How to become a cyber security analyst

How to become a cyber security analyst in Australia

The tech revolution has transformed how we live, work and connect, but it has also introduced serious vulnerabilities and security threats. In Australia, digital technology drives public services, productivity and innovation. 

According to the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC), Australians' dependency on technology makes us especially vulnerable to cyber threats from criminal and state actors. Cybercrime and security breaches cost businesses, organisations, and governments trillions of dollars each year, including an estimated $30 billion in Australia alone. 

This growing risk makes skilled cyber security analysts indispensable and in demand around the world. Access to cyber security professionals, particularly analysts, is essential for any organisation aiming to safeguard its systems and data from breaches. 

A qualification in cyber security from a world-leading university in technology and computer science will help set you apart in this increasingly popular field. UNSW combines academic excellence with real-world training and application. We’re ranked #1 in Australia for engineering and technology and #4 for computer science and IT (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2025), and we belong to the prestigious Group of Eight (Go8). We’ve also been recognised for having the most employable graduates for seven years in a row (AFR Top 100 Future Leaders Awards, 2020–2026).

In this guide, we’ll explore what a career in cyber security involves, the steps to become a cyber security analyst and the job outlook in Australia.

What does a cyber security analyst do?

A cyber security analyst is someone within an organisation dedicated to protecting and safeguarding computer systems, digital assets, data, networks and information systems from cyber threats.

Known by various titles such as information security analysts, cyber security specialists or simply security analysts, they are the frontline defenders against cyber threats.

Cyber security analysts monitor and defend against cyberattacks, investigate security incidents, develop solutions and implement preventative measures to secure and protect an organisation's systems and data from potential threats.

These experts play a crucial role in preventing security breaches and educating users on best information security practices.

Their work involves continuous monitoring, analysis and implementation of security measures to secure systems and protect digital assets from unauthorised access and cyber attacks.

What skills does a cyber security analyst need?

Demand for skilled cyber security analysts and information security analysts is growing across every industry, including finance, healthcare and government. Cyber security experts can advance into specialised roles, from penetration testers who simulate cyber-attacks to digital forensics analysts who investigate cyber crimes.

How to become a cyber security analyst in Australia

Here’s a step-by-step guide to becoming a cyber security analyst in Australia:

1. Get degree-qualified in cyber security

The rapidly growing cyber security industry offers great opportunities for professionals to advance their careers and stand out in a competitive field with specialised qualifications from a leading university. 

UNSW has been recognised for producing Australia’s most employable students for seven years in a row (AFR Top 100 Future Leaders Awards, 2020–2026), is ranked #1 for career outcomes (Australian Financial Review (AFR) Best Universities Ranking 2025). Our grauates earn the highest median salaries among graduates of Go8 universities (QILT Graduate Outcomes Survey, 2024).  

With a degree in cyber security, you’ll gain essential skills in designing secure systems, networks and data platforms using industry-standard technologies. Discover how human behaviour affects security and learn to analyse security failures, forming a solid foundation for success in cyber security roles. UNSW offers multiple cyber security-focused programs, including the Bachelor of Cyber Security and Master of Cyber Security at our Sydney campus, the Bachelor of Computing and Cyber Security at our Canberra campus, plus several online programs.

Whether your goal is to become a technical specialist or step into a leadership role, a degree in cyber security from UNSW unlocks a wide range of opportunities in the ever-evolving field of cyber security.

2. Explore alternative pathways and certifications

If you don’t meet the entry requirements for a master’s degree or are looking to transition from a related field, there are alternative postgraduate pathways available. UNSW offers an online Graduate Diploma in Cyber Security or a Graduate Certificate in Cyber Security, which will equip you with the skills and experience needed to gain entry to a master's program.

You could also explore relevant industry certifications, such as CompTIA Security+ or EC Council's Certified Ethical Hacker, to validate your skills and knowledge prior to pursuing formal qualifications.

Our Master of Cyber Security program offers busy professionals a flexible, accelerated path to the skills and knowledge needed to navigate the future of cyber security. 
 
