How to Become an

Information Security Analyst

The complete career guide to be an Information Security Analyst: salary, job growth, employers, best schools, and education you may need to get started.

Why We Love It

  • $93,250
    Potential Avg. Salary
  • 17.9%
    Job Growth Rate
  • Growing Demand
    Job Outlook
  • Creativity Focused
    Career Attribute

Information security analysts plane, create and execute security measures and programming to protect an organizations computer networking systems.

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What is an Information Security Analyst?

The following responsibilities are common for Information Security Analysts:

  • Closely monitor their employers networks for any security breaches and investigate any potential violations
  • Install and use software like firewalls, and data encryption programs to protect information
  • Keep reports, documents and records of all security breaches and the damage incurred by the breach
  • Simulates security breaches called penetration testing, to find any vulnerabilities in the systems
  • Helps clients and customers with installation of their firewall security programming

A Day In The Life

Information security analysts are valued individuals for their ability for protect an organizations sensitive information and data from cyber attacks and hackers.  They spend their days planning and implementing security measures to protect computer systems and networks and confidential data.  They are expected to continuesly stay current on the latest intelligence methods in order to anticipate hackers security breaches.  They are also responsible for preventing data loss and service interruptions by protecting the networks to the best of their technological abilities.

Typical Work Schedule

This is a full time position that is spent mostly in an office environment with the majority of their time spent sitting in front of computers.

Projected Job Growth

This career path is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations.  Demand is driven by the increasing efforts to prevent cyber crime and for states to keep up with statutes and technologies together as well as the increasing need for the federal government and healthcare industries to protect their confidential data.

Typical Employers

These professionals are typically employed by IT service providers, banking and financial services, government agencies and healthcare companies.

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How To Become an Information Security Analyst

Academic requirements for information security analyst positions can and do vary greatly.  To become an Information Computer Analyst for a corporation or government, it is recommended that an individual obtain a bachelor’s degree in computer science, programming or computer engineering or a related field.  The absolute minimum requirement for an individual is at least 3 years of cyber information security experience.  These individuals should have high levels of competency in creativity, ingenuity, leadership and teamwork skills.  Many analyst certifications are available as well like CISSP and CEH.  These certifications will include knowledge in program scripting languages like Windows, Mac, Linux and Python.  These certifications are generally offered through the corporation that the individual chooses to work for.  Individuals that choose to work in the corporate industries generally start out at an entry-level position and can progress and advance with experience and knowledge to senior security analyst.  Advancement in these companies may also be possible with work experience and advanced educational qualifications.  It is also vital and important that these individuals have a willingness to stay current on the latest tools, technologies, theories and methodologies as well.


Information Security Analyst Salary Data

We’ve provided you the following to learn more about this career. The salary and growth data on this page comes from recently published Bureau of Labor Statistics data while the recommendations and editorial content are based on our research.

National Anual Salary

Low Range

$67,890

Average

$93,250

High Range

$143,770

National Hourly Wage

Low Range

$33/hr

Average

$45/hr

High Range

$69/hr

How do Information Security Analyst salaries stack up to other jobs across the country? Based on the latest jobs data nationwide, Information Security Analyst's can make an average annual salary of $93,250, or $45 per hour. On the lower end, they can make $67,890 or $33 per hour, perhaps when just starting out or based on the state you live in.

Salary Rankings And Facts

  • #85 Nationally for All Careers

  • Above Average Salary Nationally


Programs and Degrees

Here are the most common degrees for becoming an Information Security Analyst. a is usually recommended and specifically a degree or coursework that prepares you for the particular field, see below.


Highest Education Among Information Security Analysts

  • 1.4%   Doctorate
  • 20.2%   Masters
  • 44.6%   Bachelors
  • 8.9%   Associates
  • 18.7%   College
  • 5.5%   High School
  • 0.8%   Less than High School

Job Growth Projections and Forecast

2014 Total Jobs

82,900

2024 Est. Jobs

97,700

Job Growth Rate

17.9%

Est. New Jobs

14,800

How does Information Security Analyst job growth stack up to other jobs across the country? By 2024, there will be a change of 14,800 jobs for a total of 97,700 people employed in the career nationwide. This is a 17.9% change in growth over the next ten years, giving the career a growth rate nationwide of Above Average.

Growth Rankings And Facts

  • #74 Nationally for All Careers

  • Above Avg. Growth Nationally


What Companies Employ The Most Information Security Analysts

Industry Current Jobs New Jobs Needed % Increase
Computer systems design and related services 21,900 7,800 8%
Management of companies and enterprises 6,200 300 0%
Depository credit intermediation 6,100 400 0%

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