How to Become an Information Security Analyst: Salary, Skills, and More

Information security analysts keep organizations' data safe. You can become one by getting a certification, building the right skills, or earning a related degree.

What is an information security analyst?

The twenty-first century has already seen large information breaches at big companies in which sensitive data—including the credit card numbers, passwords, and social security numbers of hundreds of millions of users—were compromised. Information security analysts work to protect organizations from similar threats, preventing data hacks and breaches.

A person with expertise in information security ensures the safety of computer systems and networks. They investigate potential dangers, create preventative measures against cyber assaults and other security breaches, and carry them out. Analysts in this field spend their days checking on the integrity of systems and the safety of sensitive data like credit card numbers and social security numbers.

You need to know your way around computers, networks, and security protocols to make it as an information security analyst. You should be aware of the various security risks that can affect your computer, network, or mobile device. In addition, you need to be able to perform well under pressure, pay close attention to detail, and solve complex problems.

Information security analyst salary and job outlooks

Information security analysts are in demand since all firms secure critical data. Information security analysts' salaries vary by organization size, industry, and location. Education and experience can also affect pay. Information security analysts earn $89,780 annually.

Job prospects in the information security field are expected to grow rapidly in the next decade. The BLS estimates that information security analyst positions will grow by 35 percent from 2021 to 2031. That’s much faster than the average for all occupations.

What does an information security analyst do, exactly?

• Identifying a computer network's potential risks and vulnerabilities

• Monitoring and investigating security breaches

• Installing defenses, such as data encryption, virus protection and firewalls

• Educating employees or clients about security procedures and programs

• Helping employees troubleshoot security or access issues

• Testing protection programs to make sure they work

• Researching new viruses and cyber attacks and how to prevent them

• Detecting, monitoring, and mediating various aspects of security—including physical security, software security, and network security

How to become an information security analyst

You can take several paths to become an information security analyst. Ultimately, you’ll need to have certain skills. These include: 

• Computer security basics: This includes knowledge of firewalls, routers, and other security infrastructure, as well as an understanding of risk management frameworks. Some information security jobs might ask for ethical hacking or penetration testing experience.

• Familiarity with privacy laws: Information security analyst positions can call for a familiarity with data privacy laws in your region. Working in specific sectors, like health care or finance, might also call for an understanding of those sector’s privacy laws.

• Communication and teamwork: Knowing where and how security threats happen, and responding to them once they do, means you’ll be communicating frequently with your team and other players. 

You can build out these skills through the following means.

IT certifications: Earning a cybersecurity certification can give you a solid knowledge base in security issues, while also giving you the credentials to show employers your competency. Certifications in security or networks are a good place to start.

Degrees: Information security analyst positions typically call for at least a bachelor’s degree. According to Zippia, 62 percent of information security analysts have a bachelor's degree and 20 percent have an associates . Majoring in computer science or computer engineering can set you up to be a competitive job candidate for information security jobs upon graduation.

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Skills

Information security analysts operate as logical and investigative individuals. Skills information security analysts use to succeed include:

• Analytical skills: Information security experts carefully look for security holes and weak spots in computer networks. They use their analytical skills to make system security stronger and better.

• Attention to detail: Information security analysts work to identify the most subtle changes in computer performance and signs of an attack. They may review hundreds or thousands of lines of computer code to detect any changes.

• Problem-solving: Information security analysts figure out how to best protect computer systems and fix issues. They use excellent problem-solving skills to create multiple solutions to the same problem and choose the best one.

• Computer skills: Information security analysts require exceptional computer programming skills, databases, networks and computer systems. Since the IT field constantly changes, they can also work to keep their computer knowledge current.