The following article discusses the career path of Information Security Analyst. Learn about how to become one, education requirements, job duties, traits and qualities, national salary outlook as well as top national employers of Information Security Analysts.
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Job Duties
Information security analysts hold responsibility for making sure that their organization maintains an adequate security level in terms of their data. They often perform significant research for which they collect data. They use this to develop strategies that ensure productivity is maximized as much as possible. Furthermore, they develop new security principles and implement these, while remaining compliant with the relevant strict privacy polices. They have advanced knowledge and skills in relation to finding vulnerabilities and security threats. They also complete assessments within their enterprises and they monitor computer traffic and logs.
Furthermore, these specialists work together to ensure that initiatives are fully up to date for various technologies within their companies. In so doing, the minimize the levels of downtime and ensure security contingencies are avoided. If a security breach does happen, they maintain records about this and follow the relevant procedures in line with state, federal, and company rules. Additionally, they know how the infrastructure of the company, such as hardware devices, firewalls, and routers, work. Generally, they have office positions.
Other duties of the information security analyst are:
- To analyze, prioritize, and document security threats, key metrics, and incidents
- To review data periodically and daily in order to spot vulnerability and report on these while suggesting solutions
- To analyze and configure security software and tools
- To work together with end users and the IT department to ensure that assets are protected and disruption of operations is minimal
Where We Work
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 100,000 information security analysts in 2016. The largest employers of these professionals are:
- Computer systems design and related services 28%
- Finance and insurance 19%
- Management of companies and enterprises 9%
- Information 8%
- Administrative and support services 6%
How to Become
Information security analysts are good multi-taskers and problem solvers. They have a keen eye for detail and advanced skills and knowledge on both new and existing technologies, computer applications, and system methods. Furthermore, they wish to deliver excellent customer service to both their clients and coworkers. Naturally, they are well-versed in the use of computers and of proprietary security tools that are available. They are trained in writing reports so that they can provide feedback to managers. To achieve all of this, it is generally expected that they hold a bachelor’s degree as a minimum, usually in network security or in information technology. Additionally, they are expected to hold relevant IT certifications and several years of work experience.
Education Requirements
It is expected that information security analysts hold a bachelor’s degree in programing, information assurance, computer science, or a related field. It is becoming increasingly common for employers to look for those who have a master’s degree, particularly the Master of Business Administration (MBA) with an information systems concentration. This usually takes two years of post-graduate study to complete. During this degree, they learn not just about courses related to computers, but also about business.
Work experience is generally vital. Often, information security analysts need to have experience in computer systems or network administration or in other elements of IT departments. Often, the previous experience must be completely relevant to the security job. For instance, someone who will be focused on cloud security will be expected to have worked in cloud administration in the past.
Numerous certifications also exist in relation to information security. While these are usually not a requirement, they demonstrate dedication to professional excellence, which sets them apart from other candidates for the job. There are general qualifications and certifications, such as the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) that are in high demand, but others are a lot more specific, focusing on things such as systems auditing or penetration testing.
Traits & Qualities
The most effective information security analysts have the following traits to some degree or other:
– Excellent analytical skills
– Highly detail oriented
– Ingenuity and creative thinking
– Strong problem solving skills
Minimum Education
Bachelor’s Degree
The national average salary estimate for Information Security Analyst was $83,417. This number is estimated from over 960,436 employees, users past and present job advertisements from Indeed.com. This equates to an hourly salary of $43.45 and monthly of $6,951.
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$29,000
$164,000
The following section lists Information Security Analyst salaries in each state around the country. The figures are based on the total number of job postings through Indeed.com. For example, South Carolina had the largest quoted salary of $110,764 while Vermont had the smallest quoted salary of $32,544.
According to Indeed.com, the following states had employers looking to hire a Information Security Analyst. The quoted salary figure represents the average salary from all job postings by this employer.
| Employer Name | Location | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Selby Jennings Information Security Analyst | New Jersey | $148,701 |
| Two Point Consulting Information Security Analyst | New York | $144,914 |
| TEKsystems Information Security Analyst | Minnesota | $141,771 |
| Forrest Staffing Solutions Information Security Analyst | New York | $140,647 |
| Phoenix 2.0 Information Security Analyst | California | $140,000 |
| The ProSource Group Information Security Analyst | California | $140,000 |
| Network Resources Information Security Analyst | New York | $138,473 |
| CyberCoders Information Security Analyst | Tennessee | $132,743 |
| The Job Jobber Information Security Analyst | Arizona | $132,518 |
| Revolution Technologies Information Security Analyst | New York | $130,000 |
| CandidateXchange Information Security Analyst | Missouri | $130,000 |
| Request Technology Information Security Analyst | New York | $129,260 |
| Kane Partners LLC Information Security Analyst | New York | $126,892 |
| Juniper Networks Information Security Analyst | California | $126,453 |
| DSNSearch Information Security Analyst | New Jersey | $123,434 |
| WinterWyman Information Security Analyst | Massachusetts | $122,976 |
Learn More
- Information Security Analysts : Occupational Outlook …
- Computer Systems Analysts – Bureau of Labor Statistics
| Career Name | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Gaming Manager | $84,668 |
| Construction Manager | $84,322 |
| Risk Analyst | $84,024 |
| Internal Auditor | $83,754 |
| Information Technology Manager | $83,668 |
| Revenue Manager | $83,304 |
| Project Director | $82,923 |
| Materials Manager | $82,671 |
| Business Systems Analyst | $82,655 |
| Senior Business Advisor | $82,555 |
