What does an information security analyst do?
An information security analyst is an individual who is responsible for carrying out security measures to protect the computer network and systems of an organization. Information security analysts erect firewalls and encrypt data transmissions to protect the organization's data from being inappropriately accessed or used. They must be aware of reports on computer viruses and should share this information with the management or customer. Information security analysts are also required to conduct training for all the organization's employees regarding computer security and information safeguarding.
Information security analyst responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real information security analyst resumes:
- Manage IA personnel in the performance of IAVM tasks.
- Lead maritime IP intrusion detection analysis special project providing models to identify Cyber terrorist's capabilities, methods, and strategies.
- Manage and configure perimeter Cisco routers and switches.
- Implement a manage endpoint encryption solution utilizing TrendMicro MobileArmor to secure university workstations against sensitive data loss.
- Perform vulnerability assessment and remediation of systems to ensure compliance to policies, regulations and controls (HIPAA & NIST).
- Monitor and analyze SIEM events to identify security issues for remediation.
- Review CID information systems and IAVA procedures relating to criminal activity/intelligence/ military IP intrusion detection analysis.
- Provide recommendations to the ISSM for developing plans to approach and resolve information system security solutions.
- Maintain documentation library of SSPs.
- Network scanning using ISS and NESSUS.
- Create test plan and conduct testing of McAfee HBSS
- Maintain McAfee web filtering and e-mail filtering with Cisco Ironports.
- Monitor and report on compliance controls across cloud service offerings.
- Establish and advise on governance processes of the organization's security strategies.
- Possess knowledge of different customer bases, DCID, NISPOM and NISPOMSUP.
Information security analyst skills and personality traits
We calculated that 7% of Information Security Analysts are proficient in Incident Response, Risk Assessments, and Windows. They’re also known for soft skills such as Analytical skills, Detail oriented, and Problem-solving skills.
We break down the percentage of Information Security Analysts that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Incident Response, 7%
Monitored internal security controls to determine malicious or unauthorized activity from security devices and coordinated the response to Incident Response Teams.
- Risk Assessments, 5%
Performed documentation support for security engineers and analysts, on developments of System Security Plans, Contingency Plans and Risk Assessments.
- Windows, 5%
Coordinated Windows vulnerability remediation efforts.
- SIEM, 4%
Managed heuristic and anomaly-based IDS implementation project and SIEM reporting and response.
- Data Loss Prevention, 4%
Created Data Loss Prevention program reducing the opportunity for company data to leave company networks/devices without a record of its leaving.
- Network Security, 3%
Conducted Research in Information system and network security and assisted in using the result to facilitate corporate data recovery management program.
Most information security analysts use their skills in "incident response," "risk assessments," and "windows" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential information security analyst responsibilities here:
Analytical skills. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for an information security analyst to have is analytical skills. Their role and responsibilities require that "information security analysts must carefully study computer systems and networks and assess risks to determine how security policies and protocols can be improved." Information security analysts often use analytical skills in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "use encryption technology, penetration, and vulnerability analysis of various security technologies and information technology research. "
Detail oriented. Another essential skill to perform information security analyst duties is detail oriented. Information security analysts responsibilities require that "because cyberattacks can be difficult to detect, information security analysts must pay careful attention to computer systems and watch for minor changes in performance." Information security analysts also use detail oriented in their role according to a real resume snippet: "detailed understanding of dod and national intelligence agency security requirements. "
Problem-solving skills. This is an important skill for information security analysts to perform their duties. For an example of how information security analyst responsibilities depend on this skill, consider that "information security analysts must respond to security alerts and uncover and fix flaws in computer systems and networks." This excerpt from a resume also shows how vital it is to everyday roles and responsibilities of an information security analyst: "performed technology reviews on various encryption and vulnerability assessment solutions. ".
