What Does an Information Security Analyst Do?
An information security analyst protects an organization’s systems and data by identifying vulnerabilities, monitoring threats, and implementing defensive strategies. These professionals are responsible for detecting unusual activity, investigating potential breaches, and recommending security enhancements to safeguard networks, devices, and digital assets. Their work supports business continuity by ensuring that systems remain secure, operational, and compliant with industry standards.
Information security analysts also play a key role in developing and enforcing internal policies, conducting regular audits, and training staff on cybersecurity best practices. They work closely with IT teams, compliance officers, and leadership to align security protocols with company goals and evolving threat landscapes. By proactively identifying risks and responding swiftly to incidents, these analysts help prevent financial loss, data theft, and reputational damage.
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Information Security Analyst Core Responsibilities
- Monitor networks and systems for potential threats or abnormal behavior
- Conduct vulnerability assessments, penetration testing, and risk analyses
- Respond to security incidents and lead investigations into breaches or attempted intrusions
- Configure and manage firewalls, intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS), and endpoint protection tools
- Maintain and update incident response and disaster recovery plans
- Ensure compliance with security regulations (e.g., HIPAA, PCI-DSS, NIST, ISO 27001)
- Analyze logs from security information and event management (SIEM) systems
- Collaborate with IT teams to implement access controls, encryption, and security protocols
- Train employees on cybersecurity awareness and safe data practices
- Produce detailed reports for leadership on security trends and vulnerabilities
Required Skills and Qualifications
Hard skills
- Proficiency in SIEM platforms (e.g., Splunk, QRadar), IDS/IPS, and antivirus systems
- Familiarity with network protocols, firewalls, VPNs, and access control models
- Experience with vulnerability scanning tools (e.g., Nessus, Qualys)
- Working knowledge of scripting or query languages (e.g., PowerShell, Python, SQL)
- Understanding of risk frameworks such as NIST, CIS Controls, or ISO 27001
Soft skills
- Analytical thinking and attention to detail
- Strong decision-making under pressure
- Ability to communicate technical information to non-technical audiences
- Ethical judgment and a proactive mindset
- Team collaboration and investigative skills
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity, computer science, information systems, or related field
Certifications
- CompTIA Security+ (often required for entry-level roles)
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
- Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) or GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC) recommended, depending on role specialization
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with cloud security platforms (e.g., AWS Security Hub, Microsoft Defender for Cloud)
- Familiarity with zero-trust architecture or identity and access management (IAM) frameworks
- Background in forensic analysis or threat intelligence
- Master’s degree in cybersecurity or information assurance
National Average Salary
Information security analyst salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. Click below to explore salaries by local market.
The average national salary for an Information Security Analyst is:
$101,147
Sample Job Description Templates for Information Security Analysts
Network Security Analyst
Position Overview
The network security analyst monitors and defends an organization’s network infrastructure against internal and external threats. This role is responsible for managing firewalls, detecting intrusion attempts, and implementing security policies that protect data and systems across wired and wireless networks.
Responsibilities
- Monitor network traffic for anomalies using IDS/IPS and SIEM platforms
- Configure and maintain firewalls, VPNs, and network access controls
- Perform vulnerability scans and remediate identified risks in routers, switches, and wireless systems
- Respond to network-based incidents and conduct root cause analysis
- Assist in designing secure network architectures and segmentation strategies
- Maintain network security documentation and compliance records
Requirements
Hard skills
- Proficiency with network security tools (e.g., Cisco ASA, Palo Alto, Fortinet)
- Knowledge of TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, VLANs, and routing protocols
- Experience with IDS/IPS systems and packet analysis tools (e.g., Wireshark)
Soft skills
- Analytical and investigative thinking
- Strong documentation and reporting skills
- Ability to work collaboratively with network engineering and IT teams
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity, information technology, or network engineering
Certifications
- CompTIA Security+, Cisco CCNA Security, or Fortinet NSE recommended
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with NDR (Network Detection and Response) tools
- Familiarity with NAC systems and wireless network security
Cloud Security Analyst
Position Overview
The cloud security analyst protects cloud-based applications, infrastructure, and data from unauthorized access or breaches. This role ensures proper security configurations, monitors cloud environments, and supports compliance across platforms such as AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud.
