Articles > Cybersecurity >ÌýHow to become an information security analyst
How to become an information security analyst
Written by Michael Feder
Reviewed byÌýKathryn Uhles, MIS, MSP,ÌýDean, College of Business and IT
It’s hard to imagine a business or home in the 21st century without computers, phones, tablets and other devices. The amount of electronic information used daily is staggering, and with it comes an increased need for cybersecurity. What does it take to work in this field? Let's take a look.
What is an information security analyst?
What are information security analysts tasked with? A cybersecurity breach at a large corporation or organization can have widespread effects on that company and its customers. In 2024, the identified more than 1.3 billion data breaches requiring victims to be notified. This includes five “mega-breaches†that involved at least 100 million victims.Ìý
To avoid these incidents,Ìýcompanies hire cybersecurity professionals, such as , to help protect the electronic data used and stored by companies.
They planÌýsecurity strategiesÌýto help companies protect their computer systems from outside threats. Once these strategies are set, security analysts carry out the plans to protect the company’s networks. They are highly trained professionals withÌýstrong analytical skillsÌýand a sharp eye for detail.
What do information security analysts do?
These professionals work daily to of companies. Toward this goal, their daily tasks include:
- Planning and strategizing: Security analysts are often responsible for developing security standards for their company and making plans in case of a breach.
- Monitoring: Analysts also monitor the company’s networks. If they find evidence of a breach, they investigate it and assess what risk it may pose.
- Maintenance: Updating firewalls and other protection software can protect the company from hackers and other threats.
- Researching: They must stay current on cybersecurity technology and trends.
- Setting security standards: Analysts are often responsible for developing security standards and taking steps to implement the standards companywide.
Each of these tasks improves the company’s information security and requires a wide range of technical skills, critical thinking and research. Depending on the company, security analysts perform some or all the above tasks.
Where do information security analysts work?
These analysts work for a variety of companies. One option is to work forÌýcomputer companies, testing the security of different programs. Another option is to work in theÌýbusiness and financial sectors, creating security standards that protect customers’ financial information.
Security analysts also work forÌýconsulting firms, helping various companies each year. After gaining enough experience, they may even choose to freelance or form a consulting firm of their own.
Required education
Most companies require information security analysts to holdÌýa bachelor’s degree in a computer science field, according to the . AÌýbachelor’s degree in a technology-centered field,Ìýsuch asÌýcomputer science,Ìýinformation technology orÌýcybersecurity,Ìýwould be helpful in acquiring basic skills. These degrees prepare students with skills to succeed as an information security analyst and in other cybersecurity careers.
In some cases, high school diploma applicants may be hired into this role if they have extensive practical experience or professional certificates. In other cases, a company may require education in addition to a bachelor’s degree, such as a certificate program or aÌýmaster’s degree.
Required skills
While every information security position is not identical, some skills are universally necessary for jobs in this field. Understanding programming, keeping your analytical skills sharp and having an eye for detail are all requirements for these jobs.
By earning a cybersecurity degree from a reputable university student can learn theÌýsoft and hard skillsÌýneeded to excel in this field, with the support of well-qualified instructors.
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Programming skills
Cybersecurity professionals need to be proficient inÌýmultiple programming languages. These languages may includeÌý.
Understanding how to code is required for two reasons. Information security analysts need to understand programming languages to effectively interpret data presented to them toÌýidentify cybersecurity threats. They also need to be able to write code so that they can take effective action against threats at the moment they occur.
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Analysis skills
Security analysts needÌýstrong analytical skills in their daily life. If a cybersecurity breach occurs, an analyst needs to be able to access the available data, identify the problems, make a plan and take steps to stop the breach as quickly as possible.
Professionals in information security roles also may be asked to create companywide security standards. This requires analyzing a large amount of information and research and recommending action.
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An eye for detail
Any job in computer science and cybersecurity requires a sharp eye for detail. A single mistake in the code of a program can cause widespread problems regarding its effectiveness inÌýpreventing breaches.
While security analysts may deal with big-picture issues, such as developing company security standards, they also have to be prepared to keep an eye out for the tiniest details as they monitor their company’s cybersecurity.
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Salary and job outlook
As technology continues to rapidly advance, careers in the information security field continue to grow. More and more companies are looking to hire cybersecurity professionals to ensure safety against digital threats. The job outlook for information security analysts has aÌý, according to BLS. That’s aboutÌý16,800 openingsÌýeach year over the decade.
BLS Occupational Employment Projections, 2022-2032 is published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This data reflects BLS’ projections of national (not local) conditions. These data points are not specific to °®¶¹´«Ã½ students or graduates.
Education for information security analysts
Interested in becoming an information security analyst? Whether you’re seeking to gain a basic understanding of information technology or cybersecurity, or you’re a working professional looking to expand your skill set, °®¶¹´«Ã½ offers these online technology degrees.
- Bachelor of Science in Information Technology
- Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity
- Master of Science in Cybersecurity
Contact °®¶¹´«Ã½ for more information.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
A graduate of Johns Hopkins University and its Writing Seminars program and winner of the Stephen A. Dixon Literary Prize, Michael Feder brings an eye for detail and a passion for research to every article he writes. His academic and professional background includes experience in marketing, content development, script writing and SEO. Today, he works as a multimedia specialist at °®¶¹´«Ã½ where he covers a variety of topics ranging from healthcare to IT.
ABOUT THE REVIEWER
Currently Dean of the College of Business and Information Technology,ÌýKathryn Uhles has served °®¶¹´«Ã½ in a variety of roles since 2006. Prior to joining °®¶¹´«Ã½, Kathryn taught fifth grade to underprivileged youth in Phoenix.
This article has been vetted by °®¶¹´«Ã½'s editorial advisory committee.Ìý
Read more about our editorial process.
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