How do I become an information security analyst?

So you want to become an information security analyst — a guardian of data, ensuring the integrity and confidentiality of our interconnected world!

Information security analysts contribute to society by safeguarding sensitive data and critical technology systems from cyberattacks.

The path to becoming an information security analyst typically involves a blend of formal education, practical experience, and continuous skill development.

While there isn't one single route, a strong foundation in technology and a commitment to lifelong learning are crucial!

High School Preparation

If you want to become an information security analyst, focus on:

• Computer science courses

• Mathematics courses

• Any other available technology courses

• Developing a basic understanding of networking, programming, and databases

• Participating in extracurricular activities and cyber competitions such as CyberPatriot

College/University Preparation

A bachelor's degree is generally expected. Focus on majoring in:

• Computer science

• Cybersecurity

• Information technology

• Information systems

• Computer engineering

During your formal education, or after you've completed it, a few key steps will help you become an information security analyst:

• Gain practical experience. Internships, entry-level IT roles, or personal projects can provide valuable hands-on experience.

• Obtain relevant certifications. While optional, this can help demonstrate specialized knowledge and commitment.

• Network with professionals. Attend industry events and connect with others in the field can open doors to future opportunities.

Key Skills to Cultivate

Important core skills an aspiring information security analyst needs in order to protect organizational assets and successfully respond to challenges include:

• Communication to explain technical concepts clearly and effectively with both non-technical and technical people, and to write clear incident reports.

• Technical skills to understand network fundamentals, operating systems, and common security tools.

• Analytical skills to collect, analyze, and interpret data.

• Attention to detail to notice strange signs that might indicate a possible security problem.

• Teamwork — keeping systems secure is a team effort.

• Integrity is vital for maintaining the accuracy, completeness, and trustworthiness of data.

Where do information security analysts usually work?

• Government agencies

• Business and financial companies (hospitals, banks)

• Managed security service providers (MSSPs)

• Security operations centers

What's a typical day like?

While the exact duties can vary, they usually include:

• Making systems more secure by regularly looking for weaknesses in security data and fixing them before they can be exploited.

• Ensuring that security technology is consistently updated and current.

• Constantly tracking and ranking new security threats to guide strategic proactive actions.

• Working together with different departments to make security processes more efficient and improving how security tasks are handled.

It's a jack of all trades. You can go anywhere from, say, an ethical hacker who tests vulnerabilities in a company system, all the way over to incident response, or forensic analyst.

— David Pickett, a senior cybersecurity analyst at Zix about the role of an information security analyst

You’re kind of a warrior out there. You’re out there protecting other people and fighting off the bad guys. And it’s kind of exciting.

— Amy Moses, a security analyst at Speartip, on the role of an information security analyst

Elizabeth

• Pursuing a degree in cybersecurity

• Likes to figure out how things work

• Enjoys working with others

• Got 5th place in a National Cyber League competition

• Recently got a job as an intern with a bank that involves monitoring networks and analyzing threats

Andrew

• Enjoys logical problem solving

• Pursuing a degree in mathematics and a certificate in programming

• Prefers to work alone

To learn more about how to become an information security specialist: