Working in cybersecurity requires a range of technical skills and people skills to effectively protect and manage an organization’s data. In the following article, we'll explore some of the most essential skills for cybersecurity analyst jobs, according to employer listings on platforms like LinkedIn and Indeed.

If you're ready to start bulking up your resume now, consider enrolling in the Microsoft Cybersecurity Analyst Professional Certificate to master must-have AI cybersecurity skills. In as little as six months, you could become job-ready through hands-on experience with industry-standard platforms and tools while also preparing for the Microsoft SC-900 Certification exam.

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Microsoft Cybersecurity Analyst

Launch your career as a cybersecurity analyst. Build job-ready skills – and must-have AI skills – for an in-demand career. Earn a credential from Microsoft. No prior experience required.

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Skills you'll build:

Cloud Computing Security, Network Security, AI in Cybersecurity Analysis, Threat mitigation, Penetration Test, Computer Security Incident Management, Compliance techniques, threat intelligence, Encryption techniques, Information Security (INFOSEC), Cybersecurity, Record management, Data Management, Cloud Architecture, Cybersecurity planning, Computer Architecture, Operating Systems, Cloud Computing, Cybersecurity strategies, Asset Management, Access Control, Threat Model, Security Analysis, Regulatory Compliance, Event Management, Security Response, Security Testing, System Testing, Identity governance, Enterprise security, Access Management, Authentication Methods, Computer Network, Network Monitoring

Expert insights: cybersecurity skills

Many employers are looking for qualified candidates who have both technical and workplace skills.

"You're going to see a critical eye [from employers], especially on the technical piece, on the ability to do the job. We also need leadership and management roles, that are aware of the kind of cyber threats and the liabilities around them," said Steve Graham, Senior Vice President Head of Product at EC-Council, during Coursera's virtual panel, "How can online learning accelerate cybersecurity careers and talent?"

What skills does a cybersecurity analyst need?

Cybersecurity analysts use a combination of technical and workplace skills to assess vulnerabilities and respond to security incidents. If you have a background in information technology (IT) you may already have some of the technical skills, and many of the workplace skills carry over from a wide variety of occupations. 

10 cybersecurity technical skills

A cybersecurity analyst's technical skills are the foundation of their career. Below, we cover ten of the most essential technical skills that you'll need to thrive in the field.

1. Scripting

Scripting is a type of coding in which you make a program do something. The difference is that coding is static, whereas scripts can make images and text move around. Knowing how to build tools and automate repetitive tasks with languages like Python or PowerShell empowers you to become a more efficient analyst. Python, in particular, ranks among the most prevalent languages in cybersecurity. As a bonus, it’s also among the easiest to learn. 

Start scripting with Python in as little as one month with Rice University's Introduction to Scripting in Python Specialization.

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Introduction to Scripting in Python

Launch Your Career in Python Programming. Master the core concepts of scripting in Python to enable you to solve practical problems.

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Critical Thinking, Data Analysis, Computer Programming, Mathematics, Mathematical Theory & Analysis, Codeskulptor, Programming Principles, Problem Solving, Data Structures, Computer Programming Tools, Data Visualization, Python Programming, Tuple, List & Label, Debugging, Python Syntax And Semantics

2. Controls and frameworks

A cybersecurity framework provides a collection of best practices, policies, tools, and security protocols designed to help secure an organization’s data and business operations. A control is a measure your company uses to protect itself from vulnerabilities and attacks. 

The framework you use will vary depending on your organization and industry. You may find it helpful to familiarize yourself with some of the most common cybersecurity frameworks, including:

• National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)

• International Organization for Standardization (ISO)

• Center for Information Security (CIS)

• System and Organization Controls 2 (SOC 2)

3. Intrusion detection

As a cybersecurity analyst, a big part of your job will involve monitoring network activity for possible intrusions. Knowing how to use intrusion detection software—security information and event management (SIEM) products, intrusion detection systems (IDS), and intrusion prevention systems (IPS)—enables you to quickly identify suspicious activity or security violations. 

If you're a cybersecurity analyst looking to hone your intrusion detection skills, consider enrolling in John Hopkins University's online Intrusion Detection Specialization. You'll gain experience applying in-demand machine learning techniques to improve threat detection and incident response strategies.

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Intrusion Detection

Master Intrusion Detection for Cybersecurity . Gain expertise in intrusion detection systems and advanced network analysis to effectively respond to cybersecurity threats.

