Information security analysts
SOC Code: 15-1212Also known as:
AI Security Specialist (Artificial Intelligence Security Specialist), All-Source Analyst, Application Security Analyst, Applications Security Analyst, Automatic Data Processing Systems Security Specialist (ADP Systems Security)
Median Annual Salary
$124,910
+28.5% growth (2024-2034)
16K
Openings/Year
183K
Current Jobs
What Information security analysts Do
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.
💰 Salary
$124,910
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+28.5%
Much faster than average
🎓 Education
Bachelor's degree
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
16K
Projected average per year
👔 Work Experience
Less than 5 years
Required before entry
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
182,800
Projected Employment (2034)
234,900
Related Careers
Computer systems analysts
$103,790 •
+8.7% growth
Network and computer systems administrators
$96,800 •
-4.2% growth
Computer occupations, all other
$108,970 •
+8.2% growth
Top Skills Required
Reading Comprehension
Critical Thinking
Active Listening
Complex Problem Solving
Speaking
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- 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.
- Monitor use of data files and regulate access to safeguard information in computer files.
- Coordinate implementation of computer system plan with establishment personnel and outside vendors.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
Bachelor's degree
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Bachelor's Degree
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Information security analysts
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a information security analysts:
Computer Science
79,857 degrees awarded •
1,001 colleges offer this program
Information Technology
42,322 degrees awarded •
668 colleges offer this program
Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance
38,088 degrees awarded •
841 colleges offer this program
Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications
13,753 degrees awarded •
475 colleges offer this program
Network and System Administration/Administrator
4,755 degrees awarded •
206 colleges offer this program
Information Technology Project Management
2,987 degrees awarded •
70 colleges offer this program
Cyber/Computer Forensics and Counterterrorism
2,377 degrees awarded •
113 colleges offer this program
System, Networking, and LAN/WAN Management/Manager
1,925 degrees awarded •
84 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Information security analysts
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become information security analysts.
Want this ranking as a spreadsheet? Investor Pro+ members can export any Repit table to CSV. See plans →
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do information security analysts make?
The median annual salary for information security analysts is $124,910.
What education do information security analysts need?
Most information security analysts positions require a bachelor's degree.
Common degree programs include Computer Science, Information Technology, Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance.
Is becoming information security analysts a good career choice?
Information security analysts is projected to see +28.5% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is much faster than average for all occupations. With approximately 16,000 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for information security analysts?
Top colleges for aspiring information security analysts include
University of California-Los Angeles, University of Southern California, Cornell University, Carnegie Mellon University, University of California-San Diego.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to information security analysts?
Information security analysts may also be known as: AI Security Specialist (Artificial Intelligence Security Specialist), All-Source Analyst, Application Security Analyst, Applications Security Analyst, Automatic Data Processing Systems Security Specialist (ADP Systems Security), Blue Team Member, Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Cloud Security Architect, Cloud Security Engineer, Computer Security Coordinator, Computer Security Information Specialist, Computer Security Specialist, Computer Systems Security Analyst, Counterespionage Analyst, Cryptological Technician, Cryptologist, Cyber Defense Analyst, Cyber Defense Forensics Analyst, Cyber Incident Responder, Cyber Information Security Analyst.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.