Information Security Analyst
An Information Security Analyst is a professional responsible for safeguarding computer networks and systems from various security threats, including cybercriminals and malware. They design and monitor systems, create encryption protocols, and implement firewalls to protect sensitive data for homes, businesses, and government entities. Employment in this field is projected to grow significantly, with a median annual salary of $120,360 as of 2023, reflecting the increasing demand for security measures across various industries.
Typically requiring a bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field, aspiring analysts often benefit from coursework in areas such as network design and cryptography. The work environment generally consists of office settings, where analysts may work independently or collaboratively to address security concerns, often requiring them to stay updated on technological advancements and regulatory changes. With a focus on critical thinking and problem-solving, information security analysts play a vital role in the ongoing effort to preemptively identify and mitigate potential security breaches.
Information Security Analyst
Snapshot
Career Cluster(s): Information Technology, Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics
Interests: Electronics, computers, analyzing data
Earnings (Yearly Median): $120,360 per year $57.87 per hour (2023)
Employment & Outlook: 32 percent (Much faster than average)
Entry-Level Education Bachelor's degree; professional certification
Related Work Experience Less than five years
On-the-job-Training None
Overview
Sphere of Work.Information security analysts design and monitor technological systems that shield computer networks from outside threats. They encrypt system data, erect firewalls, and utilize a wide variety of hardware and software tools to ensure that homes, businesses, and government agencies remain protected from criminals, viruses, hackers, and other security threats.
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimated that 168,900 people were employed as information security analysts in 2022. About 53,200 additional jobs were projected to be added by 2032. About 25 percent of those employed in the field in 2022 worked in computer systems design and related fields, 16 percent worked in finance and insurance, 10 percent worked in information services, 9 percent worked in company or business management, and 6 percent worked for scientific and technical consulting services.
Work Environment. Information security analysts work primarily in administrative and office settings. Analysts work at a variety of locations in and around offices and organizational complexes, most often at their own private workstations. They may also spend time working at the workstations of other employees, servicing their computers, or installing equipment. Information security analysts also work in temperature-controlled server housing rooms and may be required to work remotely.
Occupation Interest. The field of information security attracts critical thinkers with a passion for electronics and computing who enjoy tackling complex problems. Information security analysts often get a tremendous amount of satisfaction from staying ahead of and repeatedly outsmarting security threats. Analysts also possess the patience to scrutinize extremely complicated data.
A Day in the Life—Duties and Responsibilities. Information security analysts handle a wide variety of duties and responsibilities on an everyday basis. Their main responsibility is to command computer systems through constant outside threats. They are also tasked with identifying new potential security threats and encrypting archival data.
Data encryption is one of the central tasks of information security analysts. They are also responsible for constructing firewalls to protect organizational information. Some information security analysts are responsible for building, monitoring, and maintaining custom firewall and encryption systems for specific organizations and businesses, while others operate standard network-based firewall applications for a collection of clients.
Information security analysts are constantly on the lookout for security breaches, evidenced by the presence of outside influences on a computer network or traces of past network violations. In the event of a security breach, analysts will alert senior staff members and recommend enhancements to prevent future violations. This constant need for adaptation requires analysts to stay abreast of new developments in computer security technology through ancillary academic coursework, industry publications, annual meetings, and training seminars.
In addition to constantly monitoring the potential security risks that may target their business or organization, information security analysts must also stay informed of legislation and political developments related to digital security, particularly those that affect the rights of business clients and the civil liberties of individuals.
Work Environment
Immediate Physical Environment. Information security analysts predominantly work in office settings with occasional off-site work. They work in almost every industry, from business and finance to education, government, transportation, communications, and the military.
Human Environment. Many of the tasks of information security analysts are conducted individually. However, the explanation of different security systems to coworkers and clients requires group and one-on-one interactions.
Technological Environment. Information security analysts are highly trained in technology. They utilize a variety of computer science technologies, including software, hardware, and network technology. They must also be adept at computer programming languages and web communication. Information security analysts must continually update their skills with changing technology.
Education, Training, and Advancement
High School/Secondary. High school students can best prepare for a career as an information security analyst by completing courses in algebra, calculus, geometry, trigonometry, and computer courses such as introductory programming. Exposure to computer systems via internships or volunteer work can also build an important foundation for students interested in being employed in computer science.
Postsecondary. A bachelor’s degree is a standard requirement for nearly all employment vacancies in the information security profession. Most candidates arrive in the field after academic training in general computer science, programming, or software development, while others prepare for the role by completing degree programs dedicated specifically to computer and network security. Postsecondary students who study information security complete coursework in such topics as network design, intrusion detection, wireless security, system administration, and cryptography. Additional related coursework also includes system administration and architecture and firewall construction.
Related Occupations
− Computer & Information Systems Manager
− Computer-Control Tool Programmer
− Information Technology Project Manager
Bibliography
"Information Security Analysts." O*NET OnLine, 6 Aug. 2024, www.onetonline.org/link/summary/15-1212.00. Accessed 22 Aug. 2024.
"Information Security Analysts." US Bureau of Labor Statistics, 17 Apr. 2024, www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/information-security-analysts.htm. Accessed 22 Aug. 2024.