Network security analyst vs information security analyst

The differences between network security analysts and information security analysts 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 security analyst. Additionally, an information security analyst has an average salary of $98,144, 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 security analyst are incident response, risk assessments, and windows.

Network security analyst vs information security analyst overview

	Network Security Analyst	Information Security Analyst
Yearly salary	$81,623	$98,144
Hourly rate	$39.24	$47.18
Growth rate	32%	32%
Number of jobs	82,954	112,818
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 62%	Bachelor's Degree, 62%
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 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.

Network security analyst vs information security analyst salary

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

	Network Security Analyst	Information Security Analyst
Average salary	$81,623	$98,144
Salary range	Between $61,000 And $108,000	Between $71,000 And $135,000
Highest paying City	San Jose, CA	San Francisco, CA
Highest paying state	California	California
Best paying company	Bunge	The Walt Disney Company
Best paying industry	Professional	Professional

Differences between network security analyst and information security analyst education

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

	Network Security Analyst	Information Security Analyst
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 62%	Bachelor's Degree, 62%
Most common major	Computer Science	Business
Most common college	University of Pennsylvania	Stanford University

Network security analyst vs information security analyst demographics

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

	Network Security Analyst	Information Security Analyst
Average age	42	42
Gender ratio	Male, 84.9% Female, 15.1%	Male, 72.9% Female, 27.1%
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 security analyst 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 security analyst example responsibilities.

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.

Network security analyst vs information security analyst skills

Common network security analyst skills

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

Common information security analyst skills

Incident Response, 7%
Risk Assessments, 5%
Windows, 5%
SIEM, 4%
Data Loss Prevention, 4%
Network Security, 3%

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Network Security Analyst vs Information Security Analyst

Updated January 8, 2025

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