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What is a senior information security analyst and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
Quoted expert
Joé Lloyd

Senior information security analysts are responsible for creating security measures to protect an organization's computer system and network. As a senior information security analyst, you should have an understanding of how the information security of your organization works and how advanced it is. If it isn't, you should suggest and implement ways to develop and maintain the information security system. Advising on best practices for technical and information security, implementing necessary actions if any vulnerabilities or threats are noticed, and coordinating training for staff on information security are also your responsibilities as a senior information security analyst.

You should have analytical skills, attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and leadership skills for this role. You should also always be aware of new technology development, industry standards, and regulations. Also, you should know a lot about techniques relating to your line of work. You need a bachelor's degree in computer science, computer information system, or a related course, and more importantly, you must be experienced. You will earn an average of $93,988 per year.

What general advice would you give to a senior information security analyst?

Joé LloydJoé Lloyd LinkedIn profile

Senior Director, AVIXA

In the AVIXA 2019 Q2 Macro-Economic Trends Analysis, we studied how tight or slack labor markets affect hiring. We found that the current economy is tough for those seeking to enter a skill-intensive industry like audiovisual (AV). Our data shows that when unemployment goes up, AV companies respond by raising hiring standards. Candidates will need a strong résumé to get hired, whether it’s in years of experience or a targeted technical degree or certification.
ScoreSenior Information Security AnalystUS Average
Salary
7.7

Avg. Salary $103,586

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
6.5

Growth rate 32%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
4.8
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.43%

Asian 9.64%

Black or African American 9.15%

Hispanic or Latino 8.99%

Unknown 6.09%

White 65.70%

Gender

female 21.84%

male 78.16%

Age - 42
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 42
Stress level
6.5

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
8.4

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance
6.9

Work life balance is good

6.4 - fair

Senior information security analyst career paths

Key steps to become a senior information security analyst

  1. Explore senior information security analyst education requirements

    Most common senior information security analyst degrees

    Bachelor's

    63.5 %

    Master's

    18.7 %

    Associate

    13.9 %
  2. Start to develop specific senior information security analyst skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Incident Response6.22%
    Risk Assessments5.47%
    Infrastructure3.92%
    ISO3.78%
    Governance3.39%
  3. Complete relevant senior information security analyst training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New senior information security analysts learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a senior information security analyst based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real senior information security analyst resumes.
  4. Gain additional senior information security analyst certifications

    Senior information security analyst certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific senior information security analyst certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

    The most common certifications for senior information security analysts include Certified Information Systems Security Professional - Architecture (CISSP) and Certified Information Security Manager (CISM).

    More About Certifications
  5. Research senior information security analyst duties and responsibilities

    • Manage the review of log output for security reports from Foundstone, enVision and SU & SUDU Unix log reviews.
    • Manage the conversion to a hybrid NAS/disk/tape CommVault base backup environment resulting in decreasing backup windows and improving recovery objectives.
    • Create new SIEM content and rules to help identify important security incidents and events.
    • Maintain the company's firewall and utilize applicable encryption methods.
  6. Get senior information security analyst experience

    Generally, it takes 4-6 years to become a senior information security analyst. The most common roles before becoming a senior information security analyst include information security analyst, systems administrator team lead and information technology analyst.
  7. Prepare your senior information security analyst resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your senior information security analyst resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a senior information security analyst resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable senior information security analyst resume templates

    Build a professional senior information security analyst resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your senior information security analyst resume.
    Senior Information Security Analyst Resume
    Senior Information Security Analyst Resume
    Senior Information Security Analyst Resume
    Senior Information Security Analyst Resume
    Senior Information Security Analyst Resume
    Senior Information Security Analyst Resume
    Senior Information Security Analyst Resume
    Senior Information Security Analyst Resume
    Senior Information Security Analyst Resume
  8. Apply for senior information security analyst jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a senior information security analyst job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first senior information security analyst job

Zippi

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Average senior information security analyst salary

The average senior information security analyst salary in the United States is $103,586 per year or $50 per hour. Senior information security analyst salaries range between $78,000 and $135,000 per year.

Average senior information security analyst salary
$103,586 Yearly
$49.80 hourly

What am I worth?

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How do senior information security analysts rate their job?

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Senior information security analyst reviews

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A zippia user wrote a review on Aug 2020
Pros

Great Pay and Cyber Security Specialism

Cons

Cost Of the Exam ....its too Expensive


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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