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Information Security Analyst Career, Education & Salary
“In my opinion, the future information security analyst will be less of a manual ‘alert jockey’ and more of a strategic security advisor, a proactive threat hunter, and a skilled communicator.”Shawn Murray, DCS, President and CAO at Murray Security Services
In the deeply interconnected world of the twenty-first century, the secure flow of information is a vital aspect of daily economic activity. The Information Age ushered in a new era in which information security is as large a concern as the security of mass-produced goods. Given the sheer scale and complexity of human activities in the present era, a new industry has developed in response to the need to protect vital information.
The information security analyst is one type of occupation that has developed in response to our transformed economy. An information security analyst is a professional trained in ensuring the security and integrity of computer networks and related systems in which information may be transmitted or retained.
These professionals typically fulfill various responsibilities, including analyzing and assessing security risks, developing security plans and related protocols, and implementing measures to protect against potential security breaches. Such analysts perform various duties to fulfill a primary objective, namely the protection of sensitive information and the computer systems and networks that hold such information.
Meet the Expert: Shawn P. Murray, DCS
Dr. Shawn Murray is president and CAO at Murray Security Services and was previously assigned to the United States Missile Defense Agency as a senior cybersecurity professional. His previous assignments include work with the US Army Cyber Command in Europe, the US Air Force, and with the commercial industry in various roles in information assurance and cybersecurity.
Dr. Murray has traveled the globe performing physical and cybersecurity assessments on critical national defense and coalition programs and has prepared reports for the House Armed Services Committee and has testified on cybersecurity and privacy issues for leaders in Congress. He is the lead cyber consultant at the Pikes Peak Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and sits on the national SBDC cyber working group.
Dr. Murray has worked with SBA, the Colorado Attorney General’s office, NSA, FBI, CIA, and the US Defense and State Departments on various cyber initiatives. He has over 20 years of IT, communications, and cybersecurity experience. He has presented as a featured or keynote speaker for numerous conferences across the globe. He enjoys teaching and presenting as a guest lecturer on cybersecurity, business and computer science courses at his Cyber Academy and for several universities. He has several industry-recognized certifications, including the C|CISO, CISSP, and CRISC. He holds several degrees, including an applied doctorate in computer science with a concentration in enterprise information systems.
Dr. Murray is a distinguished fellow at the Information Systems Security Association and a past president of their International Board of Directors. He is also co-chair of the ISSA AIM committee (Apprenticeship, Internship, and Mentorship).
ForensicsColleges.com: What’s something you wish the public knew about information security analysts?
Dr. Murray: From a cybersecurity professional’s perspective, when communicating with the general public, one thing I wish they knew about information security analysts is that we are not just “computer geeks” or “hackers.”
We are problem-solvers with a broad skill set: While technical knowledge is foundational, information security analysts spend a significant amount of time on critical thinking, risk assessment, communication, and understanding human behavior. We’re constantly analyzing complex systems, identifying vulnerabilities, and devising strategies to protect information, which often involves more than just coding or patching.
Our job is inherently proactive and defensive: The public often only hears about cybersecurity when a breach occurs. They might think of us as the people who clean up messes after a hack. In reality, a massive part of our role is preventing those messes from happening in the first place. We’re building digital fortresses, monitoring for suspicious activity, and educating users to strengthen defenses before an attack.
We are advocates for your digital safety: Our ultimate goal is to protect sensitive information—whether it’s your personal data, financial details, or critical infrastructure. We genuinely care about safeguarding your digital life and the systems that underpin society. When we recommend security measures (like strong passwords or two-factor authentication), it’s not to be inconvenient; it’s because we understand the very real risks and are trying to protect you.
It’s a constant, evolving battle: The threat landscape changes daily. New vulnerabilities, new attack methods, and new technologies emerge all the time. This means our work is never done; we are continuously learning, adapting, and innovating to stay ahead of malicious actors. It’s a dynamic and intellectually challenging field.
Human error is a significant factor: While we focus on technical controls, a large percentage of security incidents stem from human mistakes or social engineering. We wish the public understood that they are a crucial part of the security chain. Their awareness and adherence to basic security practices can be more impactful than the most advanced technology.
In essence, I wish the public saw information security analysts as dedicated professionals who are constantly working to keep them safe in the digital world, not just as reactive tech support or mysterious figures who deal with “computer stuff.” Understanding this would foster greater trust, encourage better security habits, and ultimately lead to a safer online environment for everyone.
ForensicsColleges.com: Do you have any advice for new or aspiring information security analysts?
Dr. Murray: As a seasoned information security professional, my advice for aspiring information security analysts boils down to a few key pillars:
- 1. Build a Rock-Solid Foundation (Technical & Theoretical)
- Understand the “Why” and “How”: Don’t just learn tools; understand the underlying principles of how networks work (TCP/IP, routing, firewalls), operating systems (Windows, Linux, macOS), and applications. Dig into the “why” behind vulnerabilities and controls.
- Networking is King: Seriously, master networking. So many security issues stem from misconfigured networks or a lack of understanding of network traffic. Get your CompTIA Network+ or CCNA as examples.
- Operating System Fluency: Be comfortable navigating and troubleshooting in Windows, Linux, and even macOS environments. Learn command-line interfaces (Bash, PowerShell) – they’re essential.
- Scripting is Your Superpower: Learn Python, PowerShell, or Bash. Automation is crucial in security operations. Being able to write scripts to parse logs, automate tasks, or even build simple tools will set you apart.
- Embrace the Cloud: Cloud computing (AWS, Azure, GCP) is no longer a niche; it’s the norm. Understand cloud security concepts, shared responsibility models, and how to secure cloud environments.
- Cybersecurity Frameworks and Best Practices: Familiarize yourself with frameworks like NIST CSF, ISO 27001, and CIS Controls. These provide a structured approach to managing security risks and will be a common language in any professional setting.
- 2. Cultivate a Hacker Mindset (Ethically!)
- Think Like the Adversary: This is paramount. To defend effectively, you need to understand how attackers operate. Learn about common attack vectors (phishing, malware, social engineering, web application vulnerabilities), penetration testing methodologies, and red teaming.
- Get Hands-On (Safely): Set up your own home lab (virtual machines with Kali Linux, Windows servers, vulnerable applications). Practice exploiting vulnerabilities in a controlled environment. Participate in Capture The Flag (CTF) competitions, Hack The Box, and TryHackMe platforms. This practical experience is invaluable.
- Stay Curious: The threat landscape is constantly evolving. Malicious actors are always finding new ways to exploit weaknesses. You need to have an insatiable curiosity to learn about new threats, technologies, and defensive techniques. Read security blogs, threat intelligence reports, and follow experts on social media.
- 3. Develop Essential Soft Skills (Very Important!)
- Communication (Written & Verbal): This is often overlooked but is absolutely critical. You’ll need to explain complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders (management, legal, other departments). You’ll write incident reports, risk assessments, and security policies. Practice clear, concise, and impactful communication.
- Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking: Security incidents rarely present themselves with a clear-cut solution. You’ll need to analyze disparate pieces of information, connect the dots, and develop effective remediation strategies.
- Adaptability and Resilience: You will encounter setbacks, frustrating issues, and constant changes. The ability to adapt to new threats, technologies, and organizational priorities is vital. Don’t be afraid to admit when you don’t know something; embrace it as an opportunity to learn.
- Teamwork and Collaboration: Cybersecurity is a team sport. You’ll work closely with other security analysts, IT operations, developers, and business units. Effective collaboration is key to successful security programs.
- 4. Strategic Career Moves
- Certifications (Strategically): Start with foundational certifications like CompTIA Security+ to demonstrate a baseline understanding. As you gain experience and identify a niche, pursue more specialized certifications (e.g., Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP), Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), GIAC certifications, CISSP for more senior roles). Don’t collect certifications just for the sake of it; choose ones that align with your career goals and demonstrate practical skills.
