An information security analyst position may be appealing if you have an interest in technology and how to defend systems from hackers. Information security specialists are in demand as sophisticated high-tech thieves become more prevalent. Maintaining a computer system’s security and vulnerability-free operation is the responsibility of an information security analyst. In addition to assessing threats and implementing preventive measures like firewalls and data encryption software, they are occasionally in charge of taking the initiative in the event of a security incident.
Because technology is changing so quickly, firms must stay up to date on security measures. An information security analyst takes action to lessen system vulnerability and stays up to date on modifications or threat alerts. In the event of a compromise, information security analysts should keep a disaster recovery plan up to date. Operating systems and their vulnerabilities must be kept up to date.
Requirements for Information Security Analyst Jobs in the USA
Analysts of information security frequently require prior experience in a similar subject. Also, firms decide salary by experience. Information security analysts with more than 20 years of expertise make 45% more money annually than the average for all security analysts, per Payscale data from February 2022. Prior experience may also be necessary for industry certifications, which are frequently needed for security positions. For instance, a total of five years of paid job experience in the industry is necessary to become a certified information systems security professional (CISSP). A four-year degree only qualifies as one year of work experience for this credential.
Education cannot frequently take the place of work experience. Internships and other practical opportunities are part of several academic programs. Despite their limitations, these opportunities can provide entry-level employees with practical training and new networking opportunities.
Opportunities for Internships
Students studying cybersecurity may be required to conduct an internship at their university. An internship is a short-term, closely monitored job that provides hands-on experience in a real-world environment. A three-credit internship may involve 120 hours of work, however, specifics vary. Students may wrap up by writing a diary entry or an assessment of the event. Student interns are typically evaluated by supervisors, which could influence their grades. Before beginning an internship, learners frequently need department approval.
 Information Security Analyst Certification Requirements
Professionals in cybersecurity may need to obtain certification at some point in their employment. Professionals with these credentials may be able to pursue chances for career growth or greater remuneration. According to a 2020 poll by Fortinet, 82% of businesses stated that they favored cybersecurity job applicants who have at least one certification. According to more than half of the firms, a candidate’s awareness and competence are validated by cybersecurity certificates. 94% of professionals with certification said it enhanced their knowledge and abilities.
Certifications are issued by respectable third-party organizations and enterprises, as opposed to cybersecurity certificate programs given by colleges or institutions. In addition to often requiring an exam, certifications may also demand a substantial amount of work experience.
How to Begin a Career in Information Security as an Analyst
Research, education, experience, and certification are the four typical steps in a security analyst’s job path. However, the exact path varies from person to person. A high school graduate might finish the education phase by earning a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity or a similar discipline, for example. A student with a bachelor’s degree, on the other hand, can decide to attend a bootcamp.
Before joining the security industry, a security worker may need to finish their coursework and certification requirements, which might take four to six years. Some job seekers may only require a few months of boot camp if they already have education and experience. The educational process may include certifications, or students may choose to obtain them on their own.Â
How to Become an Information Security Analyst
Research
Before participating in any training program, prospective cybersecurity experts should do extensive research on it. Students can learn the fundamentals through community colleges, online classes, blogs, podcasts, and books. Also, students may make the most of their educational experience with this knowledge. Students who are mapping out their certification alternatives can also benefit from research.
EducationÂ
A bachelor’s degree is usually a requirement for security analyst education. Math, computer science, cybersecurity, and engineering are among the majors available to students. A bootcamp experience may be acceptable to some organizations in lieu of a four-year cybersecurity degree. A large number of bootcamp participants already have a bachelor’s degree in another field.
Experience
Students can hone their abilities in practical situations by gaining on-the-job experience. Experience can be gained through freelancing, internships, or entry-level positions. Candidates with a background in business and technology may have an advantage in information security.
