What Does An Information Security Analyst Do (including Their Typical Day at Work)

Stan T.Career, Overview

Salary, Job Description, How To Become One, and Quiz

IT Analysts

IT Analysts plan, implement, upgrade, or monitor security measures for the protection of computer networks and information. May ensure appropriate security controls are in place that will safeguard digital files and vital electronic infrastructure. May respond to computer security breaches and viruses.

Salary
$107580
Becoming One
Hard
Education
Bachelor's degree
Job Satisfaction
Job Growth

Personality
Interest Match


What they do

IT Analysts plan, implement, upgrade, or monitor security measures for the protection of computer networks and information. May ensure appropriate security controls are in place that will safeguard digital files and vital electronic infrastructure. May respond to computer security breaches and viruses.

  • Develop plans to safeguard computer files against accidental or unauthorized modification, destruction, or disclosure and to meet emergency data processing needs.
  • Monitor current reports of computer viruses to determine when to update virus protection systems.
  • Encrypt data transmissions and erect firewalls to conceal confidential information as it is being transmitted and to keep out tainted digital transfers.
  • Perform risk assessments and execute tests of the data processing system to ensure the functioning of data processing activities and security measures.

Typical day

On a daily basis, IT Analysts monitor current reports of computer viruses to determine when to update virus protection systems. They monitor the use of data files and regulate access to safeguard information in computer files.

A typical day for an Information Security Analyst will also include:

  • Maintain permanent fleet cryptologic and carry-on direct support systems required in special land, sea surface, and subsurface operations.
  • Modify computer security files to incorporate new software, correct errors, or change individual access status.
  • Encrypt data transmissions and erect firewalls to conceal confidential information as it is being transmitted and to keep out tainted digital transfers.
  • Confer with users to discuss issues such as computer data access needs, security violations, and programming changes.
  • Review violations of computer security procedures and discuss procedures with violators to ensure violations are not repeated.

Other responsibilities

Besides their typical day, IT Analysts also document computer security and emergency measures policies, procedures, and tests. They may also modify computer security files to incorporate new software, correct errors, or change individual access status.

On a weekly to monthly basis, IT Analysts review violations of computer security procedures and discuss procedures with violators to ensure violations are not repeated. They might also develop plans to safeguard computer files against accidental or unauthorized modification, destruction, or disclosure and to meet emergency data processing needs.

In addition, they confer with users to discuss issues such as computer data access needs, security violations, and programming changes.

Although specific duties may vary, many of them coordinate the implementation of computer system plan with establishment personnel and outside vendors.

To some IT Analysts, it is also their responsibility to train users and promote security awareness to ensure system security and to improve server and network efficiency.

What is the job like

Job satisfaction

High

Is this job meaningful

Low

70% said they were satisfied with their job and 46% said they found their job meaningful.


Iyana Garry
Thrive Global

I work as an IT & Security Analyst at a tech startup called Thrive Global. I’ve been in the IT industry for the past 6 years.

My main responsibility is to handle helpdesk tickets on a day-to-day basis from users of our mobile apps, as well as internal tickets from employees. The most common tickets I receive from the app users are tickets on how to use the app, how to register on the app successfully or how users outside the US can access the app in their respective country’s app store. The most common tickets I receive from employees are issues with their company laptop or requests for permission to access a certain web application.

Other than that, I have security-related responsibilities, such as:

  • Implementing identity & access management (IAM) and role-based access control (RBAC) by provisioning new hires and granting users access to certain software, based on the department they work in
  • Granting users to said software via a single sign-on (SSO) tool
  • Handling access to company laptops via mobile device management
  • Filtering potential phishing emails from employees’ inboxes
  • Documenting instructions on how to use technology for employees and users of the company’s mobile apps

Pros

Depending on the work environment, you can be in charge of many IT-related responsibilities. This will allow you to increase your KSAs (knowledge, skills, and abilities) and become a highly valued IT person. The satisfaction you feel in being able to use your technical skills to help solve other people’s problems.

Cons

Responding to help desk tickets can be repetitive and boring to the point where you’ll end up writing a scripted response to save time. How well-adjusted you become to a new job in IT can depend on how well the person who is training you is able to explain things well or, at least, able to document things well. This can be true no matter how many years of experience you have in the field.


Pros

Suitable for people who like to follow routines.

Suitable for people who wants job security and a good working condition.

This career is perfect for people who love to work indoors.

Very high salary (top 25% highest paid careers).

Normal working hours (40 hours per week).

Cons

Not suitable for people who like to work with designs.

It is hard to get into this career. A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for this career.

How much do they make

Average salary

$107580 per year

Average hourly wage

$52 per hour

Entry-level IT Analysts with little to no experience can expect to make anywhere between $60,060 to $78,440 per year or $29 to $38 per hour.