- Internships and Entry-Level Roles: Practical experience trumps theoretical knowledge. Seek out internships, Security Operations Center (SOC) analyst roles (often entry-level and a fantastic learning ground), or IT support roles where you can gain exposure to systems and networks.
- Network, Network, Network: Connect with other cybersecurity professionals on LinkedIn, attend industry conferences (even virtual ones), and participate in local security meetups. Networking can lead to mentorship, job opportunities, and invaluable insights. Join a professional organization like a local chapter of the Information Systems Security Association (ISSA).
- Build a Portfolio/Online Presence: Document your personal projects, CTF achievements, or interesting security findings. A GitHub repository with your scripts or a personal blog can showcase your skills and passion.
In essence, becoming a successful information security analyst requires a blend of deep technical knowledge, a proactive and curious mindset, strong communication skills, and a commitment to continuous learning. It’s a challenging but incredibly rewarding field where you directly contribute to protecting individuals and organizations in the digital age.
ForensicsColleges.com: What does the future of the information security analyst role look like to you?
Dr. Murray: From the perspective of a seasoned information and cybersecurity professional, I believe that the future of the information security analyst role will be both excitingly dynamic and increasingly challenging, marked by a significant shift from the typical reactive “firefighting” to proactive, strategic defense. Here’s how I see it evolving from my perspective:
- 1. AI and Automation as Force Multipliers (Not Replacements)
- Automated Mundane Tasks: AI and machine learning will increasingly handle the routine, high-volume tasks that currently consume a significant portion of an analyst’s time.
- Initial Alert Triage: AI will filter out noise, prioritize alerts based on context and risk, and even perform initial investigations.
- Log Analysis: Advanced analytics will rapidly process massive data sets from various sources (SIEM, EDR, network logs) to identify anomalies and suspicious patterns.
- Vulnerability Scanning & Prioritization: AI will not only identify vulnerabilities but also help prioritize them based on exploitability, potential impact, and real-time threat intelligence.
- Augmented Human Intelligence: This doesn’t mean analysts are obsolete. Instead, AI will augment their capabilities, allowing them to focus on:
- Complex Threat Hunting: AI will provide leads and insights, but human analysts will be crucial for deep dives, connecting disparate data points, and identifying novel attack techniques that AI might miss.
- Incident Response Orchestration: While automated playbooks will handle initial containment, human analysts will manage the more intricate aspects of incident response, including communication, coordination, and strategic decision-making during high-stakes breaches.
- Strategic Planning and Policy: AI can inform, but human judgment, understanding of business context, and ethical considerations will be paramount in developing security policies, risk management strategies, and overall cybersecurity posture.
- 2. A Deeper Dive into Specialized Areas
The “generalist” information security analyst will become less common, or at least, will need a strong foundational understanding to then specialize. We’ll see more analysts focusing on:
- Cloud Security: As more organizations migrate to cloud environments, analysts specializing in AWS, Azure, and GCP security, including secure configurations, access management, and compliance, will be in high demand.
- OT/ICS Security: The convergence of operational technology (OT) and information technology (IT) demands analysts with expertise in securing critical infrastructure and industrial control systems.
- Application Security (DevSecOps): Integrating security into the software development lifecycle from the start will require analysts embedded within development teams, focusing on secure coding practices, vulnerability assessments, and automated security testing.
- Threat Intelligence & Purple Teaming: Analysts who can deeply understand adversary tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) and then simulate those attacks to test defenses will be highly valued.
- Data Privacy & Compliance: With evolving regulations (GDPR, CCPA, etc.), analysts specializing in data governance, privacy-by-design, and regulatory compliance will play a crucial role.