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Skills you'll build:

Cybersecurity Threat Detection, Data Analysis, Network Analysis, Machine Learning Techniques, ToR Networking, Security Tools and Technologies, Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS), Incident Response, Quantitative IDS Evaluation, Intrusion Detection Fundamentals, Threat Detection Techniques, IDS Configuration and Operation, Attack Classification and Analysis, Practical Firewall Configuration, Network Traffic Analysis, Incident Response Planning, Cyber Incident Management, ROC Analysis Interpretation, Incident Response with IDS Tools, Data Anonymization and Security, Advanced Machine Learning Techniques, ToR Networking Proficiency, Integration of ML in IDS

4. Network security control

Many cybersecurity attacks take place across a network of connected devices. The same technologies that allow companies to collaborate can also lead to security vulnerabilities. To keep an organization secure, you’ll need an understanding of wired and wireless networks, and how to secure them. 

You can sharpen your knowledge of network security and build in-demand cloud skills with Microsoft's Introduction to Networking and Cloud Computing course, part of their Cybersecurity Analyst Professional Certificate program.

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Introduction to Networking and Cloud Computing

This course forms part of a series of courses that offers a good starting point for a career in cybersecurity. It will help you gain knowledge and skills ...

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Network Infrastructure, Firewall, Computer Networking, Networking Hardware, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML), Microsoft Azure, Cloud Computing, Network Protocols, Cybersecurity, Network Security, Virtualization and Virtual Machines

5. Operating systems

Security threats exist across all operating systems, both on computers and mobile devices. Set yourself up for success as a security analyst by building a deep familiarity with MacOS, Windows, Linux, as well as their command-line interfaces. You might also find it helpful to study the threats and vulnerabilities associated with mobile operating systems, like iOS and Android. 

Read more: What Is an Operating System?

6. Incident response

While prevention is the goal of cybersecurity, quickly responding when security incidents do occur is critical to minimize damage and loss. Effective incident handling requires familiarity with your organization’s incident response plan, as well as skills in digital forensics and malware analysis.

7. Cloud

As more and more businesses move to cloud environments, professionals with cloud expertise are in demand. According to data from GIAC Certifications, having cloud security skills can come with a salary premium of more than $15,000 [1].

Read more: What Is GIAC Certification? A Guide

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Microsoft Cloud Support Associate

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Troubleshooting, Software configuration, Microsoft Azure, Cloud Computing, Network Protocols, Microsoft Entra ID, Manage Virtual Networks, Configure Security Groups, System Maintenance, Diagnostics, Network Connectivity, Digital Platform Security, Endpoint Security, Microsoft 365, Integrating Automation Tools, Create Azure Storage accounts, Secure Azure Storage, Configure load balancers, Troubleshoot virtual networks, Configure virtual machines, Resource Management, Configure Basic Monitoring, Azure Monitor, Troubleshooting (Problem Solving), Advanced Monitoring Techniques, Cloud Computing Security, Network Monitoring, Network Security, Security Mitigation, Computer Network Infrastructure, IT Security, Data Management, Software Set-up, Hardware configuration, Data Back-up and Recovery, Computer Architecture, Computer hardware, Operating Systems, Computer Software, Cybersecurity, Azure Networking, Azure Compute, Microsoft Sentinel, Azure Kubernetes Services, Azure Security, Azure Services, Azure Resource Manager, Privacy settings, Password Management, Virtual Private Network (VPN), Multi-Factor Authentication, Implement Backup Strategies, Azure Site Recovery, Implement Compliance Policies, Azure Cloud, Configure Automatic Updates

8. DevOps

Security risks often exist within applications themselves. More and more companies are adding a security focus to their software development and operations (DevOps) phase to help ensure that applications are secure from the start. 

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Linux: Introduction to Shell Scripting for DevOps

In this 1-hour long project-based course on Linux: Introduction to Shell Scripting for DevOps, you will be writing your own Bash/Shell scripts for ...

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File Management, Bash (Scripting Language), Command-Line Interface, Scripting, DevOps, Linux, Unix Commands, Shell Script, Unix

Read more: What Does a DevOps Engineer Do? A Career Guide

9. Threat knowledge

“Know thy enemy.” General Sun Tzu could have been talking about cybersecurity. You can be a more effective cybersecurity analyst by keeping up-to-date on the threat landscape. If you’re new to the field, get started with the Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP) Top 10—a document that outlines the top 10 web application security risks.

Learn more about cyber threats for free with the University of Maryland's online course, Cybersecurity for Everyone.

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Cybersecurity for Everyone

Cybersecurity affects everyone, including in the delivery of basic products and services. If you or your organization want to better understand how to ...

