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Security system engineer vs information security analyst

The differences between security system engineers 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 security system engineer and an information security analyst. Additionally, a security system engineer has an average salary of $103,018, which is higher than the $98,144 average annual salary of an information security analyst.

The top three skills for a security system engineer include architecture, NIST and DOD. The most important skills for an information security analyst are incident response, risk assessments, and windows.

Security system engineer vs information security analyst overview

Security System EngineerInformation Security Analyst
Yearly salary$103,018$98,144
Hourly rate$49.53$47.18
Growth rate32%32%
Number of jobs97,083112,818
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 63%Bachelor's Degree, 62%
Average age4242
Years of experience66

What does a security system engineer do?

The primary job of a security system engineer is to design computer systems that can prevent disruptions, such as cyberattacks and natural disasters. You will engineer, implement, and monitor security measures to protect computer networks, systems, and information. In addition, you will identify and define the requirements for system security and design computer security architecture. Other duties that you will perform include preparing and documenting standard operating protocols and procedures, configuring and troubleshooting security infrastructure, and developing security tools to help minimize computer security vulnerabilities.

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.

Security system engineer vs information security analyst salary

Security system engineers and information security analysts have different pay scales, as shown below.

Security System EngineerInformation Security Analyst
Average salary$103,018$98,144
Salary rangeBetween $75,000 And $141,000Between $71,000 And $135,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CASan Francisco, CA
Highest paying stateCaliforniaCalifornia
Best paying companyCredit KarmaThe Walt Disney Company
Best paying industryProfessionalProfessional

Differences between security system engineer and information security analyst education

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

Security System EngineerInformation Security Analyst
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 63%Bachelor's Degree, 62%
Most common majorElectrical EngineeringBusiness
Most common collegeCalifornia State University - Long BeachStanford University

Security system engineer vs information security analyst demographics

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

Security System EngineerInformation Security Analyst
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 87.6% Female, 12.4%Male, 72.9% Female, 27.1%
Race ratioBlack 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 Percentage9%9%

Differences between security system engineer and information security analyst duties and responsibilities

Security system engineer example responsibilities.

  • Manage 3rd party approval requests for new account creation, remote access, and site-to-site VPN connections.
  • Implement a manage endpoint encryption solution utilizing TrendMicro MobileArmor to secure university workstations against sensitive data loss.
  • Perform security hardening and security testing, including applying NIST 800-53 controls.
  • Assist customer in development and completion of security documentation as specified by DIAPCAP and NIST.
  • Implement and enforce security configuration, policies and operations standards on Microsoft and UNIX systems.
  • Support troubleshooting application issues relate to network security (SIEM, firewalls, network data collection and storage).
  • Show more

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.
  • Show more

Security system engineer vs information security analyst skills

Common security system engineer skills
  • Architecture, 8%
  • NIST, 7%
  • DOD, 6%
  • RMF, 6%
  • Linux, 5%
  • Security Engineering, 5%
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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