- Identity and Access Management (IAM): As the perimeter dissolves, strong IAM practices become paramount. Analysts focused on robust authentication, authorization, and privileged access management will be essential.
- 3. Emphasis on “Soft Skills” and Business Acumen
- Communication is King: With automation handling much of the technical grunt work, analysts will spend more time communicating security risks and strategies to non-technical stakeholders, including senior leadership. The ability to translate complex technical jargon into clear, concise business language will be a differentiator.
- Strategic Thinking & Risk Management: Analysts will increasingly be involved in understanding business objectives and aligning security initiatives with organizational goals. This includes performing comprehensive risk assessments and developing mitigation strategies that support business operations.
- Collaboration and Empathy: Cybersecurity is a team sport. Analysts will need to collaborate effectively with IT, legal, HR, and business units. Understanding different perspectives and building strong relationships will be crucial for successful security outcomes.
- Continuous Learning and Adaptability: The threat landscape, technologies, and regulations will continue to evolve rapidly. A commitment to lifelong learning and the ability to quickly adapt to new challenges will be non-negotiable.
- 4. The Human Element Remains Critical (and STILL the Weakest Link)
Despite technological advancements, human error and social engineering will continue to be significant attack vectors. Information security analysts will play a vital role in:
- Security Awareness Training: Developing and delivering effective training programs that empower employees to be the “first line of defense.”
- Behavioral Analytics: Analyzing user behavior to detect insider threats or compromised accounts.
- Building a Security Culture: Fostering a security-conscious mindset throughout the organization, from the C-suite down.
In summary, in my opinion, the future information security analyst will be less of a manual “alert jockey” and more of a strategic security advisor, a proactive threat hunter, and a skilled communicator. They will leverage AI and automation to amplify their impact, allowing them to focus on the truly complex and human-centric aspects of cybersecurity, ensuring organizational resilience in an increasingly hostile digital world. Soft Skills are mandatory at all levels. Analysts will need to be able to communicate outside of technical jargon to be effective.
What is the Career Outlook for Information Security Analysts?
The field of cybersecurity and related disciplines is currently promising. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS 2025) forecasts a very robust growth rate of 33 percent in the employment of information security analysts between 2023 and 2033. This growth rate is much higher than the average across all occupations and in other portions of the information and computing industry.
The aforementioned decade will add an estimated 59,100 information security analyst positions. This rapid growth is due to many factors, including retirement, transfers out of the existing workforce, and continued economic growth in which the secure transmission and retention of varied forms of information is a ubiquitous aspect of countless transactions in daily business operations.
How Much Do Information Security Analysts Make?
The salary of an individual trained in information security analysis depends on many factors, including the particular responsibilities of their position, their level of experience and formal training, and local job market conditions.
Information security analysts may specialize their expertise to meet various needs. Some common types of information security analysts include the following:
- Network Security Analyst: A network security analyst is responsible for maintaining the security of computer networks and the data transmitted through them. These analysts monitor network traffic and thereby identify potential threats.
- Security Compliance Analyst: A security compliance analyst assesses an organization’s information systems and processes to ensure they comply with legal, regulatory, and industry standards. They monitor compliance with security policies and procedures and modify security frameworks as necessary to adjust to an ever-changing security environment.
- Cybersecurity Analyst: A cybersecurity analyst protects an organization’s computer systems from cyber attacks. They analyze security risks, develop strategies responsive to known and anticipated risks, monitor systems for security breaches, and respond to security incidents as needed.
- Information Security Manager: An information security manager oversees an organization’s information security framework and related systems. They manage security personnel, develop security policies and measures, and ensure that this security framework remains effective and designed to meet current security risks.
- Incident Response Analyst: An incident response analyst is one of the primary individuals among those who respond to security incidents. They act to mitigate the impacts of such incidents by working promptly to identify the source of the attack, contain the damage, and restore systems to normal functioning.
