Information Security Analysts

Overview

Introduction

Information security analysts protect an organization’s computer systems and networks from unauthorized intrusion by cyber attacks. These intruders are known as hackers, and the action of breaking into a computer system or network is called hacking. Approximately 175,350 information security analysts are employed in the United States. They are also known as computer security specialists, database security specialists, and network security analysts.

Quick Facts


Median Salary

$120,360

Employment Prospects

Excellent

Minimum Education Level

Bachelors Degree


Experience

Internship, or volunteer or part-time experience


Skills

Computer|Information Management|Math


Personality Traits

Hands On|Problem-Solving|Technical

Earnings

Median annual earnings of information security analysts were $120,360 in May 2023, according to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). Ten percent of analysts earned less than $69,210, while the top 10 percent earned $182,370 or more. The DOL reports the following mean earnings for information security analysts in May 2023 by industry sector:

  • computer and peripheral equipment manufact...

Work Environment

Information security analysts work in comfortable offices. They have normal business hours, but may have to be on call at night and on weekends in case of an emergency. The 2024 (ISC)² Cybersecurity Workforce Study revealed that, instead of expecting promotions, cybersecurity professionals were making work-life balance more of a priority during the mid-2020s.

Information securit...

Outlook

Employment for information security analysts will grow much faster than average through 2033, according to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). The growing cost of cybercrime is forcing many U.S. companies and other organizations to increase their cybersecurity budgets. However, the 2024 (ISC)² Cybersecurity Workforce Study noted that some organizations were scaling back their workforce...

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