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Information Security Analysts

Also called: Information Technology Specialist, Data Security Administrator, Information Security Analyst, Information Security Officer

Where in the military? In the military: see titles from the Air Force, Army, Marine Corps, or Navy.

What they do:
Plan, implement, upgrade, or monitor security measures for the protection of computer networks and information. May ensure appropriate security controls are in place that will safeguard digital files and vital electronic infrastructure. May respond to computer security breaches and viruses.
On the job, you would:
  • Encrypt data transmissions and erect firewalls to conceal confidential information as it is being transmitted and to keep out tainted digital transfers.
  • Develop plans to safeguard computer files against accidental or unauthorized modification, destruction, or disclosure and to meet emergency data processing needs.
  • Review violations of computer security procedures and discuss procedures with violators to ensure violations are not repeated.

Knowledge

Engineering and Technology
  • computers and electronics
  • product and service development
Communications
  • telecommunications
  • multimedia
Business
  • management
  • customer service
Arts and Humanities
  • English language

Skills

Basic Skills
  • reading work related information
  • thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem
Problem Solving
  • noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it
People and Technology Systems
  • thinking about the pros and cons of different options and picking the best one
  • figuring out how a system should work and how changes in the future will affect it

Abilities

Verbal
  • read and understand what is written
  • listen and understand what people say
Ideas and Logic
  • notice when problems happen
  • make general rules or come up with answers from lots of detailed information
Attention
  • pay attention to something without being distracted

Personality

People interested in this work like activities that include
data, detail, and regular routines.
They do well at jobs that need:
  • Integrity
  • Analytical Thinking
  • Initiative
  • Stress Tolerance
  • Dependability
  • Attention to Detail

Technology

You might use software like this on the job:

Transaction security and virus protection software
  • Anti-spyware software
  • Honeypot
Network monitoring software
  • Cisco Systems CiscoWorks
  • Hewlett-Packard HP OpenView software
Network security or virtual private network VPN management software
  • Intrusion prevention system IPS software
  • Network security auditing software

Education

Education: (rated 4 of 5)
bachelor's degree or
master's degree
usually needed

Get started on your career:

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Job Outlook

Average Outlook
New job opportunities are likely in the future.
Salary
$77,990
per year, on average
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See more details at O*NET OnLine about information security analysts.