The three companies that hire the most information security analysts are:
- General Dynamics Mission Systems
223 information security analysts jobs
- Change Healthcare129 information security analysts jobs
- General Dynamics120 information security analysts jobs
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Compare different information security analysts
Information security analyst vs. Analyst
Analysts are employees or individual contributors with a vast experience in a particular field that help the organization address challenges. They help the organization improve processes, policies, and other operations protocol by studying the current processes in place and determining the effectiveness of those processes. They also research industry trends and data to make sound inferences and recommendations on what the company should do to improve their numbers. Analysts recommend business solutions and often help the organization roll out these solutions. They ensure that the proposed action plans are effective and produce the desired results.
These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of an information security analyst are more likely to require skills like "incident response," "risk assessments," "windows," and "siem." On the other hand, a job as an analyst requires skills like "customer service," "data analysis," "management system," and "project management." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.
Analysts earn the highest salaries when working in the technology industry, with an average yearly salary of $79,330. On the other hand, information security analysts are paid more in the professional industry with an average salary of $119,898.The education levels that analysts earn slightly differ from information security analysts. In particular, analysts are 0.0% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than an information security analyst. Additionally, they're 0.8% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Information security analyst vs. Security engineer
Security engineers are responsible for developing and overseeing data and security software to help prevent data breaches, leaks, and taps related to cybercrime. Other duties and responsibilities include developing new systems to help protect computer networks and assets, configuring firewalls, and conducting penetration testing to pinpoint vulnerabilities. Additionally, security engineers are responsible for investigating attacks and help prevent cybersecurity threat. They are also responsible for creating new processes for authorization, encryption algorithms, and authentication, and analyzing current security policies.
Each career also uses different skills, according to real information security analyst resumes. While information security analyst responsibilities can utilize skills like "corrective action," "access management," "st," and "security events," security engineers use skills like "infrastructure," "application security," "nist," and "security solutions."
Security engineers may earn a higher salary than information security analysts, but security engineers earn the most pay in the technology industry with an average salary of $126,572. On the other hand, information security analysts receive higher pay in the professional industry, where they earn an average salary of $119,898.In general, security engineers achieve similar levels of education than information security analysts. They're 1.9% more likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 0.8% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Information security analyst vs. Securities consultant
A securities consultant is responsible for maintaining the safety and security of the company's premises, including enforcing protection for all the employees and company assets. Securities consultants also handle the confidentiality and stability of data network systems to prevent potential breaches and unauthorized access to information. They coordinate with the system analysts to design programs and databases as part of technical solutions to maximize productivity and increase efficiency. A securities consultant writes incident reports, recommend strategic techniques, and research threat risks that may put the company in jeopardy.
The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, information security analysts are more likely to have skills like "network security," "pci," "corrective action," and "security incidents." But a securities consultant is more likely to have skills like "application security," "security management," "nist," and "customer service."
Securities consultants make a very good living in the technology industry with an average annual salary of $99,249. On the other hand, information security analysts are paid the highest salary in the professional industry, with average annual pay of $119,898.Most securities consultants achieve a similar degree level compared to information security analysts. For example, they're 0.9% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.9% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Information security analyst vs. Network security engineer
A network security engineer is responsible for maintaining the safety and security of all the organization's network systems, conducting regular configuration and maintenance to avoid unauthorized access and suspicious activities that may pose risks for the company's integrity. Network security engineers manage security threats and strategize resolutions to mitigate the reoccurrence of security issues. They also develop security enhancement recommendations, update network infrastructure, and monitor system activities. A network security engineer should have excellent communication and technical skills, as well as a strong command of programming languages and system codes.
Even though a few skill sets overlap between information security analysts and network security engineers, there are some differences that are important to note. For one, an information security analyst might have more use for skills like "incident response," "risk assessments," "hipaa," and "corrective action." Meanwhile, some responsibilities of network security engineers require skills like "routers," "servers," "tcp/ip," and "asa. "
Network security engineers enjoy the best pay in the retail industry, with an average salary of $95,160. For comparison, information security analysts earn the highest salary in the professional industry.network security engineers reach similar levels of education compared to information security analysts, in general. The difference is that they're 2.1% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.0% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Types of information security analyst
Updated January 8, 2025
