Steps for Becoming a Cybersecurity Analyst
Steps for Becoming a Cybersecurity Analyst
In today’s digital age, cyber threats are increasing daily, making cybersecurity a highly sought-after career.
According to ISC²’s Cybersecurity Workforce Study 2024, there is a global shortage of over 4 million cybersecurity professionals. In India, demand for skilled Cybersecurity Analysts has grown by 35% in the past two years, emphasising the growing opportunities for those pursuing a career in cybersecurity.
Becoming a Cybersecurity Analyst requires careful planning, skill development, and structured learning. A Cybersecurity course or a Cybersecurity Certification Course can provide the foundational knowledge needed. Programmes like PGDTRM at GRMI combine classroom learning with practical industry exposure, bridging the gap between theory and practice.
In the following sections, we outline practical steps to build a strong foundation, gain certifications, and acquire hands-on experience. This roadmap will help aspiring professionals navigate the path to a rewarding career in cybersecurity.
Step 1: Understand the Role of a Cybersecurity Analyst
Before pursuing education, it is important to understand the role. A Cybersecurity Analyst:
- Monitors networks for breaches and unusual activity.
- Investigates incidents, tests threats, and recommends mitigation actions.
- Manages patches, assesses vulnerabilities, and updates systems.
- Ensures compliance with regulatory frameworks like ISO and NIST.
- Drafts reports, security policies, and occasionally assists in incident response.
Understanding these responsibilities helps in identifying technical and non-technical skills to develop.
Step 2: Complete the Basic Educational Requirements
Formal education forms the foundation for a cybersecurity career. Options include:
- A bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related fields.
- Non-IT backgrounds can acquire computing skills like networking, operating systems, and programming basics.
- Strong self-learners with proven skills and certifications may also be considered by employers
Step 3: Enrol in a Cybersecurity Course
A structured Cyber security course builds both theoretical and practical knowledge. Good courses typically:
- Cover network security, operating systems, firewalls, and intrusion detection/prevention.
- Train in vulnerability assessment and penetration testing (VAPT).
- Introduce security frameworks, data privacy laws, and regulations.
- Include practical labs or simulations.
- Provide mentorship or projects to develop a professional portfolio
Step 4: Take a Recognised Cybersecurity Certification Course
Certifications enhance credibility. A Cyber security Certification Course can specialise in a particular area and showcase expertise. Popular certifications include:
- CompTIA Security+ for entry-level knowledge.
- Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) to learn offensive security techniques.
- Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) for auditing, controls, and risk assessment.
- Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) for security management and strategy.
Specialisations may include cloud security, incident response, or threat intelligence.
Step 5: Gain Practical Experience
Practical experience is essential. Theory and certifications alone are insufficient. Methods to gain experience include:
- Internships: Programmes like PGDTRM at GRMI include a six-month classroom course and a six-month paid internship.
- Labs and projects: Build labs, participate in Capture the Flag (CTF) challenges, or practice penetration testing.
- Entry-level IT roles: Positions such as help desk, network administrator, or system administrator provide exposure to networks, systems, and logs.
- Volunteering or freelancing: Conduct audits, vulnerability assessments, and security evaluations for small organisations
Step 6: Choose Programmes like PGDTRM at GRMI
Structured programmes such as PGDTRM (Post Graduate Diploma in Technology Risk Management) provide advanced training. Benefits include:
- Time & Format: 1-year programme – six months classroom and six months paid internship.
- Curriculum: Covers Technology Risk Management, IT General Controls (ITGC), change management, network operations, applied cybersecurity, and data loss prevention.
- Frameworks & Auditing: SOC reports (SOC1/SOC2/SOC3), ISO 27001, NIST, COBIT, and cyber law.
- Outcomes: Internship and mentorship provide exposure to real company environments. Graduates may become Risk Advisors, Cyber Risk Consultants, or ITGC Managers.
- Integration: Combines theory and Cybersecurity Certification Course-level knowledge within a risk-management framework
Step 7: Build a Portfolio and Network
- Document projects like security tests, vulnerability reports, and labs.
- Share work on GitHub, blogs, or technical platforms.
- Join cyber groups, forums, and online discussions.
- Attend conferences, workshops, or local meetups to gain insights and job leads
Step 8: Prepare for Entry-Level Roles
Target early roles such as:
- Junior Security Analyst
- SOC Analyst
- IT Risk Analyst
- Network Security Associate
- Incident Response Associate
Interview preparation:
- Discuss real scenarios: threat analysis, breaches, and mitigation.
- Highlight lab or project work.
- Understand networking, operating systems, logs, risk, and compliance fundamentals.
- Demonstrate soft skills, report writing, and communication with non-technical stakeholders
Why a Career in Cybersecurity is Rewarding
- Global and Indian demand is growing rapidly. Sectors like business, government, finance, and healthcare face threats.
- Pay prospects improve with experience and recognised certifications.
- Career paths include technical, managerial, audit, forensics, and governance roles.
- Professionals contribute to data protection, privacy, national security, and business continuity.
India is projected to face a shortage of 1.5 million cybersecurity professionals by 2025 across corporate, government, and fintech sectors. Start planning your roadmap today to build a successful career in cybersecurity
How PGDTRM and GRMI Fit Into Your Path
GRMI’s PGDTRM programme bridges academic learning and industry requirements. It focuses on risk management, IT governance, compliance, and applied cybersecurity. The programme combines classroom instruction with on-the-job learning to prepare students for real-world challenges.
Final Thoughts
A career in cybersecurity requires planning, skills, certifications, and practical experience. Programmes like PGDTRM at GRMI integrate theory, practical learning, and industry exposure. Dedication and continuous learning lead to strong career growth, exciting challenges, and meaningful impact.
FAQ's
Q1. Should I have a degree in Computer Science to become a Cybersecurity Analyst?
Ans:Not necessarily. Degrees help, but with proper training, Cybersecurity courses, certifications, and experience, even non-CS graduates can enter the profession.
Q2. Is there a difference between a Cybersecurity course and a Cybersecurity Certification Course?
Ans: A Cybersecurity course is comprehensive, covering theory and labs. A Cyber security Certification Course is shorter, specialised, and validates skills in specific areas.
Q3. How long does it take to become job-ready as a Cybersecurity Analyst?
Ans: With some IT knowledge, 12–18 months of courses, labs, projects, certifications, and internships can make candidates market-ready. PGDTRM’s one-year programme provides this in a structured manner.
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