Salary by experience Annual Hourly
Highest (Top 10%) $163,300 $79
Senior (Top 25%) $132,890 $64
Median $103,590 $50
Junior (Bottom 25%) $78,440 $38
No experience (Bottom 10%) $60,060 $29

This table shows the top 10 highest paying industries for IT Analysts based on their average annual salary.

Salary by industry Annual Hourly
Electronic Shopping and Mail-Order Houses $132150 $63.54
Other Information Services $131050 $63.00
Semiconductor and Other Electronic Component Manufacturing $128330 $61.70
Automotive Repair and Maintenance $127150 $61.13
Legal Services $125980 $60.57
Computer and Peripheral Equipment Manufacturing $125770 $60.46
Securities, Commodity Contracts, and Other Financial Investments and Related Activities $125730 $60.45
Scientific Research and Development Services $124500 $59.86
Business, Professional, Labor, Political, and Similar Organizations $120250 $57.81
Lessors of Nonfinancial Intangible Assets $118360 $56.91

View more salary by industries here.

Where can they work

Where can IT Analysts work? Here is a table showing the top 10 largest employers of IT Analysts including the average salary in that industry.

Employers Total Employed Annual Salary Hourly Wages
Computer Systems Design and Related Services 36280 $108910 $52.36
Management of Companies and Enterprises 13330 $104960 $50.46
Credit Intermediation and Related Activities 10880 $110490 $53.12
Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services 7410 $110440 $53.10
Insurance Carriers 5450 $103230 $49.63
Data Processing, Hosting, and Related Services 5240 $108600 $52.21
Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services 4930 $106790 $51.34
Employment Services 4470 $106180 $51.05
Telecommunications 4450 $104470 $50.23
Scientific Research and Development Services 4220 $124500 $59.86

What is the work day like

Working hours

Less than 40 hours
6%

40 hours
31%

More than 40 hours
62%

Working schedule

90%

10%

0%

Email

How often do you use email in this job?

Once a week
0%

Every day
98%

Telephone

How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?

Once a week
17%

Every day
65%

Group discussions

How often do you have group discussions in this job?

Once a week
21%

Every day
63%

Public speaking

How often does this job require you to do public speaking?

Never
27%

Once a year
53%

Once a month
8%

Once a week
10%

Every day
3%

Level of competition

How much competitive pressure is in this job?

Not competitive at all
5%

Slightly competitive
19%

Moderately competitive
36%

Highly competitive
33%

Extremely competitive
7%

What is the work environment like

Office-style environment

Indoors in an environmentally controlled condition

Never
0%

Once a year or more
0%

Once a month or more
7%

Once a week or more
5%

Every day
89%

Warehouse-style environment

Indoors in a non-controlled environmental condition such as a warehouse

Never
63%

Once a year or more
21%

Once a month or more
8%

Once a week or more
5%

Every day
5%

Outdoors

Outdoors exposed to all weather conditions

Never
68%

Once a year or more
13%

Once a month or more
19%

Once a week or more
1%

Every day
0%

Outdoors – Under Cover

Outdoors but under cover (e.g. structure with roof but no walls)

Never
74%

Once a year or more
5%

Once a month or more
14%

Once a week or more
1%

Every day
7%

How to become one

Difficulty to become one

Hard
You will need a considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience. Careers in this difficulty category usually require a Bachelor’s degree and several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training. Similar careers include Database Administrators, Chemists, Art Directors, and Accountants.

Required level of education

What level of education do you need to perform the job?

Less than a High School Diploma
0%

High School Diploma or equivalent
0%

Post-Secondary Certificate
7%

Some College Courses
2%

Associate’s Degree or similar
13%

Bachelor’s Degree
53%

Post-Baccalaureate Certificate
23%

Master’s Degree
3%

Post-Master’s Certificate
0%

First Professional Degree
0%

Doctoral Degree
0%

Post-Doctoral Training
0%

Relevant majors

Healthcare Information Privacy Assurance and Security

A program that prepares individuals for careers in designing, implementing, and administering comprehensive privacy and security protection programs in all types of healthcare organizations. Includes instruction in health information ethics, healthcare information privacy and security, healthcare compliance, healthcare information security and disaster recovery, and healthcare privacy law.

Cyber/Computer Forensics and Counterterrorism

A program focusing on the principles and techniques used to identify, search, seize and analyze digital media and to conduct cyber investigations against criminal and terrorist activity. Includes instruction in computer boot processes and drives, jumper setting, file access and reconstruction, hacking, network systems, cryptography, programming, investigative techniques, forensic imagery, web-based investigation methods, cyberterrorism, and applicable laws and administrative procedures.

Computer Science

A program that focuses on computer theory, computing problems and solutions, and the design of computer systems and user interfaces from a scientific perspective. Includes instruction in the principles of computational science, computer development and programming, and applications to a variety of end-use situations.


Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications

A program that focuses on the design, implementation, and management of linked systems of computers, peripherals, and associated software to maximize efficiency and productivity, and that prepares individuals to function as network specialists and managers at various levels. Includes instruction in operating systems and applications; systems design and analysis; networking theory and solutions; types of networks; network management and control; network and flow optimization; security; configuring; and troubleshooting.

Network and System Administration/Administrator

A program that prepares individuals to manage the computer operations and control the system configurations emanating from a specific site or network hub. Includes instruction in computer hardware and software and applications; local area (LAN) and wide area (WAN) networking; principles of information systems security; disk space and traffic load monitoring; data backup; resource allocation; and setup and takedown procedures.

System, Networking, and LAN/WAN Management

A program that prepares individuals to oversee and regulate the computer system and performance requirements of an entire organization or network of satellite users. Includes instruction in performance balancing; redundancy; local area (LAN) and wide area (WAN) network management; system migration and upgrading; outage control; problem diagnosis and troubleshooting; and system maintenance, budgeting, and management.


Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance

A program that prepares individuals to assess the security needs of computer and network systems, recommend safeguard solutions, and manage the implementation, auditing, and maintenance of security devices, systems, and procedures. Includes instruction in computer architecture, programming, and systems analysis; networking; telecommunications; cryptography; security system auditing and design; applicable law and regulations; risk assessment and policy analysis; contingency planning; user access issues; investigation techniques; and troubleshooting.

Information Technology Project Management

A program that prepares individuals to design, develop, and manage information technology projects in a variety of companies and organizations. Includes instruction in principles of project management, risk management, procurement and contract management, information security management, software management, organizational principles and behavior, communications, quality assurance, financial analysis, leadership, and team effectiveness.

Information Technology

A program that focuses on the design of technological information systems, including computing systems, as solutions to business and research data and communications support needs. Includes instruction in the principles of computer hardware and software components, algorithms, databases, telecommunications, user tactics, application testing, and human interface design.


Relevant work experience

How much related work experience do you need to get hired for the job?

None
1%

1 month
0%

1 to 3 months
0%

3 to 6 months
0%

6 months to 1 year
10%

1 to 2 years
2%

2 to 4 years
24%

4 to 6 years
21%

6 to 8 years
10%

8 to 10 years
18%

Over 10 years
13%

On The Job Training

How much on the job training do you need to perform the job?

None or short demonstration
13%

1 month
4%

1 to 3 months
23%

3 to 6 months
13%

6 months to 1 year
27%

1 to 2 years
7%

2 to 4 years
0%

4 to 10 years
6%

Over 10 years
7%

Should you become one

Best personality type for this career

The Organizer

People with this personality type likes to follow set procedures and routines. They prefer working with data and details more than with ideas.

The Builder
67%

People with The Builder personality type likes practical and hands-on work. They prefer working with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery.


The Thinker
76%

People with The Thinker personality likes to work with ideas that require an extensive amount of thinking. They prefer work that requires them to solve problems mentally.


The Artist
24%

People with The Artist personality likes to work with designs and patterns. They prefer activities that require self-expression and prefer work that can be done without following a clear set of rules.


The Helper
33%

People with The Helper personality type likes to work with people and in teams. They prefer work that allows them to build relationships with others.


The Leader
33%

People with The Leader personality likes to start and work on projects. They also like leading people and making many decisions.


The Organizer
90%

People with The Organizer personality type likes to follow set procedures and routines. They prefer working with data and details more than with ideas.


You can read more about these career personality types here.

People who are suitable for this job tend to like following set procedures and routines. They like working with data and details more than with ideas.

They also like working with ideas and require an extensive amount of thinking. They like searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.

Take this quiz to see if this is the right career for you.

Work Values

Which values are the most important to a person’s satisfaction for this job?

Achievement
67%

You are someone who is results oriented. You prefer work that allows you to utilize your skills and abilities while at the same time giving you a sense of accomplishment.

Working Conditions
81%

You are someone who values job security, steady employment, and good working conditions. You also prefer work that keeps you busy all the time with something different to do every day.

Recognition
62%

You are someone who values job advancement and leadership roles. You prefer work that receives recognition for the work you do and jobs that are looked up to by others in the company and your community.

Relationships
62%

You are someone who likes to provide a service to others. You prefer a work environment where you can work with your co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment.

Support
76%

You are someone who values a company that stands behind their employees. You prefer a work environment where everyone is treated fairly and is being supported by the company.

Independence
76%

You are someone who likes to work on your own and make your own decisions. You prefer work that requires little supervision and are allowed to try out your own ideas.

FAQ


Don’t know which career to pursue?

Take the career quiz to find careers that match your personality type.

Take The Career Quiz