Information Security Analyst Job Description

Information security analysts work to keep information systems safe. These professionals plan and execute security measures to shield an organization's computer systems and networks from being attacked.

Information security analysts monitor networks and information to try to prevent outside intruders from accessing a company's data, equipment or files with the help of specialized computer programs.

Information security analysts must be good communicators, since they usually work with other technology specialists. They're also the ones who notify employees of potential data breaches or unauthorized access to a company's systems. Someone in this position needs computer skills and knowledge of network security protocols.

"It is an exciting field," says Phyllis Schneck, associate dean for undergraduate programs at the University of Maryland's Robert H. Smith School of Business. "There are a lot of interesting players in information security, from the people who write computer code to those who make them secure."

The median annual wage for information security analysts was $90,930 in 2010. The highest-paid 10 percent made more than $138,180.

A bachelor's degree in computer science or information technology is usually required for this type of work. Information security analysts must also undergo extensive on-the-job training and certification.

To be certified as an information security analyst by the International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium, for example, you must hold a bachelor's degree or higher (an advanced degree is preferred) in computer science, engineering or another related field. You must also have at least four years of full-time work experience in information security.

In addition to getting on-the-job training and certification, information security analysts must keep up with the latest developments in this fast-changing field by reading trade journals and attending professional conferences.

Information security analysts can advance by becoming security architects. Security architects plan and develop an organization's information security infrastructure, which involves developing policies and procedures that safeguard networks against outside threats.

Another possibility is to become a network or computer systems analyst, who focuses on increasing the efficiency of computer systems by analyzing how data flows through them. These analysts must also have good communication skills and technical expertise. They must also be able to quickly learn new systems and adapt rapidly changing technologies, and they might have to write reports detailing their findings.

In addition to computer technology skills, security analysts need good analytical skills so they can figure out potential threats that may not be detected by a computer program or software application. They also need strong technical skills, so they can implement security systems once a threat has been identified.

Statistics on Information Security Analysts

Employment of information security analysts is projected to grow 31 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. (bls.gov)
The largest employers of information security analysts were as follows: Computer systems design and related services 26% Finance and insurance 18 Management of companies and enterprises 9 Information 8 (bls.gov)
The lowest 10 percent earned less than $60,060, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $163,300. (bls.gov)
Information Security Analysts Percent change in employment, projected 2019-29 Information security analysts (bls.gov)
Total, all occupations Employment of information security analysts is projected to grow 31 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. (bls.gov)
Employment of information security analysts is projected to grow 56 percent in computer systems design and related services from 2019 to 2029. (bls.gov)
The projected percent change in employment from 2019 to 2029. (bls.gov)
The average growth rate for all occupations is 4 percent. (bls.gov)
Growth Rate (Projected) The percent change of employment for each occupation from 2019 to 2029. (bls.gov)

Articles On Information Security Analysts

Information Security Analysts : Occupational Outlook Handbook: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Information security analysts plan and carry out security measures to protect an organization’s computer networks and systems. (bls.gov)

Information Security Analyst - Career Rankings, Salary, Reviews ...

What is an Information Security Analyst? Information security analysts are the gatekeepers or security guards of information systems. (money.usnews.com)

Information Security Analysts (onetonline.org)

Information Security Analyst Careers

Learn how to become an information security analyst. Research career opportunities, average salaries, key skills and sample job descriptions. (computerscience.org)

How to Become an Information Security Analyst

The average data breach costs the victim nearly $4 million. Multiply that by the number of annual cyberattacks and you're talking about many billions of dollars each year. Want to be a white hat in the security war? Become an information security analyst. (noodle.com)

What does an information security analyst do? - CareerExplorer

An information security analyst is someone who takes measures to protect a company's sensitive and mission-critical data, staying one step ahead of cyber attackers. They do this by coming up with innovative solutions to prevent critical information from being stolen, damaged or compromised by hacker... (careerexplorer.com)

How to Become a Security Analyst 2021

Security analysts detect, mitigate, and protect against cyber threats. You can access everything you need to know about an exciting career in security analysis here. (cyberdegrees.org)

Security Analyst - Infosec (infosecinstitute.com)

Information Security Analyst Salary

The average salary for an Information Security Analyst is $73,033. (payscale.com)

How to Become an Information Security Analyst: Steps and Skills

Protecting business data is a topic of growing importance, so now is an excellent time to check into how to become an information security analyst. (online.maryville.edu)

What Does a Cybersecurity Analyst Do?

Yearning to save the world from cybercriminals? Learn how to become a cybersecurity analyst! (wgu.edu)

What Is an Information Security Analyst?

Learn how to become an information security analyst. Research career opportunities, average salaries, key skills and sample job descriptions. (mastersindatascience.org)

Become a Security Analyst: Requirements and Salaries - Springboard Blog

A security analyst must know everything about information security within the company and work across departments to identify and correct security flaws. (springboard.com)

Information Security Analyst vs Cyber Security Analyst

Learn the difference between an information security analyst and a cyber-security analyst. Find the best certified cyber security and data analyst degree online. (cyber-security.degree)