 students in Missouri and has awarded degrees to more than 3,200 Missouri residents.

College Program

Network Security, Certificate of Proficiency (CP)

This skill-oriented program prepares you to implement security measures for a network. The Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) security courses cover knowledge and skills required to secure Cisco networks. The program competencies align with the industry CCNA security certification examination, where a network professional demonstrates the skills required to develop a security infrastructure, recognize threats and vulnerabilities to networks and mitigate security threats.

College Program

Cybersecurity, Associate in Applied Science (AAS), Certificate of Proficiency (CP)

The program prepares you for entry-level information assurance/security technician positions that support planning, implementing, upgrading and monitoring security measures that protect computer networks and information systems. Courses cover computer architecture, programming and systems analysis, networking, cryptography, security system design, applicable law and regulations, risk assessment and policy analysis, contingency planning, user access issues, investigation techniques and troubleshooting.

College Program

CISCO Networking Academy: CCNA, Certificate of Specialization (CS)

This program teaches comprehensive networking concepts, from network applications to the protocols and services provided to those applications by the lower layers of the network. Students will progress from basic networking to more complex enterprise and theoretical networking models later in the curriculum. In each course, students will learn technical concepts with the support of interactive media and apply this knowledge through a series of hands-on and simulated activities that reinforce learning. The courses serve as preparation to take the Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician (CCENT®) certification exam after completing the first two courses and the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA®) Routing and Switching certification exam after completing all four courses.

College Program

Maryville University Science and Robotics Program

Low-cost, week-long summer and winter camp programs providing an engaging opportunity for students who are interested in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields. Students ages 4-16 can participate in premier, cutting-edge courses with highly qualified faculty, including professors, engineers, computer programmers, and gifted certified teachers. Before and aftercare for children is available.

0 - 12 Months

Youth Program

CyberUp

CyberUp connects ambitious job seekers with opportunities to earn well-paying jobs in cybersecurity through a unique apprenticeship model. There are three tracks for candidates: Pre-apprenticeship program for those in need of further development of their workforce readiness skills, Level 1 course for those with some career experience, and Level 2 course for those already possessing some IT job experience or training.

Apprenticeship

Employment Opportunity

Free

Job Training

Cyber Security Analyst Apprenticeship

The Cyber Security Analyst Apprenticeship provides a nontraditional educational path for career seekers interested in cybersecurity fields. Paid, 18-month apprenticeship that combines on-the-job learning with online coursework and the opportunity to complete a CompTIA Security+ and CompTIA Network+ certification.

NPower St. Louis

NPower creates pathways to economic prosperity by launching digital careers for young adults from underserved communities. NPower’s Tech Fundamentals course, which provides foundational IT skills, is a free 22-week course.

College Program

Financial Assistance

LaunchCode

LaunchCode is a non-profit organization here in St. Louis, Missouri, that works with hundreds of companies and individuals to offer intensive courses in coding skills and set up paid apprenticeships in technology for talented people.

Apprenticeship

Certification Course

Job Training