Why We Love It
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$93,250Potential Avg. Salary
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17.9%Job Growth Rate
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Growing DemandJob Outlook
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Creativity FocusedCareer Attribute
Information security analysts focus on discovering and understanding risks or threats to computer security information and data. They ensure that the proper security measures are in place to safeguard this highly sensitive digital information.
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What is a Network Security Analyst?
The following responsibilities are common for Information Security Analysts:
- Train users and promote computer security awareness to ensure system security and improve server network efficiency
- Develop and maintain plans to secure and safeguard computer files and information against any destruction or disclosure
- Monitor any current or possible computer or network viruses and keep detailed records and reports of those viruses
- Modify any computer security files and install and maintain new and old network software or correct any errors
- Perform risk assessments and tests of data processing systems to ensure functioning of activities and security measures
A Day In The Life
Network Security Analysts design, implement and maintain computer and information security systems. They monitor networks to detect any suspicious or threatening activities and take certain measures, like installing firewalls, to defend the network against any potential attacks.
They conduct periodic network monitoring and intrusion detection analysis to determine if there have been any attacks on the system. They analyze network traffic to identify any anomalies and test the information security controls for any weaknesses. If any virus activity is detected within the system, they must take actions against the virus to contain the damage. They then try determine where the virus may have come from. To do this, these individuals will design and implement new safeguards to protect the networking system and the information it contains, whether it be software, hardware or new operating procedures.
Typical Work Schedule
Most network security analysts typically work full-time following the regular working schedule of 40 hours per week. They sometimes may need to work longer hours than that when a system has critical weak points that needs to be identified and fixed quickly which is the case with corporates as banks, healthcare institutes and airports. In addition to the regular working hours, you may have to be available on-call outside of normal business hours in case of an emergency which may include working on evenings and weekends. They often work with other members of the information technology department and therefore have to coordinate their tasks with other team members working on information security.
Projected Job Growth
Network security is currently a major concern facing companies and organizations in almost all fields. The number of network security has recently been increasing massively with the growth in the data storage and transfer. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of various information security analysts including network security analysts is expected to grow by 31% from 2019 to 2029 which is much faster than the average for all other occupations. This is attributed to the increase in cyberattacks where analysts will be needed to come up with innovative solutions to stop hackers from stealing critical information or creating problems for computer networks. Specific fields will require higher demand, making the employment of network security as well as other information security analysts is projected to increase by 56 % in the field of computer systems design from 2019 to 2029 due to the increasing use of cloud services by many companies of various sizes.
Typical Employers
Network security analysts are expected to work for almost all available industries. They can work for specialized information security companies as Herjavec Group, KnowBe4, CyberArk and Raytheon Cyber. Their employers include working in computer systems design and other related companies as well as in finance and insurance where their job will be critical to ensure the data security of the clients. Some may work as a part of the team of management of different companies and enterprises or in the field of Information Security. Others may work for the government providing computer forensics as part of the police department.
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How To Become a Network Security Analyst
To become an Information Security Analyst, an individual must obtain an undergraduate technical bachelor’s degree, for entry-level positions, preferably in computer sciences, computer programming, information science or a related field of study. Coursework should include classes like, computer science, cyber security, forensic computing, IT, mathematics, physics, network engineering and network securities.
If you possess a keen interest in IT and developments sector and have analytical abilities and can recognize trends in data, have attention to detail and are capable of making confident and effective decisions, then this may be the right career path for you. Also keep in mind that an individual may also have to undergo and pass a security clearance and background check because they will have access to sensitive information, depending on what organization the individual is working for.
The majority of them will begin entry-level positions as an applications systems analyst, progress into a senior analyst position then advance as a systems analyst specialist. When an individual moves to the senior analyst position, they may want to consider a graduate degree.
Network 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
$67,890Average
$93,250High Range
$143,770National Hourly Wage
Low Range
$33/hrAverage
$45/hrHigh Range
$69/hrHow do Network Security Analyst salaries stack up to other jobs across the country? Based on the latest jobs data nationwide, Network 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 a Network Security Analyst. a is usually recommended and specifically a degree or coursework that prepares you for the particular field, see below.
Highest Education Among Network 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
82,9002024 Est. Jobs
97,700Job Growth Rate
17.9%Est. New Jobs
14,800How does Network 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 Network 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% |
