Explore by Occupations

Select Occupation:

Information Security Analysts

What They Do:

  • Develop plans to safeguard computer files against accidental or unauthorized modification, destruction, or disclosure and to meet emergency data processing needs. 
  • Monitor current reports of computer viruses to determine when to update virus protection systems. 
  • Encrypt data transmissions and erect firewalls to conceal confidential information as it is being transmitted and to keep out tainted digital transfers.  
  • Perform risk assessments and execute tests of data processing system to ensure functioning of data processing activities and security measures.  
  • Modify computer security files to incorporate new software, correct errors, or change individual access status.  

Source: O*NET (2023)

Sample Job Titles:

  1. Computer Network Support Specialists
  2. Computer Systems Analysts
  3. Information Security Engineers
  4. Network and Computer Systems Administrators
  5. Penetrations Testers

Source: O*NET (2023)

Outlook in the Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD MSA (Metropolitan Statistical Area)

Employment (Q1 2023) 4,877
Projected Annual Growth 2.5%
Average Entry Level Salary $75,059
Median Salary $129,280

Source: Lightcast. Datarun 2023.4

Supply-Demand Snapshot: Information Security Analysts (all levels)
Entry Level Job Ads
2,113
Current Workforce
4,877

Source: Lightcast. Datarun 2023.4

Preferred Certifications

(Entry level jobs requiring a high school diploma, Associate’s degree, and Bachelor's degree)

  • Certified Information Systems Security Professional
  • Top Secret-Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI Clearance)
  • Security Clearance
  • CompTIA Security+
  • GIAC Certifications

Top 10 Skills Requested

(entry level jobs requiring up through a bachelor’s degree)

  • Cyber Security
  • Computer Science
  • Safety and Security
  • Communication
  • Initiative and Leadership
  • Business Management
  • Business Operations
  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
  • Risk Management
  • Network Security

Source: Lightcast. Datarun 2023.4

Outlook in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV MSA MSA (Metropolitan Statistical Area)

Employment (Q1 2023) 17,403
Projected Annual Growth 2.5%
Average Entry Level Salary $84,832
Median Salary $136,371

Source: Lightcast. Datarun 2023.4

Supply-Demand Snapshot: Information Security Analysts (all levels)
Entry Level Job Ads
10,964
Current Workforce
17,403

Source: Lightcast. Datarun 2023.4

Preferred Certifications

(Entry level jobs requiring a high school diploma, Associate’s degree, and Bachelor's degree)

  • Certified Information Systems Security Professional
  • Top Secret-Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI Clearance)
  • Security Clearance
  • CompTIA Security+
  • GIAC Certificatoins

Top 10 Skills Requested

(entry level jobs requiring up through a bachelor’s degree)

  • Cyber Security
  • Computer Science
  • Vulnerability
  • Auditing
  • Incident Response
  • Information Systems
  • Security Controls
  • Linux
  • Information Assurance
  • Firewall

Outlook in the Richmond, VA MSA MSA (Metropolitan Statistical Area)

Employment (Q1 2023) 1,390
Projected Annual Growth 2.5%
Average Entry Level Salary $71,187
Median Salary $112,499

Source: Lightcast. Datarun 2023.4

Supply-Demand Snapshot: Information Security Analysts (all levels)
Entry Level Job Ads
1,408
Current Workforce
1,390

Source: Lightcast. Datarun 2023.4

Preferred Certifications

(Entry level jobs requiring a high school diploma, Associate’s degree, and Bachelor's degree)

  • Certified Information Systems Security Professional
  • GIAC Certifications
  • Certified Information Security Manager
  • Certified Information System Auditor (CISA)
  • Cisco Certified Security Professional

Top 10 Skills Requested

(entry level jobs requiring up through a bachelor’s degree)

  • Cyber Security
  • Auditing
  • Authorization (Computing)
  • Risk Management
  • Microsoft Azure
  • Computer Science
  • Amazon Web Services
  • Risk Analysis
  • Agile Methodology
  • Automation

Source: Lightcast™ accessed August 20, 2022

Largest Employers in the Region:

  1. Amazon
Back to Top of the Page