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Cyber Security Policies, Vulnerability, Security Management, Cyber Risk, Cyber Security Strategy, Cybersecurity, Cyber Governance, Risk Management, General Networking, Computer Security Awareness Training, Threat Detection, Cyber Attacks

10. Regulatory guidelines

Cybersecurity has to protect an organization from attack, theft, and loss, as well as comply with industry regulations. If you’re working for a company that does business around the globe, familiarity with General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) could be beneficial. Cybersecurity analysts in the health care industry will need to understand how to comply with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA)—a US federal law that helps protect the privacy of medical records. Some states within the US have their own privacy laws as well.

Read more: Cybersecurity Terms: A to Z Glossary

5 cybersecurity workplace skills

Workplace skills are all those skills you rely on to actually get your work done, collaborate with others, and accomplish your professional goals. Below, we explore some of the most important workplace skills you'll need to become the best cybersecurity analyst possible.

1. Communication

Both written and verbal communication play a key role in cybersecurity. As an analyst, you may need to communicate technical concepts to individuals without a technical background, such as executives or legal teams. You may also be asked to write incident reports, where you’ll have to document what you did in a concise and clear manner. 

Wondering where to start? Try the University of Pennsylvania's Improving Communication Skills course to learn how to communicate more effectively at work and achieve your goals.

2. Collaboration

As a cybersecurity analyst, you’ll likely work with a larger security team of other cybersecurity professionals. You may also need to collaborate with other teams within your company (legal, IT, public relations) or share your findings with other organizations or the greater cybersecurity community. 

3. Risk management

Your ability to think through what could possibly go wrong, assess the severity of threats, and gauge the potential impact empowers you to focus your energy on the tasks where you’ll have the biggest impact.

Build foundational knowledge of cybersecurity risk management in the University of California, Irvine's Introduction to Cybersecurity & Risk Management Specialization.

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Introduction to Cybersecurity & Risk Management

Gain Skills in Cybersecurity and Risk Management. The three interconnected courses in this specialization cover security governance and compliance strategies, foundational risk management techniques, as well as personnel and third-party security measures.

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4. Adaptability

Cyber criminals are constantly adjusting and enhancing their attacks. Technology continues to advance, introducing new vulnerabilities. Adopting the mindset of a  lifelong learner can help you keep up with (or stay one step ahead of) these changes.

5. Critical thinking

Working in cybersecurity sometimes means making high-stakes decisions about your organization’s security. Developing your critical thinking skills can help you to:

• Ask the right questions

• Evaluate and assess data

• Identify your assumptions

• Consider alternatives

• Understand context

• Draw data-driven conclusions

How to improve cybersecurity skills

There’s more than one way to build your cybersecurity skills. While you likely already possess some of the skills listed above, developing those you’re less familiar with could make you a more competitive candidate when you start applying for jobs.

Here are some options for building cybersecurity skills:

1. Take classes.

Whether you’re learning cybersecurity fundamentals or more advanced skills, enrolling in a course adds structure to your learning. Many courses that target specific technical skills, like network security or incident response, may also give you opportunities to practice workplace skills, like technical writing and collaboration. 

Read more: Is Cybersecurity Hard to Learn? 9 Tips for Success

2. Stay up to date on the latest trends.

Keeping your technical cybersecurity skills up to date with the current threat and technology landscape can help you build confidence as a security analyst and give you a competitive advantage in your job search. Here are some resources to get you started:

• SANS StormCast: Subscribe to this daily podcast for five to 10-minute episodes covering the latest security threats.

• Security Now: Steve Gibson who coined the term “spyware” discusses current topics in cybersecurity on this weekly podcast.

• Reddit: Join a cybersecurity sub, like r/netsec, r/cybersecurity, or r/hacking.

• CISA Alerts: Sign up to receive technical alerts from the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency.

Build competitive cybersecurity skills on Coursera

You can earn the Microsoft Cybersecurity Analyst Professional Certificate in as little as six months. You'll be led through the development and implementation of threat mitigation strategies, AI in cybersecurity analysis, and cloud computing security essentials. The first week is free.

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Microsoft Cybersecurity Analyst

Launch your career as a cybersecurity analyst. Build job-ready skills – and must-have AI skills – for an in-demand career. Earn a credential from Microsoft. No prior experience required.

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Skills you'll build:

Cloud Computing Security, Network Security, AI in Cybersecurity Analysis, Threat mitigation, Penetration Test, Computer Security Incident Management, Compliance techniques, threat intelligence, Encryption techniques, Information Security (INFOSEC), Cybersecurity, Record management, Data Management, Cloud Architecture, Cybersecurity planning, Computer Architecture, Operating Systems, Cloud Computing, Cybersecurity strategies, Asset Management, Access Control, Threat Model, Security Analysis, Regulatory Compliance, Event Management, Security Response, Security Testing, System Testing, Identity governance, Enterprise security, Access Management, Authentication Methods, Computer Network, Network Monitoring

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