Cybersecurity vs. Data Analyst: Which Is Better?

Cybersecurity and data analytics are both fields that involve knowledge of computer science and information technology, but they have some key differences. Cybersecurity focuses on protecting networks and data, while data analytics focuses on analyzing datasets.

Both cybersecurity and data analytics can be great career paths depending on your career goals and interests. Keep reading as we break down the differences between cybersecurity and data analytics.

How To Decide Between a Career in Cybersecurity or Data Analytics

As both cybersecurity careers and data science careers involve aspects of computer science and information technology, it can be hard to choose between them. Below, we've broken down some ways you can help yourself make this decision.

Assess the Difference in Job Responsibilities

While there are similarities between the two fields, ultimately their job responsibilities differ due to the different areas of focus.

Cybersecurity experts are focused on network and information security. Their job responsibilities include developing, configuring, and implementing security tools, as well as testing and troubleshooting security systems.

On the other hand, data science professionals are focused on collecting and analyzing data sets. They then use the information from their analysis to provide actionable insights to businesses and corporations.

Examine the Potential Stress in One Field Versus Another

While both cybersecurity and data analytics careers can be stressful, you can generally expect more stress in cybersecurity, though this depends on the employer. Cybersecurity experts must monitor their systems for threats and respond immediately. They may need to be on-call to fix any problems as they arise.

However, there are still cybersecurity roles that aren't as stressful. Ethical hackers, for example, are responsible for stress testing these systems. They aren't required to be on call.

Research the Job Outlook in Both Fields

Career outlook refers to how many jobs will be available in a specific field in the coming years. The higher the career outlook, the more jobs available, and the easier it will be to land a job.

Both cybersecurity professionals and data science professionals work with new technologies, and as a result, both are in demand in the coming years, with data scientists being slightly more in demand.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the outlook for information security analysts, such as cybersecurity experts, is a growth of 32% by 2032. It predicts that the number of jobs for data scientists will grow by 35% in the same time frame.

Consider Which Field Pays More

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, both information security analysts and data scientists make six figures on average. Information security analysts have a slightly higher average salary.

However, keep in mind that the average salary can vary between locations and levels of experience. Do a little research into what these roles earn in the area you want to live in to help you decide.

Determine Which Field Aligns More With Your Career Goals

Ultimately, the main thing that should help you decide whether to go into cybersecurity or data analytics is your career goals. Determining your potential career path will help you know what field to go into.

Do you like diving into data to understand all the nuances? Do you enjoy working with algorithms and AI? Are you hoping for a career focused on picking apart data to create valuable insights that drive business decisions? Data analytics might be best for you.

Do you like a challenge? Do you enjoy creating and implementing new software and systems? Do you work well under pressure? Are you hoping for a career that works to keep data and networks safe? Then, cybersecurity might be best.

What Is Cybersecurity?

Cybersecurity is a field focused on protecting networks, devices, and data from unauthorized access and data breaches. This is especially important for businesses and individuals who may digitally store sensitive information, like credit card numbers and Social Security numbers.

Cybersecurity professionals may have responsibilities like:

• configure and implement tools like antivirus software, firewalls, password protectors, and intrusion detection software
• perform penetration testing to determine the strength of security systems and security measures
• read and write reports about network security, data security, risk management, and incident response
• evaluate networks and tech for cyber threats, cyberattacks, security breaches, and other types of cybercrime

Numerous roles are available in the cybersecurity field, including certified ethical hacker, cybersecurity analyst, cybersecurity engineer, data security analyst, security engineer, and more.

Skills Required for a Career in Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity experts need to have a range of technical skills and soft skills to succeed in their cybersecurity careers. These technical skills include:

• algorithms
• computer systems
• programming languages (i.e., Python)
• software engineering

These skills can be learned through cybersecurity degree programs. Cybersecurity is sometimes offered as its own degree but also as a specialization in computer science or information technology programs. Bachelor's and master's degrees in cybersecurity, as well as boot camps, are available.

There are also a number of soft skills needed for a cybersecurity skillset, such as attention to detail, communication, creativity, decision-making, and problem-solving.

What Is Data Analytics?

Data analytics is a field of data science concerned with analyzing raw data to provide actionable insights that can be used to help companies make informed decisions. Often, data analysts and data scientists use artificial intelligence and machine learning to process large datasets through

Data scientists collect this data, then run data analysis and perform statistical analysis on these data sets. These valuable insights are often used to drive business decisions in various fields, from big data to retail to healthcare.

There are many types of data scientists, including the data engineers and machine learning engineers. Other common roles include:

• business intelligence analyst
• data analysts
• data management specialist
• information security analysts

Skills Required for a Career in Data Analytics

Various of technical skills are needed for data analysis career paths. Data analysts will need to understand algorithms, SQL databases, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. They should also be able to implement data mining, data visualization, and database querying languages.

Data analysis and data science degrees and certifications are available to help students learn these skills. These programs can also provide many of the soft skills needed, such as analysis, creative thinking, communication, and decision-making.

Key Differences Between Cybersecurity and Data Analytics

There is some overlap between the field of cybersecurity and the field of data analytics. For example, both require skills in computer science and information technology, programming languages, and creative thinking.

Still, there are quite a few differences between the fields, namely in their core area of focus. Cybersecurity is focused on keeping networks and data protected from outside access, while data analysis is focused on understanding the data itself.

Cybersecurity experts may use data analysis to understand their security systems better. However, data science professionals are solely focused on collecting and analyzing data and producing insights.