What You Need to Know to Become a Cybersecurity Specialist in Canada

A 2018 survey by PwC states that around 49% of all global businesses face cybersecurity breaches and the number is only increasing. Cybercrime is a growing threat to countries around the world and Canada is no exception. CIRA estimates that 71% of all Canadian businesses suffer the consequences of a major cybersecurity attack at least once each year.

With cybersecurity attacks on the rise, it is only natural that companies are looking to fill their staff with qualified cybersecurity professionals to prevent them. As per a recent study by Deloitte, Canadian companies are expected to hire around 8,000 cybersecurity analysts by the end of 2022.

It is, therefore, a good time to explore a cybersecurity career pathway. This blog answers some common questions that you might have about a career as a cybersecurity analyst.

What does a cybersecurity analyst do daily?

In most companies, a cybersecurity analyst is in charge of protecting the organization’s networks and systems from cyber-attacks. Your daily responsibilities involve reporting security breaches, reviewing suspicious network log-ins and creating contingency plans.

In smaller companies, cybersecurity analysts may also have to take on additional responsibilities like educating other employees on security breach safety measures.

The job requires continual cybersecurity training as you are constantly against hackers inventing new types of cybersecurity attacks.

What special skills do you need to become a cybersecurity analyst?

A cybersecurity analyst role is extremely technical. Therefore, you will have to possess a wide range of specialist skills and expertise to be capable of meeting the job description.

Here are some common skills expected from cybersecurity analysts:

1. Computer coding skills: Just like computer or network hacking predominantly involves computer coding, stopping these attacks also requires you to be proficient in different coding languages. Some common coding languages in cybersecurity include C, C++, Python and PHP.
2. Thorough knowledge of IT fundamentals: A thorough knowledge of IT fundamentals like system design and website development is essential when preparing a cybersecurity contingency plan. You should also be proficient in the functioning and development of different IT systems.
3. Expertise in operating systems and website architecture: You should have a thorough understanding of operating systems (OS) and their design to understand their vulnerabilities and potential loopholes. Therefore, you should have up-to-date knowledge of different OS and their architecture.
4. Soft skills: Technical skills aside, the role of a cybersecurity analyst also requires you to possess essential soft skills like analytical thinking, leadership and communication skills. These can help you to develop deeper industry insights and collaborate with other professionals and teams.

You can acquire all these skills by pursuing cybersecurity courses in Canada colleges. You can also apply for internships in cybersecurity companies and start climbing the career ladder to an analyst role.

Want to acquire all the skills mentioned above to become a successful cybersecurity analyst? The Diploma in Cybersecurity Analyst Practicum from the Canadian College of Technology and Business (CCTB) could be the right program for you!

This one-year diploma can equip you with all the knowledge and expertise for an entry-level role in the bustling cybersecurity industry in Canada. The program curriculum is specially designed to fit the dynamic needs of the industry. It can allow you to learn interactively through exciting presentations, assignments and assessments.

Click here to explore other reasons to study this cyber network security course at CCTB.

Pursuing additional certifications, crash courses and online boot camps can also help you add to the tools used by cybersecurity analysts. These certifications also help convince prospective employers that you are up to date with key industry skills.

What are the career prospects of becoming a cybersecurity analyst?

As a cybersecurity analyst, you can find multiple career roles in the industry to choose from. Dominant and well-paying industries, including automobile development, healthcare and pharmaceuticals and fin-tech companies, hire cybersecurity analysts. Your cybersecurity background can also prepare you for domains like e-commerce and electronics manufacturing.

As per information from the Information Systems Security Association (ISSA), diploma holders in cybersecurity analysis can get entry-level jobs in the industry. These include roles like associate analyst, cybersecurity or IT executive, and cybersecurity risk analyst. However, you can progress to better-paying roles by acquiring further qualifications in the subject.

The pay prospects for a cybersecurity analyst are impressive too. According to Payscale.com, an average analyst can make around CA$ 65,547 annually in Canada. 

Invest in a good cybersecurity analyst school or program today to increase your chances of becoming a successful cybersecurity analyst in the future.