How To Become A Network Security Analyst: What It Is and Career Path

What is a network security analyst and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

Quoted expert

Joé Lloyd

A network security analyst is in charge of the design and plans of security measures of an organization. They then go further to implement them for the protection of data, computer networks, and systems. As a network security analyst, you should be aware of hackers' methods, anticipate security breaches and give suitable solutions. You have to research new ways for data and network protection in addition to the installation of security measures.

To become a network security analyst, you need to possess a bachelor's degree in computer science, cybersecurity, or any other related field. Professional certifications like CompTIA Security+ may also be required. For this role, you must be a self-driven analytical thinker and an exceptional problem solver. Also, project management skills and relevant technical knowledge are required. You should be able to communicate effectively and relay complicated technical ideas in a way that anyone can relate with. A network security analyst earns an average of $99,730 annually.

What general advice would you give to a network security analyst?

Joé Lloyd

Senior Director, AVIXA

In the AVIXA 2019 Q2 Macro-Economic Trends Analysis, we studied how tight or slack labor markets affect hiring. We found that the current economy is tough for those seeking to enter a skill-intensive industry like audiovisual (AV). Our data shows that when unemployment goes up, AV companies respond by raising hiring standards. Candidates will need a strong résumé to get hired, whether it’s in years of experience or a targeted technical degree or certification.

ScoreNetwork Security AnalystUS Average

Salary

6.4

Avg. Salary $81,623

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

6.5

Growth rate 32%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

4.8

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.43%

Asian 9.64%

Black or African American 9.15%

Hispanic or Latino 8.99%

Unknown 6.09%

White 65.70%

Gender

female 15.14%

male 84.86%

Age - 42

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 42

Stress level

6.5

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level

8.4

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance

6.9

Work life balance is good

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a network security analyst

Explore network security analyst education requirements

Most common network security analyst degrees

Bachelor's

62.5 %

Associate

22.2 %

Master's

10.6 %

Start to develop specific network security analyst skills

Skills	Percentages
Network Security	11.05%
Windows	5.28%
Incident Response	4.44%
Switches	3.42%
Linux	3.41%

Complete relevant network security analyst training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New network security analysts learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a network security analyst based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real network security analyst resumes.

Gain additional network security analyst certifications

Network security analyst certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific network security analyst certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

The most common certifications for network security analysts include Security 5 Certification and Certified Information Systems Security Professional - Architecture (CISSP).

More About Certifications

Research network security analyst duties and responsibilities

Manage endpoint encryption, antivirus/anti-malware host IPS, process documentation, incident management.
Design and manage information systems security policy, implementation, and management for a globally distribute MPLS infrastructure.
Install and provide upkeep for Linux scanning, storage and group-relate web and network management servers.
Create shell scripts to generate list of all files directories ownership companywide on all UNIX and Linux systems.

Prepare your network security analyst resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your network security analyst resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a network security analyst resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose from 10+ customizable network security analyst resume templates

Build a professional network security analyst resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your network security analyst resume.