Entry-level cybersecurity jobs: read the bar before you apply
The BLS lists a bachelor’s degree as the typical entry-level education for information security analysts, along with less than five years of work experience in a related occupation. It notes that many analysts have experience in an IT department, for example as network and computer systems administrators (BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, pay data May 2025). Check the Entry Bar level on each listing here before you apply.
One route in is support or systems work first, then a security certification, then a junior security role. CompTIA lists security analyst among the job roles for Security+. No certification guarantees a job, so check whether the ads you want list it as a must-have. The Will train badge marks ads whose text includes phrases such as “will train” or “paid training”.