The BLS indicates the following salary percentiles for information security analysts (BLS May 2024):
- Employment: 179,430
- Annual mean wage: $127,730
- 10th percentile: $69,660
- 25th percentile: $92,160
- 50th percentile (median): $124,910
- 75th percentile: $159,600
- 90th percentile: $186,420
Regional cost of living is an influence on salary data. Those interested in becoming information security analysts are encouraged to use tools such as the cost of living data series provided by the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center (MERIC 2025) to assess how much their money can buy in various markets throughout the United States.
How to Become an Information Security Analyst
A career as an information security analyst may appeal to those who have long had an interest in topics such as technology and the mechanisms behind how machines function. To become a successful information security analyst, individuals must hold substantial industry-specific expertise, be willing to remain consistently informed on the latest developments in their field, and possess the soft skills necessary to collaborate with others to achieve a joint mission effectively.
Information security analysts need a strong understanding of information technology, networking, and computer security. They should also be aware of various types of security threats, including viruses, malware, and phishing attacks. Besides knowledge of the actual technology, such analysts must also have strong problem-solving skills, be attentive to detail and be able to work under high levels of pressure deriving from firm deadlines and the specter of large consequences if they fail in their duties.
In terms of soft skills, information security analysts should be effective communicators. Effective communication skills are vital as information security analysts often work with other IT professionals, management personnel and other parties to implement security measures and provide guidance on security best practices. Working with audiences outside their field of knowledge proves helpful if information security analysts can communicate in language that lay audiences will understand.
Given the diversity of settings in which an information security analyst may work, there is no single training pathway that will provide all the skills and experience necessary for a person to work in this occupation. Nonetheless, a general sequence of steps should be completed to work as an information security analyst. These steps are noted below:
Step 1: Complete a high school education (four years)
To attend an undergraduate program, a person must have a high school diploma or an equivalency such as a GED.
Step 2: Obtain a bachelor’s degree in a computer or technology-related field (four years)
Most information security analyst positions will require applicants to have a bachelor’s degree in a computer- or technology-related field. A range of undergraduate degrees can qualify a person to become this type of analyst.
Students can complete generalized programs in fields such as computer science or programming. They can also pursue degrees focused on the security aspects of the computer world through something like a bachelor of science degree in cybersecurity. Another suitable pathway to consider is a bachelor of science degree in management information systems. This type of degree trains students to apply their computer security skills within a business management setting.
Step 3: Gain on-the-job experience (timeline varies)
There needs to be more than an academic degree to help a candidate stand out in an information security analyst application. As with many occupations, hands-on training is often vital to landing a job in the information security industry. While entry-level positions may require minimal experience, those who wish to reach intermediate or advanced positions will need at least several years of experience in information security.
Given the rapidly evolving nature of the technology industry, members of this profession need to dedicate time to remaining informed and trained in newly emerging technologies, methods, and issues in the field of cybersecurity. One way to remain current in industry trends is to complete optional additional certifications and training, as noted in the next step below.
Step 4: Enhance and maintain skills via certifications (optional, timeline varies)
Information security analysts must remain educated on popular computer programs and systems. They must also be aware of emerging and evolving threats to information security. As a result, though such additional training is optional, these analysts are nonetheless strongly recommended to complete additional education, such as certifications, to demonstrate a commitment to maintaining the skills necessary to meet the needs of their industry.
Completing certifications is an excellent way for information system analysts to keep up with the constantly evolving cybersecurity industry. Some employers will require applicants and current employees to secure and maintain specialized technology certifications, as such certifications further demonstrate not just a candidate’s current proficiency but also a commitment to maintaining that proficiency.
Some credentials that may be particularly interesting to employers seeking information security analysts are the Certified Information Systems Security Professional, the Certified Information Systems Auditor, and the Certified Ethical Hacker credential. The topic of certification is covered in greater length further down this page.
