How to Become an Information Security Analyst in 2024
Information security analysts typically require a bachelor’s degree in computer science and relevant work experience. Employers may prefer to hire analysts with professional certifications.
Educate
Information security analysts typically require a bachelor’s degree in computing and information technology or a related field, such as engineering or mathematics.
However, some workers enter the occupation with a high school diploma, relevant trade training, and certificates.
Work experience in a relevant occupation
Information security analysts may require work experience in a related occupation. Many analysts have experience in the information technology sector, often as network and computer systems administrators.
Licensing, Certification, and Registration
Many employers prefer to hire candidates with information security certifications. Some certifications, such as Security+, are for entry-level employees; others, such as the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), are designed for experienced information security workers. Certifications in specialized areas, such as systems auditing, are also available.
Progress
Information security analysts may advance to chief security officers or other types of computer and information systems managers. Information security analysts can also progress in this career with experience.
For example, they might lead a team of other information security analysts or become experts in a specific information security area.
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Important qualities
Skills of analysis. Information security analysts study computer systems and networks and assess risks to determine improvements to security policies and protocols.
Communication skills. Information security analysts must be able to explain information security needs and potential threats to technical and non-technical audiences within their organization.
Creative skills. Information security analysts must predict risks and implement new methods to protect their organization’s computer systems and networks.
Attention to detail. Because cyber attacks can be difficult to detect, information security analysts must pay close attention to computer systems and small changes in performance.
Ability to solve problems. Information security -analysts must respond to security alerts and find and fix flaws in computer systems and networks.
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Job prospect
Employment of information security analysts is projected to grow 33% from 2020 to 2030, well above the average for all occupations.
On average, about 16,300 information security analyst job openings are expected yearly during this decade. Many of these vacancies are expected to be due to the need to replace workers who move to a different occupation or exit the workforce (e.g., retire).
Employment
Demand for information security-analysts is expected to be very high. With the increasing frequency of cyber attacks, analysts will need to develop innovative solutions to prevent hackers from stealing critical information or causing problems for computer networks.
The increasing adoption of cloud services by SMEs and the rise in cybersecurity threats will create demand for information security analysts throughout the decade.
Faced with growing cybersecurity threats, banks, financial institutions, and other types of companies will need to improve their information security capabilities.
Additionally, as the healthcare industry expands the use of electronic medical records, ensuring patient privacy and protecting personal data is critical.
More information security-analysts may be needed to create safeguards to protect personal information and address patient concerns.
Pay
In May 2021, the median annual salary for an information security analyst was $102,600. The median wage is when half of the workers in an occupation are paid more than that amount, and the other half are paid less. The bottom 10% earn less than $61,520, and the top 10% earn more than $165,920.
In May 2021, the median annual salary for information security-analysts in the top industries in which they work was as follows:
- Information $128,970
- Financial insurance 104,790
- Corporate and business management 101,350
- Computer system design and related services 101,170
- Administrative and support services 95,270
Most information security analysts work full-time, and some work more than 40 hours weekly. In emergencies, information security analysts must sometimes be on call outside regular business hours.
