Network security analyst vs information security officer

The differences between network security analysts and information security officers 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 officer. Additionally, an information security officer has an average salary of $135,040, 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 officer are risk management, risk assessments, and incident response.

Network security analyst vs information security officer overview

	Network Security Analyst	Information Security Officer
Yearly salary	$81,623	$135,040
Hourly rate	$39.24	$64.92
Growth rate	32%	32%
Number of jobs	82,954	145,907
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 62%	Bachelor's Degree, 64%
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 officer do?

Information security officers are responsible for planning and implementing policies to safeguard an organization's computer network and data from different types of security breaches. Their duties typically include identifying computer network vulnerabilities, developing and executing a plan to secure and protect the network, and tracking computer network usage to ensure adherence to security policies. In addition, information security officers are also expected to conduct penetration tests to look for flaws and work closely with the IT and management departments to improve security.

Network security analyst vs information security officer salary

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

	Network Security Analyst	Information Security Officer
Average salary	$81,623	$135,040
Salary range	Between $61,000 And $108,000	Between $95,000 And $190,000
Highest paying City	San Jose, CA	San Francisco, CA
Highest paying state	California	California
Best paying company	Bunge	Twilio
Best paying industry	Professional	Professional

Differences between network security analyst and information security officer education

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

	Network Security Analyst	Information Security Officer
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 62%	Bachelor's Degree, 64%
Most common major	Computer Science	Business
Most common college	University of Pennsylvania	Stanford University

Network security analyst vs information security officer demographics

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

	Network Security Analyst	Information Security Officer
Average age	42	42
Gender ratio	Male, 84.9% Female, 15.1%	Male, 85.9% Female, 14.1%
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 officer 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 officer example responsibilities.

Lead vulnerability scanning and penetration testing for PCI-DSS compliance.
Manage client relationships in conjunction with moving production environment to AWS.
Manage all printers, switches, routers, and data archiving.
Manage and ensure all AIS systems are operated in accordance with applicable DoD directives.
Avoid fines and penalties by achieving and maintaining PCI, HIPAA, and SOX compliance.
Engage to design and implement an enterprise-wide information security program to achieve SOX and HIPPA compliance.

Network security analyst vs information security officer skills

Common network security analyst skills

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

Common information security officer skills

Risk Management, 12%
Risk Assessments, 7%
Incident Response, 7%
Infrastructure, 6%
Governance, 5%
ISO, 5%

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Network Security Analyst vs Information Security Officer

Updated January 8, 2025

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