Career Overview
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.
Also Known As
- Information Security Officer
- Information Systems Security Officer (ISSO)
- Information Technology Security Analyst (IT Security Analyst)
- Network Security Analyst
Alternate Job Titles
- AI Security Specialist (Artificial Intelligence Security Specialist)
- All-Source Analyst
- Application Security Analyst
- Applications Security Analyst
- Automatic Data Processing Systems Security Specialist (ADP Systems Security)
- Blue Team Member
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
- Cloud Security Architect
- Cloud Security Engineer
- Computer Security Coordinator
- Computer Security Information Specialist
- Computer Security Specialist
- Computer Systems Security Analyst
- Counterespionage Analyst
- Cryptological Technician
What You'll Do
In this role, your typical responsibilities include:
- 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.
Knowledge You'll Use
You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:
- Computers and Electronics
- English Language
- Administration and Management
- Engineering and Technology
- Telecommunications
Essential Skills
Success in this career requires strong skills in:
- Reading Comprehension
- Critical Thinking
- Active Listening
- Complex Problem Solving
- Speaking
Key Abilities
This career requires key abilities in:
- Oral Comprehension
- Problem Sensitivity
- Deductive Reasoning
- Inductive Reasoning
- Written Comprehension
- Written Expression
- Information Ordering
- Oral Expression
- Near Vision
- Category Flexibility
Work Style
People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:
- Attention to Detail
- Integrity
- Cautiousness
- Dependability
- Intellectual Curiosity
What Matters in This Career
This career tends to satisfy these work values:
- Working Conditions
- Support
- Independence
- Achievement
- Recognition
Education & Preparation
Typical Education: Bachelor's Degree
Related Work Experience Needed: Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years
On-the-Job Training: Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year
Education Details: Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Experience Required: A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
Technology You'll Use
Popular Technologies & Software
- AJAX
- Amazon DynamoDB
- Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud EC2
- Amazon Redshift
- Amazon Web Services AWS CloudFormation
- Amazon Web Services AWS software
- Ansible software
- Apache Cassandra
- Apache Hadoop
- Apache Hive
Tools & Equipment
- Desktop computers
- Local area network LAN analyzers
- Mainframe computers
- Network analyzers
- Notebook computers
- Protocol analyzers
Work Environment
- Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- Telephone Conversations
- Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Contact With Others
Salary & Job Market
| Salary Percentile | Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $69,660 |
| Median | $124,910 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $186,420 |
Workers Employed Nationally: 179,430
Related Careers
If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:
Information Security Engineers
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: $108,970
Penetration Testers
Education: Not specified
Median Salary: $108,970
Digital Forensics Analysts
Education: Not specified
Median Salary: $108,970
Network and Computer Systems Administrators
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: $96,800
Computer Systems Analysts
Education: Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
Median Salary: $103,790
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Occupational data sourced from the O*NET OnLine database, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024.