Information Security Analyst

Your Fit

Income

$125K

Preparation

Considerable

Growth

31.5%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is an Information Security Analyst?

An Information Security Analyst is a professional who specializes in protecting an organization's computer systems and networks from cyber threats. They implement security measures to safeguard sensitive data and ensure the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of information.

Sample job titles:

Information Security Officer, Information Systems Security Officer (ISSO), Information Technology Security Analyst (IT Security Analyst), Network Security Analyst

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Information Security Analyst.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does an Information Security Analyst earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) in 2024 was...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$70K per year	$92K per year	$125K per year	$160K per year	$186K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $75K above the national average.

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What does an Information Security Analyst do?

Work environment

Information Security Analysts typically work in offices or cybersecurity operation centers and are employed by a range of organizations, including government agencies, financial institutions, healthcare organizations, and private corporations. Their work often involves collaboration with IT staff and may require being on-call for emergencies or security breaches.

Quick task list

Implements and manages security measures and protocols.
Monitors networks for security breaches and investigates violations.
Conducts regular security assessments and audits.
Develops and updates disaster recovery plans.
Advises on security enhancements and best practices.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Network Security: Protecting computer networks from intrusions, attacks, and unauthorized access.
Cloud Security: Securing cloud-based platforms and services.
Forensic Analysis: Investigating cybercrimes and analyzing breaches.
Penetration Testing: Simulating cyber attacks to identify vulnerabilities.
Compliance and Risk Management: Ensuring adherence to data protection regulations and assessing security risks.

Description

Information Security Analysts play a critical role in defending against cyber threats and maintaining the digital security of an organization. They are responsible for creating and implementing security solutions to protect against hackers, cyberattacks, and other threats. This role requires staying up-to-date with the latest security trends and technologies, as well as understanding the evolving landscape of cyber threats.

The job involves a mix of technical skills, such as network analysis and knowledge of security protocols, and soft skills like problem-solving and communication. Analysts must be able to clearly communicate security policies and procedures to other employees and often provide training to staff on security awareness. They need to be proactive in identifying potential vulnerabilities and quick to respond in the event of a security breach.

Working as an Information Security Analyst can be highly rewarding, offering a dynamic and challenging environment. The field is rapidly evolving, providing continual learning opportunities and the chance to work with cutting-edge technologies. Analysts not only protect critical information but also contribute significantly to the overall resilience and success of their organizations.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Playing a key role in safeguarding an organization's digital assets.
Continuously learning and staying ahead in a fast-paced and evolving field.
The intellectual challenge of solving complex cybersecurity problems.

You might make a good Information Security Analyst if you are...

Detail-oriented and able to focus on minute aspects of security systems.
Passionate about technology and cybersecurity.
A strong problem-solver with analytical thinking skills.
Capable of thinking like a hacker to anticipate and mitigate security risks.
Effective in communicating complex technical issues to non-technical staff.

Pros:

High demand in a variety of industries.
Opportunities to work with cutting-edge technology.
Good earning potential and career growth prospects.

Cons:

Can be stressful due to the high stakes of security breaches.
Requires constant learning to keep up with rapidly changing technologies.
Often involves responding to security incidents outside of regular business hours.

How to become an Information Security Analyst

Typical education

A bachelor's degree in computer science, cybersecurity, or a related field is generally required, amounting to about 4 years of post-secondary education. Some positions may require additional certifications or advanced degrees.

High school preparation

Courses:

Computer Science to understand the basics of programming and systems.
Mathematics, especially in areas like statistics and algebra.
Courses in ethics and law to understand the legal implications of cybersecurity.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Participating in coding clubs or cybersecurity competitions.
Engaging in online courses or bootcamps on cybersecurity.
Volunteering to manage or secure school's IT systems.

Preparation after high school

Obtain a bachelor's degree in computer science, cybersecurity, or a related field.
Gain experience through internships in IT or cybersecurity.
Pursue certifications such as Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) or Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH).

More resources

Cybrary - Offers free and paid cybersecurity courses.
Infosec Institute - Provides training for various cybersecurity certifications.
The International Information System Security Certification Consortium (ISC)² - Offers the CISSP certification and other resources.
Ethical Hacking Courses on Udemy - Various courses on ethical hacking and cybersecurity.

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