Information Security Analyst Career
Information security analysts are trained professionals who monitor the security of a company’s network system and design, install and implement security protocols to meet the needs of the company. They not only install security such as data encryption software and firewalls, but also determine what type of security the network needs based on its industry.
The information security analyst develops disaster recovery programs in case the organization is attacked by cyber attacks and assists employees in installing and monitoring security programs. They must also keep up-to-date with the latest cyber threats by constantly researching and learning new security techniques.
Information Security Analyst Career Snapshot
Information security analysts generally work full-time hours but are often on call 24/7 to handle any after-hours security. They may work as computer systems analysts or network administrators in office settings with computers and networking equipment. Almost 25 percent of these professionals worked for computer systems design companies as of 2014, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), although some work as independent contractors.
Further details on a career as an information security analyst are listed below (statistics from the May 2015 Bureau of Labor Statistics and Onet Online):
is the average yearly salary for information security analysts.
increase in employment between 2014 and 2024.
have a Bachelor’s degree while 19% have a Post-Baccalaureate certificate.
Information Security Analyst Education
Information security analysts are typically required to have at least a bachelor’s degree in computer science or computer programming with concentrations in internet security or a related field. Some employers may require you to have a master’s degree in a computer-related field as well as information security certifications.
Information Security Analyst Job Duties
The daily job duties of information security analysts include monitoring an organization’s network, developing security protocols for the business, researching the latest IT trends and programs, assessing the network’s security needs, assisting with correctly running security software, observing possible threats to the organization’s security and meeting with senior executives regarding security protocols.
Information Security Analyst Salaries
Information security analysts earned an average annual wage of $90,120 in 2015, according to the BLS. Those in the lowest 10 percent earned about $51,280 while those in the highest 90 percent earned about $143,770. The states where information security analysts earn the highest wages are District of Columbia, New York, New Jersey and California, as of a May 2015 BLS report.
Information Security Analyst Job Outlook
The BLS reports that information security analysts can expect an employment growth of about 18 percent from 2014-2024, which is much faster than average. With so many new cyber threats coming out almost daily, industries like the healthcare and the federal government will have constant need for more security putting information security analysts very much in demand.
Information Security Analyst Skills & Traits
| Information Security Analysts Skill Set: | Required Abilities: | Tools Used by Information Security Analysts: | Typical Work Activities: |
|---|---|---|---|
| • Critical Thinking • Reading Comprehension • Complex Problem Solving • Speaking • Active Listening | • Written Comprehension • Oral Comprehension • Problem Sensitivity • Deductive Reasoning • Inductive Reasoning | • Desktop/notebook computers • Mainframe computers • Network analyzers • Protocol analyzers • Data base management system software | • Working with Computers • Getting Information • Analyzing Data • Evaluating Information • Communicating with Others |
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