Information Security Analysts

Information security analysts plan and carry out security measures to protect an organization’s computer networks and systems. Their responsibilities are continually expanding as the number of cyberattacks increases.

Duties

Information security analysts typically do the following:

• Monitor their organization’s networks for security breaches and investigate a violation when one occurs
• Install and use software, such as firewalls and data encryption programs, to protect sensitive information
• Prepare reports that document security breaches and the extent of the damage caused by the breaches
• Conduct penetration testing, which is when analysts simulate attacks to look for vulnerabilities in their systems before they can be exploited
• Research the latest information technology (IT) security trends
• Develop security standards and best practices for their organization
• Recommend security enhancements to management or senior IT staff
• Help computer users when they need to install or learn about new security products and procedures

IT security analysts are heavily involved with creating their organization’s disaster recovery plan, a procedure that IT employees follow in case of emergency. These plans allow for the continued operation of an organization’s IT department. The recovery plan includes preventive measures such as regularly copying and transferring data to an offsite location. It also involves plans to restore proper IT functioning after a disaster. Analysts continually test the steps in their recovery plans.

Information security analysts must stay up to date on IT security and on the latest methods attackers are using to infiltrate computer systems. Analysts need to research new security technology to decide what will most effectively protect their organization.

Information security analysts held about 112,300 jobs in 2018. 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	10
Information	8
Administrative and support services	6

Many information security analysts work with other members of an information technology department, such as network administrators or computer systems analysts.

Work Schedules

Most information security analysts work full time. Information security analysts sometimes have to be on call outside of normal business hours in case of an emergency. Some work more than 40 hours per week.

Most information security analyst positions require a bachelor’s degree in a computer-related field. Employers usually prefer analysts to have experience in a related occupation.

Education

Information security analysts usually need at least a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information assurance, programming, or a related field. 

Some employers prefer applicants who have a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in information systems. Programs offering the MBA in information systems generally require 2 years of study beyond the undergraduate level and include both business and computer-related courses.

Work Experience in a Related Occupation

Information security analysts generally need to have previous experience in a related occupation. Many analysts have experience in an information technology department, often as a network or computer systems administrator. Some employers look for people who have already worked in fields related to the one in which they are hiring. For example, if the job opening is in database security, they may look for a database administrator. If they are hiring in systems security, a computer systems analyst may be an ideal candidate.

Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations

There are a number of information security certifications available, and many employers prefer candidates to have certification, which validates the knowledge and best practices required from information security analysts. Some are general information security certificates, such as the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), while others have a more narrow focus, such as penetration testing or systems auditing.

Advancement

Information security analysts can advance to become chief security officers or another type of computer and information systems manager.

Important Qualities

Analytical skills. Information security analysts must carefully study computer systems and networks and assess risks to determine how security policies and protocols can be improved.

Detail oriented. Because cyberattacks can be difficult to detect, information security analysts must pay careful attention to computer systems and watch for minor changes in performance.

Ingenuity. Information security analysts must anticipate information security risks and implement new ways to protect their organizations’ computer systems and networks.

Problem-solving skills. Information security analysts must respond to security alerts and uncover and fix flaws in computer systems and networks.

The median annual wage for information security analysts was $98,350 in May 2018.

The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $56,750, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $156,580.

In May 2018, the median annual wages for information security analysts in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:

Computer systems design and related services	$102,620
Finance and insurance	101,130
Information	96,580
Management of companies and enterprises	94,180
Administrative and support services	94,120

Most information security analysts work full time. Information security analysts sometimes have to be on call outside of normal business hours in case of an emergency. Some work more than 40 hours per week.

Employment of information security analysts is projected to grow 32 percent from 2018 to 2028, much faster than the average for all occupations.

Demand for information security analysts is expected to be very high. Cyberattacks have grown in frequency, and analysts will be needed to come up with innovative solutions to prevent hackers from stealing critical information or creating problems for computer networks.

Banks and financial institutions, as well as other types of corporations, will need to increase their information security capabilities in the face of growing cybersecurity threats. In addition, as the healthcare industry expands its use of electronic medical records, ensuring patients’ privacy and protecting personal data are becoming more important. More information security analysts are likely to be needed to create the safeguards that will satisfy patients’ concerns.

Employment of information security analysts is projected to grow 55 percent in computer systems design and related services from 2018 to 2028. The increasing adoption of cloud services by small and medium-sized businesses and a rise in cybersecurity threats will create demand for managed security services providers in this industry.

Job Prospects

Job prospects for information security analysts should be good. Information security analysts with related work experience will have the best prospects. For example, an applicant with experience as a database administrator would have better prospects in database security than someone without that experience.

Employment projections data for information security analysts, 2018-28

Occupational Title	SOC Code	Employment, 2018	Projected Employment, 2028	Change, 2018-28		Employment by Industry
				Percent	Numeric
SOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program
Information security analysts	15-1122	112,300	147,700	32	35,500	Get data

This table shows a list of occupations with job duties that are similar to those of information security analysts.

	Occupation	Job Duties	Entry-Level Education	Median Annual Pay, May 2018
	Computer and Information Research Scientists	Computer and information research scientists invent and design new approaches to computing technology and find innovative uses for existing technology.	Master’s degree	$118,370
	Computer and Information Systems Managers	Computer and information systems managers plan, coordinate, and direct computer-related activities in an organization.	Bachelor’s degree	$142,530
	Computer Network Architects	Computer network architects design and build data communication networks, including local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), and Intranets.	Bachelor’s degree	$109,020
	Computer Programmers	Computer programmers write and test code that allows computer applications and software programs to function properly.	Bachelor’s degree	$84,280
	Computer Support Specialists	Computer support specialists provide help and advice to computer users and organizations.	See How to Become One	$53,470
	Computer Systems Analysts	Computer systems analysts study an organization’s current computer systems and find a solution that is more efficient and effective.	Bachelor’s degree	$88,740
	Database Administrators	Database administrators (DBAs) use specialized software to store and organize data.	Bachelor’s degree	$90,070
	Network and Computer Systems Administrators	Network and computer systems administrators are responsible for the day-to-day operation of computer networks.	Bachelor’s degree	$82,050
	Software Developers	Software developers create the applications or systems that run on a computer or another device.	Bachelor’s degree	$105,590
	Web Developers	Web developers design and create websites.	Associate’s degree	$69,430

For more information about computer careers, visit

Association for Computing Machinery

Computing Research Association

IEEE Computer Society

For information about opportunities for women pursuing information technology careers, visit:

National Center for Women & Information Technology

O*NET

Information Security Analysts