Network security analyst vs information assurance engineer

The differences between network security analysts and information assurance engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 4-6 years to become both a network security analyst and an information assurance engineer. Additionally, an information assurance engineer has an average salary of $89,291, which is higher than the $81,623 average annual salary of a network security analyst.

The top three skills for a network security analyst include network security, windows and incident response. The most important skills for an information assurance engineer are RMF, DOD, and IAM.

Network security analyst vs information assurance engineer overview

	Network Security Analyst	Information Assurance Engineer
Yearly salary	$81,623	$89,291
Hourly rate	$39.24	$42.93
Growth rate	32%	32%
Number of jobs	82,954	104,421
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 62%	Bachelor's Degree, 60%
Average age	42	42
Years of experience	6	6

What does a network security analyst do?

Network security analysts are information technology (IT) professionals who are responsible for designing and implementing security measures to prevent suspicious or hostile activities on the computer and network systems for an organization. These analysts must install firewalls while working with the IT team to protect their systems against malicious attacks. They are required to perform forensic analysis on those malicious activities so that they can determine the source of the threats. Network security analysts must also communicate the state of information security to the stakeholders as well as suggesting ways to improve system security.

What does an information assurance engineer do?

Information assurance engineers are responsible for protecting an organization's data. They act as a team of security specialists that use their skill in securely operating and keeping data to protect the organization's most essential asset. Their main role is to guarantee the quality, security, and retrievability of the organization's information. Also, they outline security systems that make certain the integrity, confidentiality, and accessibility of data. Additionally, they secure IT infrastructure, maintain hardware and software updated, establish security standards, and monitor threats like breaches.

Network security analyst vs information assurance engineer salary

Network security analysts and information assurance engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Network Security Analyst	Information Assurance Engineer
Average salary	$81,623	$89,291
Salary range	Between $61,000 And $108,000	Between $67,000 And $117,000
Highest paying City	San Jose, CA	Santa Clara, CA
Highest paying state	California	Oregon
Best paying company	Bunge	Parsons
Best paying industry	Professional	Professional

Differences between network security analyst and information assurance engineer education

There are a few differences between a network security analyst and an information assurance engineer in terms of educational background:

	Network Security Analyst	Information Assurance Engineer
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 62%	Bachelor's Degree, 60%
Most common major	Computer Science	Information Technology
Most common college	University of Pennsylvania	-

Network security analyst vs information assurance engineer demographics

Here are the differences between network security analysts' and information assurance engineers' demographics:

	Network Security Analyst	Information Assurance Engineer
Average age	42	42
Gender ratio	Male, 84.9% Female, 15.1%	Male, 78.6% Female, 21.4%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 9.2% Unknown, 6.1% Hispanic or Latino, 9.0% Asian, 9.6% White, 65.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%	Black or African American, 9.2% Unknown, 6.1% Hispanic or Latino, 9.0% Asian, 9.6% White, 65.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%
LGBT Percentage	9%	9%

Differences between network security analyst and information assurance engineer duties and responsibilities

Network security analyst example responsibilities.

Manage endpoint encryption, antivirus/anti-malware host IPS, process documentation, incident management.
Design and manage information systems security policy, implementation, and management for a globally distribute MPLS infrastructure.
Install and provide upkeep for Linux scanning, storage and group-relate web and network management servers.
Create shell scripts to generate list of all files directories ownership companywide on all UNIX and Linux systems.
Assist with NIST 800-171 compliance initiative.
Utilize ArcSight SIEM to create rules, filters and channels.

Information assurance engineer example responsibilities.

Install, configure, and managing ACAS deployments to assess the current vulnerabilities and security posture for classify networks.
Implement a manage endpoint encryption solution utilizing TrendMicro MobileArmor to secure university workstations against sensitive data loss.
Review system security plans, risk assessments, and compliance with NIST minimal security controls.
Assess network against NIST SP 800-53 rev3 security controls.
Review of PowerBroker root user logs on SOX UNIX systems.
Automate regression scenarios and update existing regression suite (QTP).

Network security analyst vs information assurance engineer skills

Common network security analyst skills

Network Security, 11%
Windows, 5%
Incident Response, 4%
Switches, 3%
Linux, 3%
Tcp Ip, 3%

Common information assurance engineer skills

RMF, 9%
DOD, 9%
IAM, 5%
Windows, 5%
ACAS, 5%
Assurance Support, 4%

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Network Security Analyst vs Information Assurance Engineer

Updated January 8, 2025

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