Responsibilities
- Audit and harden cloud environments to prevent misconfigurations
- Monitor cloud activity logs and alerts via CSPM or SIEM tools
- Implement encryption, IAM policies, and access controls for cloud services
- Collaborate with DevOps to integrate security into CI/CD pipelines
- Respond to cloud-related incidents and support forensic investigations
Requirements
Hard skills
- Experience with AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud Platform security features
- Proficiency in tools like AWS GuardDuty, Azure Security Center, or Prisma Cloud
- Knowledge of IAM, encryption standards, and shared responsibility models
Soft skills
- Attention to detail and risk awareness
- Clear communication of technical findings to cross-functional teams
- Adaptability in dynamic, cloud-first environments
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity, cloud engineering, or computer science
Certifications
- AWS Certified Security – Specialty, Azure Security Engineer Associate, or Google Professional Cloud Security Engineer recommended
Preferred Qualifications
- Familiarity with container security (e.g., Kubernetes, Docker)
- Experience with zero-trust architecture and cloud automation
Threat Intelligence Analyst
Position Overview
The threat intelligence analyst gathers, analyzes, and shares actionable information about cyber threats to improve the organization’s security posture. This role monitors emerging threats, tracks attacker tactics, and advises teams on how to anticipate and respond to risks.
Responsibilities
- Monitor dark web, threat feeds, and intelligence platforms for IOCs and emerging trends
- Analyze threat actor behavior using MITRE ATT&CK, STIX/TAXII, and other frameworks
- Correlate internal and external threat data to assess organizational risk
- Provide threat briefings to security and leadership teams
- Collaborate with incident response and SOC teams to enrich alerts and investigations
Requirements
Hard skills
- Familiarity with threat intelligence platforms (e.g., Recorded Future, Anomali, ThreatConnect)
- Understanding of malware behavior, phishing tactics, and exploit techniques
- Knowledge of cyber kill chains and threat modeling
Soft skills
- Analytical thinking and technical writing ability
- Curiosity and strong investigative instincts
- Ability to synthesize large volumes of data into clear intelligence reports
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity, intelligence studies, or information assurance
Certifications
- GIAC Cyber Threat Intelligence (GCTI) or Certified Threat Intelligence Analyst (CTIA) recommended
Preferred Qualifications
- Background in SOC operations, digital forensics, or incident response
- Experience writing executive-level threat summaries or dashboards
Compliance and Risk Analyst
Position Overview
The compliance and risk analyst ensures the organization meets cybersecurity regulations, internal policies, and industry standards. This role assesses risk exposure, supports audits, and implements controls to maintain compliance across frameworks such as NIST, HIPAA, or PCI-DSS.
Responsibilities
- Conduct security risk assessments and control gap analyses
- Manage documentation and evidence for internal and external audits
- Support development and enforcement of security policies and procedures
- Track remediation of non-compliance and assess third-party risk
- Monitor regulatory updates and support risk register maintenance
Requirements
Hard skills
- Knowledge of GRC platforms (e.g., Archer, OneTrust, LogicGate)
- Familiarity with NIST, ISO 27001, HIPAA, SOC 2, or PCI frameworks
- Strong policy writing, auditing, and control implementation experience
Soft skills
- Detail-oriented with a process improvement mindset
- Strong organizational and documentation skills
- Effective communicator with legal, IT, and executive teams
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity, information systems, or risk management
Certifications
- Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) or Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC) recommended
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience supporting enterprise-level audits or compliance programs
- Familiarity with vendor risk assessments or privacy regulations (e.g., GDPR, CCPA)