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
Employment Prospects
Minimum Education Level
Experience
Skills
Personality Traits
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...