Information Security Analyst  What They Do

Just the Facts


Plans, coordinates and implements security measures for information systems to regulate access to computer data files and prevent unauthorized modification, destruction or disclosure of information.

This career is part of the Information Technology cluster Network Systems pathway, Information Support and Services pathway.


A person in this career:

  • Encrypts data transmissions and erects firewalls to conceal confidential information as it is being transmitted and to keep out tainted digital transfers.
  • Develops plans to safeguard computer files against accidental or unauthorized modification, destruction, or disclosure and to meet emergency data processing needs.
  • Reviews violations of computer security procedures and discusses procedures with violators to ensure violations are not repeated.
  • Monitors use of data files and regulates access to safeguard information in computer files.
  • Monitors current reports of computer viruses to determine when to update virus protection systems.
  • Modifies computer security files to incorporate new software, correct errors, or change individual access status.
  • Performs risk assessments and executes tests of data processing system to ensure functioning of data processing activities and security measures.
  • Trains users and promotes security awareness to ensure system security and to improve server and network efficiency.
  • Confers with users to discuss issues such as computer data access needs, security violations, and programming changes.
  • Coordinates implementation of computer system plan with establishment personnel and outside vendors.

Insider Info

Dig into the details and check out what people in this job have to say about their work.



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Working Conditions and Physical Demands

People who do this job report that:

  • You would sit most of the time. There's some walking and standing. You may have to lift and carry things like books, papers or tools weighing 10 lbs. or less.
  • Work in this occupation involves using your hands to hold, control, and feel objects more than one-third of the time
  • Work in this occupation requires being inside most of the time
  • Work in this occupation involves sitting more than one-third of the time

Working in this career involves (physical activities):

  • Seeing clearly up close
  • Speaking clearly enough to be able to be understood by others
  • Identifying and understanding the speech of another person

Work Hours and Travel

  • Regular working hours and limited travel

Specialty and Similar Careers

Careers that are more detailed or close to this career:

  • Programmer Analyst -- Develops and maintains software applications and databases.
  • Systems Administrator -- Oversees networks and ensures security of information.
  • Computer Systems Technician -- Works to identify, eliminate and resolve issues with software, hardware or networking.
  • Network Administrator -- Installs, configures, and maintains physical servers and virtual computer servers and maintains the employee network, the email, and card key accessing accounts.
  • Network Security Analyst --