Experienced professionals looking to advance their careers in cyber security can benefit from programs like UNSW Online’s Master of Cyber Security, which offer specialised training for top-tier roles. Postgraduate qualifications open pathways to senior positions such as senior cyber security analyst, cyber security manager, or even chief information security officer (CISO). These roles blend technical expertise with strategic leadership and can pay salaries exceeding $200,000 per year (Seek, 2025).

3. Get hands-on experience

Gaining practical experience on the job can significantly boost your career as a cyber security analyst. Working on real projects will not only develop your skills, confidence and portfolio but also help you expand your network. More on that shortly.

With a cyber security qualification from UNSW, you'll gain both theoretical and practical knowledge through a mix of online, in-person, laboratory and real-world projects. You’ll also get real-world experience with Work Integrated Learning (WIL) opportunities with industry partners to help you kickstart your career in cyber security.

Additionally, you’ll benefit from access to UNSW’s Institute for Cyber Security (IFCyber) – the largest hub for cyber security research and education in the Southern Hemisphere. 

4. Build a strong professional network

What you know is crucial when launching a career in cyber security, but if you want to truly unlock your potential and accelerate your growth, who you know can make all the difference. Building strong connections is the key to accessing sought-after roles, unlocking career-defining collaborations and broadening your expertise through mentorship.

When you study cyber security at UNSW, you’ll gain access to our world-class alumni and industry network. Our alumni hold senior and leadership roles in the cyber industry, and our undergraduate students have won every major inter-university cyber competition in the past decade.

You’ll have the opportunity to connect with experts at IFCyber, which brings together over 100 leading academics and is renowned for its multidisciplinary approach to cyber security and for its collaboration with government and industry. CSE is home to world-leading researchers, including Professor Richard Buckland, a renowned expert in cyber crime. 

What is the cyber security job outlook in Australia?

Cyber security is one of the fastest-growing industries in Australia and around the world.  Cybercrime is on the rise and shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon. McKinsey estimates a $2 trillion market opportunity in cybersecurity services, indicating the strong demand for skilled professionals to manage cyber security threats and manage information technology systems. Demand for designing security measures is expected to continue to rise.

What is the job growth for cyber security analysts in Australia?

Job demand is expected to rise by 38.9% each year, as more organisations invest in protecting their digital assets (Seek, 2025). With a UNSW qualification, you’ll gain the hands-on skills and industry insights to confidently pursue a career that’s essential to the future of tech.

UNSW supports your employability from day one, with access to career coaching, industry placements and mentoring opportunities through our dedicated employability programs. Whether you’re aiming to work in government, finance, healthcare or big tech, you’ll graduate with the experience and networks to get there.

What kind of salary range can you expect as a cyber security analyst?

Cyber security roles in Australia offer strong earning potential. Cyber security analysts typically earn between $100,000 and $120,000 per year (Seek, 2025), while specialists like penetration testers can earn around $140,000 and security architects up to $210,000. 

Your salary potential grows with your skills, certifications and experience. Studying at UNSW can help fast-track your progression through advanced coursework, exposure to real-world projects and opportunities to specialise in high-demand areas such as cloud security, digital forensics or threat intelligence.

Can you become a cyber security analyst without a degree?

Cyber security is a skills-driven industry where practical, hands-on experience is essential. Many employers prefer university qualifications in cyber security. However, it is possible to enter the field through alternative pathways, such as industry certifications or transitioning from other IT roles. In an increasingly competitive market, a degree from a world-leading university in cyber security like UNSW will help you stand out to employers seeking experts with deep knowledge of cyber crime and prevention. 

How do you become a cybersecurity analyst as an international student?

International students can study cyber security at UNSW and take on careers in cyber security in Australia and abroad with a globally recognised qualification. UNSW is ranked #20 in the world (QS World University Rankings, ((rank.QS-WORLD-UNI-RANKING-YEAR-RANGE))) and holds the #1 ranking in Australia for Engineering and Technology (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2025).

If English isn’t your first language, you may be required to provide evidence that your English language ability meets our requirements to study cyber security at UNSW.