CFChooseField
Technology and Mathematics

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.

Visual summary of pay, outlook, skills, interests, and preparation for Information Security Analysts
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Median pay

$124,910
Median annual pay for Information Security Analysts.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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10-year growth

28.5%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings

16,000
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment

182,800
Estimated U.S. employment for Information Security Analysts in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost

+52,100
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Entry preparation

Bachelor's degree
Typical additional preparation: Less than 5 years of related work experience.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
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O*NET occupation profile

What the work involves

Strongest O*NET signals first.

Essential skills

  1. 1Reading Comprehension
  2. 2Critical Thinking
  3. 3Active Listening
  4. 4Speaking
  5. 5Writing
  6. 6Monitoring

Knowledge areas

  1. 1Computers and Electronics
  2. 2English Language
  3. 3Administration and Management
  4. 4Engineering and Technology
  5. 5Telecommunications
  6. 6Customer and Personal Service

Abilities

  1. 1Deductive Reasoning
  2. 2Inductive Reasoning
  3. 3Oral Comprehension
  4. 4Problem Sensitivity
  5. 5Written Comprehension
  6. 6Information Ordering

Career interests

  1. 1Conventional
  2. 2Investigative
  3. 3Realistic
  4. 4Enterprising
  5. 5Social
  6. 6Artistic

Work styles

  1. 1Attention to Detail
  2. 2Integrity
  3. 3Cautiousness
  4. 4Dependability
  5. 5Intellectual Curiosity
  6. 6Innovation

Work activities

  1. 1Working with Computers
  2. 2Getting Information
  3. 3Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
  4. 4Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
  5. 5Processing Information
  6. 6Analyzing Data or Information

Work context

  1. 1E-Mail
  2. 2Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
  3. 3Telephone Conversations
  4. 4Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
  5. 5Contact With Others
  6. 6Spend Time Sitting

Representative tasks

  • 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.
  • Document computer security and emergency measures policies, procedures, and tests.
  • Confer with users to discuss issues such as computer data access needs, security violations, and programming changes.

Software and tools

Linux · in demandMicrosoft PowerPoint · in demandMicrosoft Office software · in demandUNIX · in demandPython · in demandMicrosoft Excel · in demandMicrosoft PowerShell · in demandSplunk Enterprise · in demandAmazon Web Services AWS software · in demandMicrosoft Azure software · in demandTenable Nessus · in demandeMASS · in demand

Sources

BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.

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