Step 5: Pursue graduate education for advancement (optional, two years or more)
Individuals who wish to rise to the top of their field even faster or make a big contribution within the industry may choose to pursue graduate studies to make this happen. Obtaining a master’s degree in cybersecurity can effectively substitute for some of the experience necessary to advance to increasingly higher levels of responsibility and compensation within the information security industry. Individuals with a deep research interest, those with a demonstrated high level of industry proficiency, and those who learn quickly may find pursuing a graduate degree a worthwhile investment in a career focused on information security.
Information Security Analyst Tasks & Responsibilities
Information security analysts plan security measures to protect an organization’s computer networks and systems. According to the US BLS description of this particular job, an information security analyst may be responsible for any of the following:
- Monitor an organization’s networks for security breaches and investigate those that occur
- Use, maintain, and develop software to protect sensitive information
- Assess computer and network systems for potential vulnerabilities
- Research information technology (IT) security trends
- Prepare reports responsive to employer needs containing information such as general metrics, attack data, and security breach information
- Develop security standards and best practices
- Recommend security enhancements to management or senior IT staff
- Train organization employees to be mindful of and apply security products and procedures in their daily operations
As information security analysts develop more experience and expertise, they may be called upon to contribute to increasingly complex projects and management needs. For example, they may become critical contributors to formulating their organization’s disaster recovery plan. They may also be given significant responsibility in developing their company’s information security strategy.
Given the rapid evolution of IT and related industries, a significant responsibility an information security analyst must be continually mindful of is the need to remain informed and skilled in emergent new threats to information security. Given the rapid technological evolution, information security analysts may need to devote little time to researching new security technologies designed to protect against new threats.
Though not necessarily considered a task or responsibility per se, an information security analyst should also possess effective communication skills. Given the high stakes environment in which such analysts may work, in which their expertise leads their employers to entrust technology and reputations of significant value to their care, information security analysts need to exercise effective communication skills to ensure both effective collaboration and responsiveness to their recommendations and directives
Professional Certification for Information Security Analysts
As previously mentioned, a commitment to ongoing education and skills maintenance is vital to information security analysts’ success. One way analysts can maintain their skills and demonstrate commitment to their profession is by completing certification programs. Below is a list of some standard certifications an information security analyst may need to enhance their prospects for obtaining their first job and career advancement.
CompTIA Security+ – CompTIA Security+ is a basic certification for a career as an information security analyst. This foundational certification attests that the recipient has basic network security and risk management knowledge. The certification exam tests six domains of knowledge.
Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) – The Certified Ethical Hacker certification covers the advanced logistics of hacking and the methods hackers often use to cause data breaches. CEH is the information security certification that teaches the tactics of the enemy. It is thus considered an essential certification for any information security professional whose duties strongly focus on hacking prevention and response.
Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) – CISSP Certification is a highly sought-after certification and is thus considered the gold standard for the information security analyst. It trains students to become professionals in the field of information security. CISSP covers many topics, including IT security, architecture, design, management, and controls
Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) – CISA certification covers numerous topics regarding the governance and control of enterprise IT. Students learn to create and implement effective security audits and are exposed to the acquisition, development, testing, and implementation of security systems.
Bernd Geels is a Berlin, Germany-based freelance writer and artist. He holds an undergraduate degree in atmospheric science and two graduate degrees. He completed his most recent graduate degree in international environmental studies at the Monterey Institute of International Studies in 2011. He is interested in healthcare, climate change, marine conservation, indigenous science, and refugee issues. You can reach him directly at [email protected].
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Matt Zbrog
Matt Zbrog is a writer and researcher from Southern California. Since 2018, he’s written extensively about the increasing digitization of investigations, the growing importance of forensic science, and emerging areas of investigative practice like open source intelligence (OSINT) and blockchain forensics. His writing and research are focused on learning from those who know the subject best, including leaders and subject matter specialists from the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) and the American Academy of Forensic Science (AAFS). As part of the Big Employers in Forensics series, Matt has conducted detailed interviews with forensic experts at the ATF, DEA, FBI, and NCIS.