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Information Security Analyst

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What Does it Take to Be an Information Security Analyst?

Career Description Plan, implement, upgrade, or monitor security measures for the protection of computer networks and information. May ensure appropriate security controls are in place that will safeguard digital files and vital electronic infrastructure. May respond to computer security breaches and viruses.

What Do Information Security Analysts Do On a Daily Basis?

  • Train users and promote security awareness to ensure system security and to improve server and network efficiency.
  • Encrypt data transmissions and erect firewalls to conceal confidential information as it is being transmitted and to keep out tainted digital transfers.
  • Monitor current reports of computer viruses to determine when to update virus protection systems.
  • Monitor use of data files and regulate access to safeguard information in computer files.
  • Coordinate implementation of computer system plan with establishment personnel and outside vendors.
  • Document computer security and emergency measures policies, procedures, and tests.

Skills Needed to be an Information Security Analyst

Information Security Analysts state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.

Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

  • Systems Analyst
  • Information Systems Security Specialist
  • Security Architect
  • Cryptologist
  • Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

Are There Job Opportunities for Information Security Analysts?

There were about 100,000 jobs for Information Security Analyst in 2016 (in the United States). New jobs are being produced at a rate of 28.5% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 28,500 new jobs for Information Security Analyst by 2026. There will be an estimated 10,400 positions for Information Security Analyst per year.

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The states with the most job growth for Information Security Analyst are Louisiana, Utah, and Washington. Watch out if you plan on working in Maryland, Vermont, or Alaska. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.

How Much Does an Information Security Analyst Make?

The typical yearly salary for Information Security Analysts is somewhere between $56,750 and $156,580.

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Information Security Analysts who work in New Jersey, District of Columbia, or New York, make the highest salaries.

How much do Information Security Analysts make in different U.S. states?

State Annual Mean Salary
Alabama $92,500
Alaska $105,280
Arizona $93,960
Arkansas $81,710
California $110,340
Colorado $102,820
Connecticut $112,900
Delaware $106,780
District of Columbia $118,080
Florida $91,950
Georgia $94,490
Hawaii $91,520
Idaho $86,590
Illinois $98,640
Indiana $80,080
Iowa $83,030
Kansas $86,160
Kentucky $83,890
Louisiana $74,350
Maine $82,270
Maryland $107,960
Massachusetts $108,400
Michigan $93,850
Minnesota $97,040
Mississippi $73,550
Missouri $91,210
Montana $64,790
Nebraska $84,540
Nevada $89,530
New Hampshire $100,850
New Jersey $121,600
New Mexico $106,360
New York $122,000
North Carolina $104,430
North Dakota $79,940
Ohio $93,770
Oklahoma $81,900
Oregon $92,620
Pennsylvania $97,620
Rhode Island $109,580
South Carolina $75,770
South Dakota $91,630
Tennessee $82,160
Texas $104,170
Utah $86,790
Vermont $84,680
Virginia $111,780
Washington $107,800
West Virginia $84,620
Wisconsin $81,050
Wyoming $73,280

What Tools do Information Security Analysts Use?

Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Information Security Analysts may use on a daily basis:

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Word
  • Microsoft Office
  • Hypertext markup language HTML
  • JavaScript
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Git
  • Python
  • Microsoft Access
  • Node.js
  • MySQL
  • Data entry software
  • MongoDB
  • SAP
  • Microsoft Windows
  • Microsoft Project
  • Microsoft Visio
  • Microsoft SharePoint
  • Structured query language SQL
  • The MathWorks MATLAB

Becoming an Information Security Analyst

Education needed to be an Information Security Analyst:

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What work experience do I need to become an Information Security Analyst?

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Where Information Security Analysts Work

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The table below shows the approximate number of Information Security Analysts employed by various industries.

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Similar Careers

Those interested in being an Information Security Analyst may also be interested in:

Career changers with experience as an Information Security Analyst sometimes find work in one of the following fields:

References:

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