Here are five common steps to consider if you’re interested in pursuing a career as an information security analyst:

Wondering how to become an information security analyst? Individuals entering the workforce typically earn a bachelor’s degree in a field such as computer science or information assurance. Otherwise, they can pursue a degree in a related discipline, such as math or science. Some universities offer a more tailored degree—a Bachelor of Science in information systems management—to aspiring professionals.

Want to learn more about how to become an information security analyst? Another viable pathway is to pursue a master’s in information systems—in person or online—to help advance your career in IT. This type of program pairs academic courses rooted in IT with experiential opportunities to develop business acumen. Online MBA programs equip students with similar knowledge and have the added benefit of allowing them to complete their coursework from any location and, in some cases, on their own schedule. Graduate programs also offer the chance to branch out your knowledge into specialized areas like cybersecurity or business.

You can earn a master’s degree online in as few as 12 months. Some colleges and universities offer evening and weekend classes and don’t require you to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT).

Your master’s in information systems may give you a competitive advantage in the job market. Some employers might prefer candidates with advanced degrees to fill higher positions such as chief information security officer or network architect.

Conversely, some companies may accept an equivalent level of professional on-the-job experience in place of a college degree. Your employment prospects could improve if you have a background or expertise in areas noted in the job description. For example, certain firms may want candidates with experience in reviewing computer security breaches and forensic investigations, or in exporting log and event data after security incidents. They may also want candidates familiar with emerging technologies, practices, and programming languages such as Python.

What is an information security analyst? Job descriptions for information security analysts can vary widely and be quite technical. An information security analyst relies on intrusion detection systems (IDS) to monitor and investigate security breaches in their organization’s network, preparing corresponding security breach assessment reports when necessary. They’ll research and stay up to date on cutting-edge IT security trends, then install and use the latest security enhancements and tools to protect their organization’s sensitive information.

Information security analysts also conduct network penetration testing to identify vulnerabilities, recommend enhancements to management or senior IT staff, and develop and refresh security standards for the organization. Finally, these analysts will help users who need assistance installing new security products and understanding critical security procedures.

An information security analyst job description may include some or all of the responsibilities described above. As you search for an information security analyst job, be sure to compare your skills and experience with the requirements for your desired role and determine how to up your competencies where applicable.

Are you wondering what information security analysts do? Simply put, the job of an information security analyst is to anticipate, monitor and investigate breaches to an organization’s computer networks and systems. These analysts install firewalls and encryption programs that defend information systems against intruders and unauthorized users. They also update software and advise senior information technology (IT) staff on how to enhance security and handle potential emergencies.

When it comes to information security analyst skills, these professionals combine hard and soft skills to get their work done.

Information security analysts often have to match wits with increasingly sophisticated cybercriminals while monitoring networks for suspicious traffic. Having strong problem-solving skills, being highly analytical, and staying organized may help information security analysts accomplish this task efficiently. These analysts are expected to keep pace with rapidly evolving advances in software and data networking to help ensure their success. They are trained to become technologically savvy and remain curious, seeking new and improved approaches to organizational cybersecurity.

You can think of an information security analyst as a detective—keenly observant, dogged about chasing clues and able to remain calm under pressure. In the midst of an organizational network breach, the information security analyst is able to leverage their skills to quickly identify and stomp out any issues afflicting the network.

The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) tracks reports of suspected internet crime in the United States. In its 2020 annual report, IC3 logged 791,790 complaints, a 69% increase from 2019. More recently, the FBI’s 2024 IC3 report counted 859,532 complaints and $16.6 billion in reported losses, evidence that cyber-enabled fraud and crime remain a large (and costly) problem. As organizations invest more in security programs, the need for skilled professionals continues to rise; the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 29% job growth for information security analysts from 2024 to 2034. 

The United States is expected to add 16,000 information security analyst positions between 2024 and 2034, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) in May 2024. 

The growing demand for information security analysts may mean you can enjoy job security, but this isn’t the only factor to consider when deciding to obtain an advanced degree in this field: There’s also financial compensation. The median annual salary for information security analysts in 2024 was $124,910, according to the BLS. That means half the workers earned more and half earned less. Experienced or senior information security analysts may expect to earn even more.

Salaries for information security analysts also vary by industry. The median salary for information security analysts in the information industry was $136,390 in 2024. Those who worked in management, scientific, and technical consulting services earned a median annual income of $120,050.

There are numerous information security analyst certifications available to improve your core skills, learn about the latest software and networking technology or branch into niches. These might be particularly useful if you are interested in advancing to intermediate positions after you’ve been working for some time. Employers may not require a specific certification, but your chosen certification indicates your competency in a specialty area.

Some common certifications include:

Information last updated: December 2025