Plan, implement, upgrade, or monitor security measures for the protection of computer networks and information. Assess system vulnerabilities for security risks and propose and implement risk mitigation strategies. 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.
Information Security Analysts
Plan, implement, upgrade, or monitor security measures for the protection of computer networks and information. Assess system vulnerabilities for security risks and propose and implement risk mitigation strategies. 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 does a Information Security Analysts do?
How much can you earn?
National Salary Distribution
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $116,760 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $92,160 and $159,600
- •Salary spread is 54.0% around the median, showing high variation
- •Total national employment: 179,430 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Current Employment
Top Industries
10-Year Outlook
Employment Projections
Growth Category: Much faster than average
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Information Security Analysts professionals work across the United States
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024
Key Growth Factors
- •Much faster than average growth expected
- •High current market demand
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
Skills Overview
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Reading Comprehension
advancedCritical Thinking
advancedActive Listening
intermediateComplex Problem Solving
advancedSpeaking
intermediateWriting
intermediateMonitoring
intermediateJudgment and Decision Making
basicSystems Analysis
basicActive Learning
basicHighly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
- ✓Active Listening
- →Writing
- →Monitoring
- →Judgment and Decision Making
Mid Career
- ✓Active Listening
- ✓Reading Comprehension
- ✓Critical Thinking
- ✓Complex Problem Solving
Senior Level
- ★Active Listening
- ★Reading Comprehension
- ★Critical Thinking
- ★Complex Problem Solving
- ★Speaking
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Information Security Analysts
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires expert digital literacy
Key Digital Competencies:
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
SAS
🔥 Hot TechThe MathWorks MATLAB
🔥 Hot TechDocker
🔥 Hot TechGitHub
🔥 Hot TechRed Hat OpenShift
🔥 Hot TechApache Spark
🔥 Hot TechTableau
🔥 Hot TechAmazon Web Services AWS CloudFormation
🔥 Hot TechSplunk Enterprise
🔥 Hot TechChef
🔥 Hot TechPuppet
🔥 Hot TechAtlassian JIRA
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in mostly indoor environments?
- •Can you meet high physical demands?
- •Do you enjoy some team team environments?
- •Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
Train users and promote security awareness to ensure system security and to improve server and network efficiency.
🔴Develop plans to safeguard computer files against accidental or unauthorized modification, destruction, or disclosure and to meet emergency data processing needs.
🔴Confer with users to discuss issues such as computer data access needs, security violations, and programming changes.
🔴Monitor current reports of computer viruses to determine when to update virus protection systems.
🔴Modify computer security files to incorporate new software, correct errors, or change individual access status.
🔴Coordinate implementation of computer system plan with establishment personnel and outside vendors.
🔴Monitor use of data files and regulate access to safeguard information in computer files.
🔴Perform risk assessments and execute tests of data processing system to ensure functioning of data processing activities and security measures.
🔴Encrypt data transmissions and erect firewalls to conceal confidential information as it is being transmitted and to keep out tainted digital transfers.
🟡Document computer security and emergency measures policies, procedures, and tests.
🟡💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on training & development activities
- •64% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
- •Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Information Security Analysts
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Information Security Analysts professionals typically have a CIR Holland code and highly value working conditions
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Information Security Analysts
Attention to Detail
CriticalAttention to Detail
Dependability
CriticalDependability
Integrity
CriticalIntegrity
Analytical Thinking
Very ImportantAnalytical Thinking
Cooperation
Very ImportantCooperation
Adaptability/Flexibility
Very ImportantAdaptability/Flexibility
Complete Work Styles Profile
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
Preparation Level
Experience Needed
📚 Education Requirement
Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Significant preparation with related work experience
💼 Experience Requirement
A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience needed
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Bachelor's degree in related field
- • Several years of work experience
- • Professional certifications often required
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
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