Information Security Analyst – Cyber Security Gate Keepers
It’s no secret that the tech industry is booming.
But did you know that cybercrime numbers are skyrocketing?
Every 39 seconds, there is a new attack somewhere on the internet.
As cybercriminals get more and more sneaky, IT professionals are growing more and more valuable.
Among these professionals, Information Security Analysts play a critical role in guarding the gates of their companies’ cyber systems.
Want to learn more about what they do?
Read on for the scoop on their daily work life, salary, overall satisfaction, and more!
Information Security Analyst Information Table
| Official Job Title | Information Security Analyst |
| Average Salary | $103,590 |
| Stress Level | Somewhat High |
| Work/ Life | Below Average |
| Job Satisfaction | High |
| Career Advancement | High |
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Information Security Analyst Job Description
What Is An Information Security Analyst?
Every company does some amount of business online.
Their websites, databases, networks, and systems are all constantly at risk of infiltration by cybercriminals.
Information Security Analysts work to create and enforce security measures to protect the precious information their business keeps online.
Essentially, they are digital security guards monitoring and protecting a precious asset.
What Does An Information Security Analyst Do On A Daily Basis?
The day-to-day life of an Information Security Analyst is constantly changing.
There is a lot of variety in this position.
Daily duties will also vary depending on what type of company you work for.
Normal daily activities can include researching new and developing cyber threats to stay current on the industry’s growth, analyzing security data to try and detect possible weak spots before they are breached, organizing and assembling reports, and collaborating with other IT professionals to improve overall protection.
Responsibilities, Duties & Roles Of An Information Security Analyst
No two Information Security Analyst positions will have the same roles, but here are some overarching tasks many of these professionals are responsible for performing:
- Develop strategic security measures to be taken in the case of a cyberattack.
- In the case of a breach, implement security measures quickly and effectively to protect sensitive information.
- Continually monitor systems for weaknesses and vulnerabilities to prevent possible attacks.
- Research new cyber threats and scam tactics to stay up-to-date on how criminals are infiltrating different systems.
- Work with other IT professionals to strengthen the protection of all systems.
- Educate all personnel on security best practices to ensure that the entire company is operating with safety in mind.
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Information Security Analyst Salary
Average Salary
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Information Security Analysts were making a median salary of around $102,600 yearly in 2021.
This is substantially greater than the low-end salary for these positions and quite a bit less than the high-end salary, indicating that there is a lot of room for growth!
According to Payscale, location plays a big role in how much an Information Security Analyst makes.
Cities like Washington D.C., New York, Phoenix, and Dallas pay 8-18% higher than other locations.
Starting Salary
According to U.S. News, the lowest-earning 25% of Information Security Analysts were making an average of around $79,400 in 2021.
Senior Salary
According to U.S. News, the highest-earning 25% of Information Security Analysts were making an average of around $131,340.
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How To Become An Information Security Analyst
The Entry Level: Certification, Training & Degree
Generally speaking, employers like to see a Bachelor’s degree in a computer science-related field.
Luckily, almost all institutions offer computer studies programs these days.
Check out this list of the top schools for earning your B.S. in Information Technology.
Other than that, employers like to see some experience in a related position (like general IT).
While there are no required certifications or training to be an Information Security Analyst, there are several available, and obtaining them is sure to help you out.
Here are a couple of examples:
Other Skill Sets, Requirements & Qualifications
Some soft skills that would greatly benefit you in becoming an Information Security Analyst are:
- Critical Thinking
- Data Analysis
- Professional Communication – Written and Verbal
- Creative Thinking
- Problem-Solving
- Being a Self-Starter
- Being Detail-Oriented
How Long Does It Take To Become An Information Security Analyst
Obtaining a Bachelor’s Degree in an IT-related field takes 3-5 years, on average.
In theory, you could land a job as an Information Security Analyst right out of your degree program.
However, unless you complete some IT internships while in school or have some previous experience in a related role, you may have to start there after graduating.
If you decide to obtain a Master’s Degree to increase your earning potential, you could another 1-3 years on average on your journey of becoming an Information Security Analyst.
Is It Hard To Become An Information Security Analyst?
Nothing worthwhile is ever easy, but the difficulty of becoming an Information Security Analyst ranges from person to person.
Majoring in computer science can be incredibly challenging if you lack a natural understanding of computer systems.
Of all the different computer science degrees, IT is typically the least math-intensive.
After obtaining a degree, landing a job depends on your interviewing abilities, your dedication to obtaining additional certifications, and your willingness to continue your education for a Master’s Degree.
Your salary will likely reflect your efforts toward being the best Information Security Analyst you can be!
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Information Security Analyst Career Paths
The Information Security Roadmap
Almost all employers expect a Bachelor’s Degree in an IT-related program.
Some employers will require additional certifications (like CompTIA Security+).
A few employers will only consider candidates with a Master’s Degree in an IT-related program.
Besides education, almost all employers will look for some experience in the IT industry.
Try landing a part-time job or even an internship while obtaining your degree to get this on your resume.
Projections For Growth In Information Security Analyst Jobs
According to BLS, Information Security Analyst jobs are projected to grow a whopping 33% by 2030.
