Cybercrime is on the rise, and companies are racing to secure their data. That means one thing: cybersecurity jobs are booming—and fast. Whether you’re a tech-savvy beginner or switching careers, becoming a cybersecurity analyst is one of the best paths into IT in 2025.
The best part? You don’t need a four-year degree or years of experience. With the right certifications, hands-on skills, and smart job hunting, you can land an entry-level cybersecurity analyst role right now.
In this article, we’ll break down what the role involves, what you need to succeed, and where to apply today.
What Does a Cybersecurity Analyst Do?
A cybersecurity analyst helps protect an organization’s digital systems from hackers, data breaches, and viruses. They’re often on the front lines of cyber defense.
Main responsibilities include:
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Monitoring networks for suspicious activity
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Investigating threats and vulnerabilities
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Responding to cyber incidents
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Managing antivirus and firewall systems
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Ensuring compliance with security policies
This role is vital—and companies are hiring now more than ever.
Why Cybersecurity Is a Smart Career Choice in 2025
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Job growth: Over 3.5 million open cybersecurity roles globally
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High salaries: Entry-level jobs start at $70K+
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Remote opportunities: Many roles are 100% remote
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Low barrier to entry: Certifications matter more than degrees
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Long-term stability: Cyber threats aren’t going away
✅ Apply today if you want a future-proof tech career that pays well and makes a difference.
Entry-Level Cybersecurity Analyst Roles You Can Apply for Now
1. SOC Analyst (Security Operations Center)
This is one of the most common starting points. SOC Analysts monitor security alerts, triage incidents, and escalate serious threats.
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Average Salary: $65K–$85K
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Best For: Beginners with basic networking and SIEM tool skills
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Certifications to Help: CompTIA Security+, Splunk Fundamentals
✅ Apply today to SOC analyst internships and junior roles with basic certification and a home lab.
2. IT Security Support / Junior Analyst
These roles combine basic IT support with cybersecurity tasks—like password resets, log monitoring, and patch management.
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Average Salary: $55K–$70K
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Best For: Those with basic IT knowledge and interest in security
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Certifications to Help: Google Cybersecurity Certificate, CompTIA A+
✅ Apply today to IT security support roles as a stepping stone to analyst positions.
3. Threat Intelligence Assistant
You’ll help analyze threats and research hacker activity to improve your company’s defense systems.
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Average Salary: $60K–$75K
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Best For: Curious minds with strong research and writing skills
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Certifications to Help: CompTIA CySA+, MITRE ATT&CK knowledge
✅ Apply today if you enjoy digging into online investigations and want to work in cybersecurity defense.
4. GRC Analyst (Governance, Risk & Compliance)
A non-technical cybersecurity entry point. You’ll help ensure company security policies follow legal and industry standards.
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Average Salary: $60K–$80K
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Best For: People who enjoy documentation, audits, and rules
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Certifications to Help: ISO/IEC 27001 Foundation, GRC Analyst Pathway
✅ Apply today if you’re organized and detail-oriented with a strong sense of responsibility.
Skills You Need to Get Hired (and Learn Fast)
To land an entry-level role, focus on learning:
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Networking basics (TCP/IP, firewalls, ports)
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Cyber threats (malware, phishing, ransomware)
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SIEM tools (like Splunk or Microsoft Sentinel)
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Log analysis
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Incident response steps
Bonus: Set up a home lab with VirtualBox, Kali Linux, and vulnerable machines (like Metasploitable) to practice.
Best Certifications to Boost Your Resume
You don’t need a degree, but certifications are key for getting interviews.
Here are the top beginner-friendly ones:
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CompTIA Security+ – The most recommended entry-level cert
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Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate – Affordable and beginner-friendly
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Certified in Cybersecurity (CC) – From (ISC)², free for students and job seekers
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TryHackMe / Hack The Box – Practice-based platforms that simulate real-world scenarios
✅ Apply today once you complete at least one of these certs and can speak about it in your resume.
Where to Find Cybersecurity Jobs Hiring Now
Use these platforms to search for real openings:
Search for:
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“SOC Analyst Remote”
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“Entry-Level Cybersecurity”
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“Cybersecurity Internship 2025”
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“GRC Assistant Remote”
How to Make Your Application Stand Out
Cybersecurity hiring managers look for skills, not degrees.
✅ Do this in your resume:
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List any completed certifications
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Mention your home lab setup
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Add a link to your TryHackMe/HackTheBox profile
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Show your GitHub if you’ve done projects or documentation
Sample line:
“Completed CompTIA Security+ certification. Built and managed a home lab with Kali Linux and monitored simulated attacks using Wireshark.”
Real-World Inspiration: From Retail to Cyber Analyst
Nabeel, 27, was working in retail with zero IT experience. He studied after work for 5 months, passed Security+, and started sharing his journey on LinkedIn. Within 2 weeks of posting his certification and lab progress, he got three interview calls—and landed his first SOC Analyst job.
You can do it too. All it takes is consistency, certification, and the courage to apply.
Final Words: Secure Your Career in Cyber Today
Cybersecurity isn’t just a job—it’s a mission. As threats grow, so does demand for defenders.
If you’ve got a curious mind, a love for solving puzzles, and a willingness to learn, you can start your cybersecurity career now.
Build your skills. Get certified. And most importantly—apply today.