Certification
Security analysts often need to be certified to perform their jobs. Job seekers can apply general knowledge to particular cybersecurity domains with the aid of credentials like CISSP. Certifications can be a means by which employers assess a candidate’s preparedness for cybersecurity work. You must complete a three-hour exam and work full-time for five years to be eligible for CISSP certification. The labor requirement may be waived for college graduates. To keep your certification, you will have to pay an annual fee.
Two years of experience and passing a four-hour proctored exam and a six-hour practical exam are prerequisites for becoming a Certified Ethical Hacker. Your experience may include work in a relevant field for an entry-level position. You may potentially be eligible for an entry-level job with certifications. The CompTIA Security +, which offers fundamental security knowledge, is a recognized certification for beginning a career in cybersecurity.
Job Titles and Salaries for Information Security Analysts
There are a variety of job titles and salaries available when you’re ready to start a career in information security. Among the more popular titles are:
Engineer for IT security
The US average wage per year is $125,492. Systems to protect data saved on electronic devices are designed and constructed by IT security engineers. They determine security threats and create strategies to get rid of them.
Administrator of security systems
The US average salary per year is $88,004. As a security administrator, it is your responsibility to protect sensitive data and keep an eye on the security and performance of systems. You’ll make sure networks are secure and troubleshoot any problems that come up.
Manager of information assurance
In the US, the average salary per year is $ 136,417. The security of electronic information systems is the responsibility of information assurance managers. A bachelor’s degree in computer science or a similar discipline is normally a requirement for the post.
Cloud Security Architect
The average yearly compensation for a cloud security architect in the US is $156,609. A cloud security architect manages security awareness campaigns and creates security systems. They respond to security breaches and carry out testing.
Do Information Security Analyst Jobs Require Maths?
Information from EdX reveals that to work in cybersecurity, you generally need an understanding of mathematical concepts such as algebra and statistical analysis. This knowledge can help you proactively recognize and address cyberattacks and protect sensitive information through encryption methods.
How Cybersecurity and Information Security Intersect
Physical components are a part of both information security and cybersecurity
A company needs some physical security if it has a warehouse full of private papers to keep people from searching through them. More sophisticated IT security technologies are in demand to protect data as it becomes more digital. A padlock can be installed on the entrance of your server room, but not on a desktop computer. To put it another way, whether your data is digital or physically housed, you must make sure that the appropriate physical protections are in place to keep unauthorized people out.</span>
Cybersecurity and information security both take data value into account
Safeguarding your company’s data from any kind of unwanted access is your top priority if you work in information security, and safeguarding your company’s sensitive data from unauthorized electronic access is your top priority if you work in cybersecurity. The importance of the data is paramount in both situations. Knowing which data is most important to your company can help you focus on implementing the proper cyber risk management and monitoring procedures. This is true whether you work in information security or cybersecurity.
How Much Do Information Security Analysts Make in the US
The demand for qualified cybersecurity specialists is rapidly increasing. High compensation and excellent perks are offered by top cybersecurity positions. In 2024, for instance, the average salary for Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) is $565,000. Well-paying positions include security architect, penetration tester, and security engineer.
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In the United States, an information security analyst makes, on average, $96,652 annually as of May 12, 2025. This equates to $8,054 a month or $1,858 per week. The majority of information security analysts currently make between $73,500 (25th percentile) and $114,500 (75th percentile), with top earners (90th percentile) earning $136,000 annually, despite ZipRecruiter showing annual salaries as low as $40,000 and as high as $158,000. Given the wide range of average salaries for information security analysts (up to $41,000), there may be plenty of room for growth and higher compensation depending on factors like years of experience, location, and skill level.
Which State in the USA has the Highest Jobs in this Career Path
California is the state having the highest number of information security analysts. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, California employs the most information security analysts (16,510 in 2023). California leads in employment, followed by Texas with 14,870 and Florida with 12,840, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (.gov). Information security analysts are particularly high in New York City, where 8,710 work and earn an average of $140,770 per year. Statista said there were 755,743 cybersecurity job vacancies in the US as of February 2023. With 81,584 available opportunities in cybersecurity-related sectors, California had the most job openings of any state.
