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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.
Other titles employers use
Information Security Officer · Information Security Specialist · Information Systems Security Analyst · Information Systems Security Officer (ISSO) · Information Technology Security Analyst (IT Security Analyst) · Network Security Analyst · Security Analyst · Systems Analyst
Inside the work
What you would actually do.
6 responsibilities that define the role, before job titles and workplaces change the details.
- Develop plans to safeguard computer files against accidental or unauthorized modification, destruction, or disclosure and to meet emergency data processing needs.
- Monitor current reports of computer viruses to determine when to update virus protection systems.
- Encrypt data transmissions and erect firewalls to conceal confidential information as it is being transmitted and to keep out tainted digital transfers.
- Perform risk assessments and execute tests of data processing system to ensure functioning of data processing activities and security measures.
- Modify computer security files to incorporate new software, correct errors, or change individual access status.
- Review violations of computer security procedures and discuss procedures with violators to ensure violations are not repeated.
Who it suits
Would this work hold your attention?
This career often appeals to people drawn to organizing, analytical and practical work.
- Organizing
- Creating order, checking details, and keeping work accurate
- Analytical
- Investigating questions, testing ideas, and solving problems
- Practical
- Building, repairing, using tools, or working outdoors
Skills and strengths
What you would get good at.
Compare the skills the work relies on, the subjects behind it, and the abilities that make it easier to learn.
Core skills
- Reading Comprehension
- Critical Thinking
- Active Listening
- Complex Problem Solving
- Speaking
- Writing
Subjects to know
- Computers and Electronics
- English Language
- Administration and Management
- Engineering and Technology
- Telecommunications
Useful strengths
- Oral Comprehension
- Written Comprehension
- Problem Sensitivity
- Deductive Reasoning
- Inductive Reasoning
Working day
Picture yourself doing it.
These measures show how much of the day involves people, movement, conversation, and hands-on work.
| Measure | Out of 5 | What that means here |
|---|---|---|
| Close to other people | 3.1 | Shared rooms, but not shoulder to shoulder |
| On your feet | 2.3 | Mostly seated |
| Talking face to face | 4.5 | A regular part of the day |
| Working with your hands | 3.1 | Some of the day |
Preparation
How people prepare for this work.
Employers usually ask for a bachelor's degree. Other routes may also lead into the field.
- A four-year degree 53%
- A master's degree 25%
- A two-year degree 13%
- A certificate or some college 9%
Tools of the work
Technology you may use.
- Web platform development software
- Development environment software
- Data base management system software
- Operating system software
- Object or component oriented development software
- Data base user interface and query software
- Application server software
- Project management software
Opportunity near you
See where this work is growing.
Choose a state to compare the size of the field, annual openings, and expected hiring change.
- People doing this work
- 24,060
- Job openings each year
- 1,810
- Expected hiring change, 2022–2032
- 30.8%
Compare every available state
| State | People doing it | Job openings each year | Expected change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia | 24,060 | 1,810 | 30.8% |
| California | 21,800 | 1,640 | 30.5% |
| Texas | 21,620 | 1,760 | 47.9% |
| Florida | 15,650 | 1,240 | 41.5% |
| Maryland | 12,900 | 1,010 | 38.9% |
| Colorado | 9,220 | 760 | 50.9% |
| New York | 8,800 | 60 | 7.7% |
| North Carolina | 8,070 | 620 | 36.3% |
| New Jersey | 7,110 | 520 | 24.5% |
| Georgia | 6,710 | 520 | 34.5% |
| Illinois | 5,880 | 420 | 23.3% |
| Washington | 5,840 | 600 | 35.5% |
| Pennsylvania | 5,720 | 420 | 28.0% |
| Arizona | 5,110 | 400 | 39.6% |
| Missouri | 4,640 | 360 | 33.7% |
| Tennessee | 3,850 | 320 | 49.2% |
| Minnesota | 3,730 | 280 | 28.2% |
| Michigan | 3,530 | 260 | 25.6% |
| Alabama | 3,460 | 260 | 27.2% |
| Wisconsin | 3,220 | 250 | 33.6% |
| Utah | 2,600 | 220 | 57.6% |
| New Mexico | 2,360 | 190 | 45.7% |
| Massachusetts | 2,080 | 160 | 30.0% |
| District of Columbia | 2,020 | 150 | 27.8% |
| South Carolina | 1,990 | 160 | 43.2% |
| Oregon | 1,900 | 150 | 36.7% |
| Connecticut | 1,850 | 140 | 25.9% |
| Iowa | 1,670 | 130 | 33.6% |
| Kentucky | 1,600 | 120 | 30.1% |
| Kansas | 1,590 | 120 | 24.2% |
| Indiana | 1,570 | 120 | 36.5% |
| Oklahoma | 1,300 | 100 | 28.7% |
| Delaware | 1,280 | 90 | 24.3% |
| Arkansas | 1,260 | 100 | 32.6% |
| South Dakota | 980 | 80 | 38.0% |
| New Hampshire | 930 | 70 | 36.8% |
| Nebraska | 860 | 60 | 28.4% |
| Mississippi | 830 | 70 | 48.2% |
| Idaho | 670 | 50 | 42.6% |
| Nevada | 670 | 50 | 36.7% |
| Rhode Island | 640 | 50 | 28.0% |
| Louisiana | 610 | 50 | 27.1% |
| Puerto Rico | 580 | 50 | 41.5% |
| Montana | 460 | 30 | 17.9% |
| North Dakota | 330 | 20 | 32.0% |
| Maine | 320 | 20 | 23.1% |
| West Virginia | 300 | 30 | 36.4% |
| Vermont | 280 | 20 | 47.4% |
| Alaska | 120 | 10 | 9.1% |
| Wyoming | 40 | 0 | 33.3% |
Career to college
Build a path toward this work.
Start with a related major, then compare colleges where students complete that field.
Where to study
Colleges with strong activity in these fields.
Start with program size, admission, and likely cost. Open a college for the full picture.
Western Governors University
- Degrees each year
- 4,957
- Admit rate
- Not reported
- Annual cost after aid
- $13,000
Southern New Hampshire University
- Degrees each year
- 2,651
- Admit rate
- 96%
- Annual cost after aid
- $37,000
University of Maryland Global Campus
- Degrees each year
- 1,194
- Admit rate
- Not reported
- Annual cost after aid
- —
The University of Texas at San Antonio
- Degrees each year
- 714
- Admit rate
- 88%
- Annual cost after aid
- $9,000
University of California-Berkeley
- Degrees each year
- 1,731
- Admit rate
- 12%
- Annual cost after aid
- $10,000
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
- Degrees each year
- 869
- Admit rate
- 54%
- Annual cost after aid
- $26,000
The University of Texas at Dallas
- Degrees each year
- 1,237
- Admit rate
- 65%
- Annual cost after aid
- $14,000
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
- Degrees each year
- 1,215
- Admit rate
- 18%
- Annual cost after aid
- $5,000
Compare every college offering computer/information technology administration and management