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Information Security Analyst

Plan and execute robust cybersecurity measures to safeguard organization network architectures, cloud servers, and proprietary data.

Personality FitMatches CIR ProfilesTake Free Match Quiz →
Median Pay (May 2025)$129,180per year (BLS OEWS)
10-Yr Job Outlook29%(Much faster than average)
Typical EducationBachelor's degreeEntry requirement
Primary ThemeConventionalThe Methodical Organizer

What Does a Information Security Analyst Do?

As a Information Security Analyst, your daily professional responsibilities center on plan and execute robust cybersecurity measures to safeguard organization network architectures, cloud servers, and proprietary data. Professionals in this role bridge specialized industry knowledge with disciplined practical execution, balancing strategic problem solving against tight operational timelines.

Depending on the work setting—whether in private corporations, public sector institutions, independent consultancy, or specialized field environments—a Information Security Analyst frequently collaborates with interdisciplinary colleagues, clients, and departmental leaders to translate ambitious goals into dependable, tangible results.

Core Responsibilities & Daily Tasks

  • Monitor enterprise network infrastructure for unauthorized intrusion attempts and vulnerabilities
  • Conduct penetration testing and security audits against standard cryptographic protocols
  • Coordinate emergency incident response protocols and disaster recovery simulations

Personality & Holland Interest Fit (CIR)

Under the empirical Holland Occupational Themes (RIASEC) framework, this career is classified under the three-letter code CIR. This designation indicates that professionals who thrive in this field possess natural behavioral alignment with:

CConventionalYou excel in structured systems, precision workflows, data governance, financial accuracy, and dependable operational routines that maintain excellence.
IInvestigativeYou are naturally curious, driven to observe, analyze, research, and solve complex intellectual problems using evidence, logic, and scientific rigor.
RRealisticYou enjoy tangible, hands-on activities, working with tools, machinery, structures, technology, or nature. You prefer clear physical outcomes over abstract theories.

Why this career aligns: Combines investigative cyber detective work with structured conventional systems monitoring and enterprise defense. When your natural interests mirror the demands of your day-to-day workflow, research demonstrates significantly higher vocational satisfaction, reduced professional burnout, and faster competency acquisition.

Empirical O*NET 31.0 Interest Intensity Vector

Realistic (R)43%
Investigative (I)73%
Artistic (A)6%
Social (S)18%
Enterprising (E)31%
Conventional (C)85%

Salary & Job Outlook Breakdown

According to the latest official release from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS May 2025), the annual median wage for a Information Security Analyst is $129,180. The median wage represents the exact 50th percentile mark: half of all workers in this occupation earned more than this amount, and half earned less.

Over the 10-year projection cycle (2025–2035), total employment is projected to grow at 29% (Much faster than average). Employment expansion is fueled by evolving technological integration, economic growth, and ongoing institutional demand. In addition to net new positions created by growth, thousands of annual job openings occur nationwide each year due to the regular need to replace experienced professionals who retire or transfer into other sectors.

How to Become a Information Security Analyst

The typical entry-level qualification for entering this field is a Bachelor's degree. Depending on specific employer requirements and regional regulations, pursuing specialized industry credentials, professional licenses, or targeted portfolio projects significantly enhances your hiring prospects.

For Students & Beginners

Focus on foundational coursework aligning with conventional problem solving. Seek internships, entry-level technician or assistant roles, and develop demonstrable hands-on projects.

For Career Changers

Identify your transferable strengths in investigative and realistic domains. Bridge technical skill gaps through targeted certificates or vocational bridge programs.

Take our free 3-minute career test today to see how your individual interest scores compare against other high-affinity pathways in our catalog.