This is lightning speed compared to other occupations.
On average, there should be 16,300 job openings each year.
In Summary: Is Information Security Analyst A Good Career?
Overall, most Information Security Analysts are thrilled with their choice of career.
A majority of the 16,300 expected job openings will be thanks to tons of these professionals retiring!
Not to mention that many Information Security Analysts go on to become Chief Security Officers or other types of IT Management/Supervisory Staff.
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Working Conditions
Can An Information Security Analyst Work Remotely From Home?
Like many tech-related jobs, there are plenty of remote Information Security Analyst positions on the market right now.
If you need or want to work from home, you can make it happen in this profession.
However, a majority of Information Security Analysts do work in the office.
How Many Hours Does An Information Security Analyst Work?
Most Information Security Analysts are transparent about how much they work – and it’s A LOT.
Some weeks, they clock a normal 40-hour schedule.
Some busier weeks can result in 80+ hours of protecting valuable cyber data.
If you are looking for a predictable, balanced schedule, this may not be the career for you.
If you are passionate about cyber security and don’t mind putting in some long hours, you could thrive as an Information Security Analyst.
Can An Information Security Analyst Work Part-Time?
A vast majority of Information Security Analysts work full-time, but there are some part-time positions available.
It may be hard to work a set number of hours weekly due to the nature of the job.
What Are The Average Vacation Days Of An Information Security Analyst?
Vacations days will vary significantly across the industry for several reasons:
- Different Benefits Packages: Benefits change from employer to employer – some companies offer 8 hours of paid time off per month, and some are more generous.
- Years with a Company: At most companies, the amount of hours of paid time off you get per month increases the longer you stay with the company – a new Information Security Analyst may get two weeks per year while a 10-15 year employee may get double that.
- Remote Positions: A trend in remote positions is the “unlimited paid vacation” policy. With a remote job, you could travel whenever you want as long as your work is getting done!
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Alternative Careers & Similar Jobs to an Information Security Analyst
- Computer Engineer
- Computer Scientist
- Technical Program Manager
- Data Analyst
- Market Research Analyst
- Financial Analyst
- Network Administrator
- Product Engineer
Information Security Analyst Resume Tips
Here are some things you can do to help your resume stand out from the others:
- Keep an impressive GPA during your Bachelor’s Degree program.
- Get involved in any tech clubs on your campus.
- Land one or multiple tech internships during your time in school.
- If able, work in a general IT job setting to gain a few years of experience in the industry and valuable references.
- Work on getting some impressive, legitimate certifications.
- Go for that Master’s Degree!
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Information Security Analyst Interview Questions
If you’re getting ready for an interview for an Information Security Analyst position, study these and prepare for them.
If you’re getting ready to interview someone for an Information Security Analyst position, these questions are sure to help you identify your most qualified applicants.
Question: What are the three types of authentication factors?
Why it works: Only a well-studied, qualified security professional would know and be able to explain that “something you know, something you have, and something you are” are the three different methods of authentication.
Question: Why does security matter?
Why it works: A good response to this question should thoroughly explain the risk of NOT having security. What could it cost the business?
Question: What do you do if someone above you asks you to break security protocol on their behalf?
Why it works: Only an individual dedicated to security, no matter the cost, will answer this correctly – NEVER BREAK PROTOCOL. The security analyst should take the issue up the ladder even higher and gain help in defending their stance on the issue.
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Jobs Related To Information Security Analyst
- Computer and Information Research Scientists/Managers
- Computer Network Architects
- Computer Programmers
- Software Developers, Quality Assurance Analysts, and Testers
- Computer Support Specialists
- Computer Systems Analysts
- Database Administrators and Architects
For HR Manager: Tips For Hiring An Information Security Analyst
Key Characteristics To Look For In An Information Security Analyst
Any eligible applicant for an Information Security Analyst job should have the following characteristics;
- Knowledgeable of security topics and best practices;
- Able to lead others;
- Able to multi-task;
- Works well under pressure;
- Creative problem-solving;
- Professionalism in communicating;
- Able to relay complicated security ideas to others in a way they can understand;
- Able to research well and stay up-to-date on the industry; and
- Great time-management skills.
Minimum Level Of Education & Experience
Any Information Security Analyst should have at least a Bachelor’s Degree in IT or a related field.
They should have one or more years of experience in any IT position.
Preferably, they should have or be working towards additional reputable security certifications.
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Resources:
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/information-security-analysts.htm
- https://www.quora.com/What-is-it-like-to-work-in-cybersecurity-Is-it-stressful-What-are-the-hours-and-pay-like-What-kind-of-work-does-one-do
- https://money.usnews.com/careers/best-jobs/information-security-analyst
- https://businessdegrees.uab.edu/blog/a-day-in-the-life-of-an-information-security-analyst/
- https://techjury.net/blog/how-many-cyber-attacks-per-day/#gref
- https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Information_Security_Analyst/Salary
- https://www.niche.com/colleges/search/best-colleges-for-information-technology/
- https://www.comptia.org/certifications/security
- https://www.isaca.org/credentialing/cism
- https://www.sdxcentral.com/industry/career/preparation/top-10-information-security-analyst-interview-questions/