Information security analysts develop and install security systems to protect organizations’ computer systems. To be successful in this position, information security analysts need to have a deep understanding of firewalls, antivirus, SIEM, and proxies to safeguard networks.
Information security analysts support the IT security team by monitoring computer networks, installing new security software, and reporting any security breaches that occur. It is important for information security analysts to identify any vulnerabilities in their computer systems to prevent any cyber attacks from happening.
A strong candidate for this role should have a Bachelor’s degree in computer science or information systems. This job opportunity allows information security analysts to apply what they learned in school to help install security measures and software that will protect a company’s confidential information. Information security analysts can be promoted to higher IT roles such as IT director and information security manager.
Sample job description
Average salary and compensation
The average salary for an information security analyst is $86,500 in the United States. Position salary will vary based on experience, education, company size, industry, and market.
| Location | Salary Low | Salary High |
|---|---|---|
| Phoenix, Arizona | $91,050 | $111,300 |
| Los Angeles, California | $102,750 | $125,550 |
| Denver, Colorado | $85,600 | $104,650 |
| Washington, DC | $104,300 | $127,500 |
| Miami, Florida | $85,200 | $104,150 |
| Orlando, Florida | $78,600 | $96,100 |
| Tampa, Florida | $79,400 | $97,050 |
| Atlanta, Georgia | $83,300 | $101,800 |
| Chicago, Illinois | $95,750 | $117,000 |
| Boston, Massachusetts | $103,550 | $126,550 |
| Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota | $82,500 | $100,850 |
| New York City, New York | $108,900 | $133,200 |
| Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | $88,700 | $108,450 |
| Dallas, Texas | $86,400 | $105,600 |
| Houston, Texas | $86,000 | $105,100 |
| Seattle, Washington | $99,600 | $121,750 |
| National Average | $77,850 | $95,150 |
Sample interview questions
- What are three ways to authenticate a user?
- What factors do you take into account when securing a network?
- What is a three-way handshake?
- How do you permanently disable bad actors from accessing sensitive data?
- What is data leakage? What are the factors that can cause it?
- What is the 80/20 rule of networking?
- What is phishing? How can it be prevented?
- What techniques would you use to prevent web server attacks?
- How would you handle this data breach?
- What is the difference between a threat, a vulnerability, and a risk?
- What are the steps involved in securing a server?
- What is SSL?
- What is the protocol used for secure file transfers?
- What is a polymorphic virus?
- What is the difference between a worm and a virus?
- What steps do you take to ensure the security of a system using outdated software?
- What anomalies would you look for if a system was compromised?
- How would you monitor and log cyber security events?
- What’s the difference between symmetric and asymmetric encryption?
- What is the difference between a white box test and a black box test?
