How To Become an Information Security Analyst
What Is an Information Security Analyst?
Information security analysts are cybersecurity professionals who protect an organization’s computer systems and networks from threats. They monitor for breaches, investigate suspicious activity and use tools like firewalls and encryption software to safeguard sensitive data.
Their role also includes simulating real industry-based attacks to uncover weaknesses in an organization’s digital infrastructure before malicious actors can exploit them. Often called ethical hackers or pentesters, they use advanced tools and strategies to test networks, applications and systems under controlled conditions.
Their work can help organizations strengthen defenses, protect sensitive data and maintain operational integrity in an era of increasing cyber risks. This role is continuously shifting and can involve working in-house for a single organization or as part of a management security firm serving multiple clients.
Estimated number of new information security analyst jobs from 2024-34(See disclaimer 1)
What Do Information Security Analysts Do?
While information security analysts rely on defined methodologies and technical procedures to plan, execute and document security assessments, the role also demands a high level of creativity and problem-solving to think like an attacker and discover unexpected weaknesses. They often employ advanced tools to conduct controlled attack exercises, evaluate system defenses and measure how well security controls perform under pressure.
Their findings can help organizations strengthen resiliency and maintain compliance with industry standards. By identifying gaps and recommending improvements, they play a crucial role in proactive cybersecurity strategies across various industries, including e-commerce, healthcare and government.(See disclaimer 2)
Commonly used stages or job duties performed by information security analysts include the following:(See disclaimer 3)
Planning and reconnaissance
Plan and conduct reconnaissance to gather detailed information about the target systems and environment
Scanning the system for weaknesses
Perform scans to identify potential security weaknesses and vulnerabilities across networks and applications
Analyzing results and creating reports
Analyze all findings thoroughly and prepare comprehensive reports outlining risks and recommendations
Removing traces and fixing security flaws
Remove any traces of testing activity and provide guidance to remediate identified security flaws
What Experience and Education Does an Information Security Analyst Need?
The path to becoming an information security analyst requires a bachelor’s degree.(See disclaimer 4) This postsecondary education is essential for developing the skills needed to enter the field, as well as some work-related experience.
High School Diploma
College Degree
Undergraduate Certificates
Internships
Best Degrees for Information Security Analysts
If you’re interested in how to become an information security analyst, certain degrees can provide a strong foundation in the skills employers seek. Additional coursework or certifications in cybersecurity may further strengthen your expertise and competitiveness in the job market.(See disclaimer 4)
To become an information security analyst (or work in similar cybersecurity roles), the program you choose should cover a range of topics, including:(See disclaimer 5,7)
Data and algorithms
Network security
Ethical hacking
Operating systems and system administration
Cryptography
Risk assessment and vulnerability analysis
Secure software development
GCU Recommends These Degree Programs for Information Security Analysts
3 Matching Degrees
What Skills Does a Security Analyst Need?
Security analysts rely on a blend of technical expertise and adaptable soft skills. While the exact skill set can shift with the role and environment, several core abilities remain essential across the field.
The skills that can benefit an information security analyst include:(See disclaimer 6,7,8)
Critical and analytical reasoning
Problem-solving and decision-making
Detail-oriented
Communication
Creative and innovative thinking
Adaptability
Programming and scripting
Vulnerability assessment and management
Where Do Security Analysts Work?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for information security analysts is projected to grow 29% from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations.(See disclaimer 1)
Some key industries that hire information security analysts:(See disclaimer 10,8)
Scientific and technical services
This industry develops and secures technology infrastructures by creating integrated systems and implementing measures to prevent, detect and address security risks, ensuring reliable operations.
Technical consulting services
This industry provides expert advice and solutions to help organizations design, implement and optimize technology systems and processes for improved efficiency and performance.
Finance and insurance
Penetration testers will simulate cyberattacks on financial systems to identify vulnerabilities and ensure compliance with security regulations, protecting sensitive data and transactions.
Management of companies and enterprises
Security testers play a crucial role in assessing corporate networks and systems to protect sensitive business data and maintain operational integrity.
Information security
The security industry relies on penetration testers to identify and exploit system vulnerabilities through simulated attacks to strengthen defenses and prevent cyber threats.
Median annual wage for information security analysts as of May 2024(See disclaimer 9)
Estimated job growth for information security analysts from 2024 to 2034(See disclaimer 1)
Advancement Opportunities Within Information Security
Information security analysts who want to grow in their careers might be interested in becoming a chief security officer or another type of computer systems manager.(See disclaimer 4) With on-the-job knowledge and hands-on experiences, they may choose to pursue roles that involve leading teams or potentially specializing in key areas of information security.(See disclaimer 4)
Explore More on Information Security
Discover insights, tips and trends to deepen your understanding of this critical information security role.
This blog explores what ethical hacking is, its legality and how it can lead to careers like information security, while highlighting GCU’s hands-on training through Hackers with Halos and cybersecurity programs.
This article highlights the growing opportunities in science and technology careers, emphasizing their impact, diversity and potential for those seeking innovation and discovery.
This blog focuses on key roles in cybersecurity, explores what they involve and shows how hands-on training can prepare you for careers in this field.
Start building the skills and education you need to launch your information security analyst career today. Break into the world of ethical hacking with GCU’s information technology or cybersecurity degrees.
- COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. Accordingly, data shown is effective August 2025, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Information Security Analysts, retrieved December 2025.
- ISC2. (2024, Sept. 11). Employers Must Act as Cybersecurity Workforce Growth Stalls and Skills Gaps Widen. Retrieved December 2025.
- Coursera. (2025, June 5). What Are the Different Types of Penetration Testing? Retrieved December 2025.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2023, May). Occupational Employment and Wages: Information Security Analysts. Retrieved December 2025.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2025, Aug. 28). How To Become an Information Security Analyst. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved December 2025.
- Career One Stop. (2025). Penetration Testers. Retrieved December 2025.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2024, May). Information Security Analysts: Summary. Retrieved December 2025.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2024, May). Employment Projections: Top Skills by Detailed Occupation. Retrieved December 2025.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2025, Aug. 28). What Information Security Analysts Do. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved December 2025.
- The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Information Security Analysts as of May 2024, retrieved December 2025. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers nationwide with varying levels of education and experience. It does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as information security analysts, nor does it reflect the earnings of workers in one city or region of the country or a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It is very unlikely that a median salary will reflect an entry-level salary. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries. Your employability will be determined by numerous factors over which GCU has no control, such as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, the graduate’s experience level, individual characteristics, skills, etc. against a pool of candidates.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2025, Aug. 28). Information Security Analysts: Work Environment. Retrieved December 2025.