Cybersecurity is one of Ireland’s fastest-growing tech sectors, with increasing demand across industries from finance to healthcare. As cyber threats evolve, so does the need for skilled professionals who can protect critical data. If you’re considering a career in cybersecurity, becoming a cybersecurity analyst is an excellent place to start.
This guide explores what the role involves, the skills and qualifications required, job prospects in Ireland, and the cybersecurity analyst career path from entry-level to senior roles.
Understanding the Cybersecurity Industry in Ireland
The role of a cybersecurity analyst is pivotal in modern Irish organisations. These professionals monitor, detect, and respond to cyber incidents, ensuring digital assets are protected in compliance with Irish and EU data protection laws such as GDPR.
With the increased adoption of cloud services, remote work, and digital transformation initiatives, Irish businesses — from SMEs to large multinationals — are investing in cybersecurity infrastructure. This has led to a growing number of cybersecurity analyst jobs in Ireland across sectors including finance, pharmaceuticals, telecommunications, and government services.
According to Cyber Ireland, the country faces a cybersecurity skills shortage. The cybersecurity analyst demand in 2024 continues to rise, making it a promising and future-proofed career path for digitally skilled individuals.
Core Responsibilities of a Cybersecurity Analyst
The specific cybersecurity roles and responsibilities may vary depending on the industry or employer, but most cybersecurity analysts in Ireland will typically:
- Monitor security systems for anomalies or breaches.
- Implement threat detection tools and practise intrusion prevention across networks.
- Perform regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing.
- Respond to security incidents, coordinate containment and investigate root causes.
- Ensure compliance with Irish and international cybersecurity standards (ISO/IEC 27001, GDPR).
- Develop and update incident response policies and recovery plans.
- Conduct internal audits and support security awareness programmes.
These responsibilities play a key part in safeguarding Ireland’s critical infrastructure and protecting user data against rising cybercrime threats.
Essential Soft Skills
While technical abilities are essential, successful cybersecurity analysts combine these with key soft skills. For the Irish market, employers commonly look for candidates who also have the following qualities:
- Analytical Thinking: Ability to dissect information, assess threats, and make fast, informed decisions.
- Communication: Capable of translating technical information for non-technical stakeholders within Irish SMEs or enterprise teams.
- Attention to Detail: Spotting small irregularities that could signal larger security issues.
- Problem-Solving Mindset: Ability to react quickly to security incidents and find practical solutions under pressure.
- Ethical Values: Particularly important in maintaining trust and regulatory compliance in Irish businesses.
Soft skills often make the difference between a good analyst and a great one, especially when responding to high-pressure incidents.
Steps to Becoming a Cybersecurity Analyst in Ireland
Step 1: Understand what the role involves by researching cybersecurity roles and responsibilities. Consider job boards and reading Irish-based career insights to determine if it aligns with your interests.
Step 2: Obtain a foundational education in IT or computer science. Many analysts begin with a Level 7 or Level 8 degree, or take a certified course recognised in Ireland such as a QQI award in IT security.
Step 3: Gain hands-on experience through internships, volunteer work with IT teams, or entry-level positions such as help desk support or IT technician. Many Irish employers hiring for entry level cybersecurity analyst Ireland roles look for some form of practical experience, even at beginner level.
Step 4: Complete cybersecurity certifications recognised in Ireland. These demonstrate commitment and ability. See courses and certifications further below.
Step 5: Build your portfolio and stay up to date. Cybersecurity is constantly evolving. Follow the latest trends and remain current with Irish legislative developments like GDPR and NIS2 Directive.
Step 6: Apply for roles titled entry level cybersecurity analyst Ireland, junior information security analyst, or SOC (Security Operations Centre) analyst as a starting point.
Salaries and Career Growth
As of 2024, the typical cybersecurity analyst salary Ireland ranges depending on experience and industry:
- Entry-level: €35,000 – €45,000 per annum
- Mid-level: €50,000 – €65,000 per annum
- Senior Analyst/Security Engineer: €70,000 – €90,000+ per annum
Sectors like finance and pharma tend to offer higher salaries due to the nature of data sensitivity. Moreover, as cybersecurity analyst demand 2024 continues to grow in Ireland, particularly in Dublin, Cork, and Galway, so does the opportunity for salary growth and specialisation.
The cybersecurity analyst career path often leads to roles such as:
- Cybersecurity Consultant
- Security Architect
- Security Operations Manager
- Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)
Many Irish professionals also progress into threat intelligence, penetration testing, or compliance roles over time.
Courses and Certifications
For those wondering how to become a cybersecurity analyst, certifications provide a key advantage. In Ireland, relevant certifications include:
- QQI Level 5–6 in Computer Systems and Networks or IT Security – builds foundational knowledge
- CompTIA Security+ – recognised internationally and locally by employers
- CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) – suited for more experienced analysts
- CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker) – valuable for penetration testing and ethical hacking roles
- SOLAS eCollege Cybersecurity Pathways – free for qualifying Irish residents and tied into national frameworks
Make sure that any certifications are aligned with Irish employment expectations and that they supplement hands-on learning and workplace skills.
If you would like to find out more about certification and the courses available to you, just get in touch or complete the form below.
