The Beginner’s Guide to Becoming an Information Security Analyst

Thinking about getting into cybersecurity? A lot of people are heading in the same direction, and for good reason. The demand for information security analysts is climbing fast, with job growth expected to reach 33% by 2033, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. That’s more than six times the national average for all jobs. If you’re curious about how to become an information security analyst, now’s the time to get serious.

The pay isn’t too shabby either. The average information security analyst salary is around $124,910 a year, and it can go much higher depending on your experience and certifications. Even entry-level roles often start above $65,000. It’s a stable, future-proof career, and you don’t need to be a coding wizard to get started.

Here are 10 clear steps to help you break in, even if you’re starting from scratch.

Step 1: Understand What the Job Involves

Before you dive in, get clear on what an information security analyst actually does. This role focuses on protecting networks, systems, and data from cyber threats. Day-to-day work often includes:

• Monitoring security tools and alerts
• Investigating potential breaches
• Setting up firewalls and antivirus systems
• Running risk assessments
• Creating reports for management
• Educating staff on how not to get phished

It’s a mix of tech, problem-solving, and communication. If you like figuring things out and staying one step ahead of hackers, this is a good fit.

Step 2: Choose the Right Education Path

Most analysts have a bachelor’s degree in something related to technology. Good options include cybersecurity, information systems, or computer science. These programs give you a strong base in networks, databases, and security protocols. If you already have a degree in another field, don’t worry, you can still shift into security by supplementing your education with certifications and hands-on training.

For those starting from the ground up, look for schools that offer a practical, lab-based approach. A formal information security analyst degree isn’t the only route, but it can help you stand out.

Step 3: Learn Core Technical Skills

You don’t have to be a hardcore programmer, but you do need to be comfortable with the tools of the trade. Some of the key skills you’ll want to develop:

• Learn networking basics such as TCP/IP, ports, protocols, and DNS.
• Get comfortable using different operating systems like Windows, Linux, and macOS.
• Practice with security tools, including firewalls and SIEMs like Splunk or QRadar.
• Pick up some scripting skills with Python or PowerShell.
• Understand the fundamentals of cloud security across platforms like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud.
• Use vulnerability assessment tools like Nessus, Nmap, and OpenVAS to identify and test security gaps.

You can pick up most of these through online courses, bootcamps, or your own home lab. Don’t stress about mastering everything at once, just start building a foundation and grow from there.

Step 4: Get Some Hands-On Practice

One of the fastest ways to build confidence is to experiment and practice. Set up virtual machines on your computer, simulate attacks, and test defenses. This kind of self-guided learning doesn’t just teach you the tech, it also trains your problem-solving skills.

Competitions like Capture the Flag (CTF) events are another great way to practice. They simulate real-world hacking challenges and help you learn how attackers think. If you can’t get job experience right away, create projects and document them. Recruiters love to see what you’ve done, even if it’s not tied to a job.

Step 5: Earn Industry Certifications

Certifications help you stand out, especially when you don’t have years of experience yet. Start with beginner-friendly ones, then move up to more advanced options as you grow.

For beginners:

• CompTIA Security+ is widely respected and often required for entry-level roles.
• (ISC)² Certified in Cybersecurity (CC) is a newer certification designed specifically for beginners.

For intermediate/advanced:

• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) focuses on hacking techniques—legally, of course—and is great for hands-on learners.
• CISSP is considered the gold standard for experienced cybersecurity professionals.
• GSEC (GIAC Security Essentials) offers a deep dive into practical security skills for those ready to go beyond the basics.

These help with job applications and show employers you’ve got verified skills.

Step 6: Build a Resume That Shows Your Skills

You don’t need an official “analyst” title to prove you’ve got what it takes. Focus on what you’ve done, like building a home lab, finishing online courses, earning certifications, or joining CTF competitions. Even volunteer work or old IT jobs count, even if they weren’t security-focused. It’s all about showing you’ve been learning and doing.

When you apply, tweak your resume to match the job. Pull keywords straight from the listing, stuff like “incident response,” “network monitoring,” or “risk analysis.” A lot of companies use software to scan resumes before a real person looks at them, so using the right terms helps you get through the filter. Don’t stress if you’re new. Just show what you’ve done and that you’re serious about the field.

Step 7: Start with Entry-Level Roles

You might not land your dream analyst job right away, but you can work toward it by starting in a related tech role. Many information security analysts begin as IT support technicians, helpdesk analysts, or system administrators. These positions build the foundation you’ll need later on.

If you can get into a Security Operations Center (SOC), even better. Working as a junior SOC analyst gives you direct exposure to real-world threats and tools. It’s one of the best stepping stones into the analyst role.

Tip: A lot of analysts start in a helpdesk role and work their way up. You don’t need to wait for the perfect job, just get in the game.

Step 8: Keep Learning and Stay Updated

Cybersecurity doesn’t sit still. Hackers evolve, software updates change everything, and new regulations pop up all the time. That means staying informed is part of the job.

Make it a habit to read cybersecurity blogs, watch industry talks on YouTube, and follow experts on LinkedIn. News sites like ThreatPost, BleepingComputer, and Krebs on Security are solid places to start. You don’t need to know everything, but keeping up with trends makes you a more valuable analyst, and a better job candidate.

Step 9: Build Your Network

Networking helps more than people realize. A lot of jobs are filled through referrals or industry connections. Get to know others in the field and show what you’re working on.

Try:

• Joining local cybersecurity meetups or conferences
• Connecting with current analysts on LinkedIn
• Sharing your projects or blogs in online communities
• Reaching out for informational interviews

You don’t need to be a social butterfly. Just build genuine connections and stay involved.

Step 10: Apply and Keep Going

Once you’ve got the basics down, training, certifications, some hands-on experience, it’s time to start applying for information security analyst roles. Expect a few rejections at first. That’s just part of the process.

When you apply, tailor your resume and cover letter to each job. Talk about how you’ve solved problems, even if it was through a home lab or a personal project. Make sure to mention any information security analyst training or coursework you’ve done. It all counts. And don’t be shy about following up after you apply—sometimes that extra nudge makes a difference.

Every application is practice. Every interview helps you improve. Just keep learning, keep showing up, and eventually, the right opportunity will come.

Your Path to Becoming an Information Security Analyst

Getting into cybersecurity as an information security analyst doesn’t come down to having everything perfect—it comes down to sticking with it. There’s no one-size-fits-all path. Some folks go the college route, others jump into bootcamps, and plenty just tinker, practice, and learn as they go. The important thing is to keep moving.

Every class you finish, every tool you mess with, every “no” you bounce back from, that all builds up. This field values people who stay curious, keep showing up, and aren’t afraid to learn in public. If you keep putting in the work, certs, projects, reaching out, applying, you’ll look up one day and realize you’ve already become someone companies want on their team. Keep going. You’re probably closer than you think.