Information Security Analysts

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.

Career Outlook

National employment outlook, 2024–2034.

Related work experience

Less than 5 years

On-the-job training

None

Self-employed

0.6%

Source: BLS Employment Projections — 2024-2034.

Key Knowledge Areas

Subject-matter areas this occupation draws on most, per O*NET.

• Computers and Electronicsimportance 4.3/5
• English Languageimportance 4.3/5
• Administration and Managementimportance 3.7/5
• Engineering and Technologyimportance 3.6/5
• Telecommunicationsimportance 3.6/5
• Customer and Personal Serviceimportance 3.4/5
• Public Safety and Securityimportance 3.3/5
• Education and Trainingimportance 3.2/5

Work Environment

What the day-to-day work setting is like, per O*NET.

• E-Mail5.0/5
• Indoors, Environmentally Controlled4.8/5
• Telephone Conversations4.5/5
• Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams4.5/5
• Contact With Others4.3/5
• Spend Time Sitting4.2/5

Related Careers

• Computer Occupations, All Other
• Network and Computer Systems Administrators
• Computer Systems Analysts
• Computer Network Support Specialists
• Database Administrators
• Computer Network Architects
• Business Operations Specialists, All Other
• Facilities Managers

Careers With Similar Skills

Occupations whose Transferable Skills profile most closely matches this one — a mathematical comparison, not observed data about people actually moving between these careers.

• Electrical and Electronics Drafters95% skill match
• Medical Dosimetrists94% skill match
• Architectural and Civil Drafters94% skill match
• Mechanical Drafters93% skill match
• Software Developers91% skill match
• Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists91% skill match
• Aerospace Engineers91% skill match
• Film and Video Editors91% skill match

Transferable Skills

Cross-functional skills this occupation draws on most, per O*NET — the kind that carry over to other careers.

• Complex Problem Solvingimportance 3.8/5
• Judgment and Decision Makingimportance 3.4/5
• Systems Analysisimportance 3.4/5
• Time Managementimportance 3.1/5
• Coordinationimportance 3.0/5
• Operations Monitoringimportance 3.0/5
• Quality Control Analysisimportance 3.0/5
• Systems Evaluationimportance 3.0/5

Software & Technologies

Tools and software used in this occupation, per O*NET.

Work Style

Personal work characteristics that matter most for this occupation, per O*NET.

• Attention to Detail
• Integrity
• Cautiousness
• Dependability
• Intellectual Curiosity
• Innovation
• Perseverance

Career Interests

This occupation’s RIASEC interest profile, per O*NET — how strongly it fits each of the six Holland interest types.

• ConventionalHigh
• InvestigativeHigh
• RealisticMedium
• EnterprisingLow
• SocialLow
• ArtisticLow

Where This Career Is Most Concentrated

Metro areas where information security analysts make up the largest share of local employment, relative to the national average (BLS location quotient).

1. 1Huntsville, AL5.63× national avg
2. 2Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV4.31× national avg
3. 3Lexington Park, MD3.74× national avg
4. 4Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD2.77× national avg
5. 5Raleigh-Cary, NC2.75× national avg

Possible Career Moves

A computed starting point, not observed job-change data — see the full list for why each one might fit.

• Database AdministratorsLateral Move
• Software DevelopersLateral Move
• Aerospace EngineersCareer Change
• Medical DosimetristsCareer Change

See the full career path from Information Security Analysts →

Related Education Programs

Schools that offer related fields of study, based on the NCES CIP-SOC crosswalk — not a guarantee that graduates enter this specific career.