Computer & Mathematical
Information Security Analysts
Also called: Information Security Officer, Information Security Specialist, Information Systems Security Analyst, Information Systems Security Officer (ISSO)
US median pay
$129,180
per year, 2025
Job growth 2025–35
+21%
faster than average
Openings a year (US)
14,100
192,900 employed
Typical entry education
Bachelor's degree
Preparation 4/5 · Considerable preparation
What this job is
Plan, implement, upgrade, or monitor security measures for the protection of computer networks and information. Assess system vulnerabilities for security risks and propose and implement risk mitigation strategies. 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.
What they do day to day
- 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 data processing system to ensure functioning of data processing activities and security measures.
- Modify computer security files to incorporate new software, correct errors, or change individual access status.
- Review violations of computer security procedures and discuss procedures with violators to ensure violations are not repeated.
- Document computer security and emergency measures policies, procedures, and tests.
- Confer with users to discuss issues such as computer data access needs, security violations, and programming changes.
- Monitor use of data files and regulate access to safeguard information in computer files.
- Coordinate implementation of computer system plan with establishment personnel and outside vendors.
Skills and knowledge that matter most
Skills
- Complex Problem Solving3.8/5
- Systems Analysis3.4/5
- Judgment and Decision Making3.4/5
- Time Management3.1/5
- Systems Evaluation3.0/5
- Quality Control Analysis3.0/5
- Operations Monitoring3.0/5
- Coordination3.0/5
Knowledge
- Computers and Electronics4.3/5
- English Language4.3/5
- Administration and Management3.7/5
- Telecommunications3.6/5
- Engineering and Technology3.6/5
- Customer and Personal Service3.4/5
Importance rated by people working in the job (1 = not important, 5 = extremely important).
Education and preparation
Preparation level 4 of 5 — Considerable preparation. Usually a bachelor's degree and several years of related experience.
Typical entry education (BLS): Bachelor's degree, plus less than 5 years of related work experience.
Highest education of people in this job:
- Bachelor's degree53%
- Post-baccalaureate certificate23%
- Associate's degree13%
Who this job suits
Mostly Conventional
Organising data, details and procedures
Investigative
Ideas, research and solving problems
Realistic
Hands-on work with tools, machines, plants or animals
Based on the Holland (RIASEC) interest profile for this occupation.