Information Security Analyst
SOC 15-1212.00 · ESCO 2529 · OSCA 551231
Role snapshot
Overview
Monitors networks for security breaches, investigates incidents, and implements protections such as firewalls and encryption. Conducts vulnerability assessments and recommends policy changes to safeguard sensitive data, ensuring the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of information systems.
Protects an organization's critical data and systems from cyber threats, preventing financial loss, reputational damage, and ensuring business continuity and compliance with regulations.
On the job
- Monitor security systems for anomalies and respond to detected incidents and alerts
- Conduct vulnerability scans and penetration tests to identify security weaknesses
- Implement and manage security solutions like firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and antivirus software
- Investigate security breaches and other cybersecurity incidents, documenting findings and recommending remediation
- Develop and enforce security policies, procedures, and best practices to protect organizational assets
Tools & technology
Average salary
Job outlook
ExcellentNew job opportunities are highly likely. Demand significantly outpaces supply in most markets.
Education & training
A bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Cybersecurity, or a related field is typically required. Relevant industry certifications are highly valued and can sometimes substitute for formal education.
AI impact outlook
Note — this is our current view. AI is moving fast, so we revisit these ratings.
Show how this was assessed Hide the detail
Note — this is our current view. AI is moving fast, so we revisit these ratings.
Show how this was assessed Hide the detailWhy this role received this rating
Core task exposure
high
How much of the role’s important work could AI perform?
Monitoring alerts, conducting initial investigations, and vulnerability scanning are highly exposed to AI augmentation and automation.
End-to-end automation
moderate
Can AI complete the work without substantial human involvement?
AI can detect and respond to many common threats, but full incident investigation and strategic policy recommendations still require human expertise.
Adoption pressure
high
How likely are employers to introduce AI into this work?
The cybersecurity skills shortage and critical need for faster response drive very high adoption of AI to augment and automate analysis tasks.
Human dependence
moderate
How much does success depend on human judgement, relationships and accountability?
Understanding context, predicting adversary behavior, strategic decision-making during a crisis, and communicating risk to stakeholders are critically human.
Protective — a higher rating lowers the overall score.
Role adaptability
strong
How easily can the role evolve as AI takes on more tasks?
The role will shift towards managing advanced security AI, threat hunting, incident response leadership, and strategic risk management.
Shown for context — not part of the score.
What AI may take on
These are the parts of the role most likely to be automated or significantly accelerated.
- Monitor security systems for anomalies and detected alerts.
- Perform initial triage and basic investigation of security incidents.
- Conduct automated vulnerability scans to identify weaknesses.
- Implement and manage standard security solutions like antivirus.
- Generate reports on common security findings and compliance adherence.
Where people remain essential
These parts continue to depend heavily on human judgement, relationships and accountability.
- Investigating complex, novel security breaches and advanced persistent threats.
- Developing and enforcing new security policies based on emerging threats.
- Communicating nuanced security risks and findings to non-technical audiences.
- Leading incident response efforts during major cyberattacks.
- Conducting penetration tests that require creative, adversarial thinking.
- Collaborating with other IT teams to remediate complex security issues.
How the role may evolve
Beyond alert monitoring. Towards advanced threat hunting and strategic security posture.
Analysts will move past basic alert fatigue, using AI to filter noise. Their time will be reallocated to proactive threat hunting, deep forensic analysis, and contributing to the strategic evolution of an organization's security defenses.
Strengthen your future fit
- Expertise in AI-driven security information and event management (SIEM).
- Advanced incident response and digital forensics skills.
- Threat intelligence analysis and proactive threat hunting.
- Strong policy development and risk management capabilities.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement for security awareness.
- Assessment horizon
- 3–7 years
- Confidence
- High
- Last reviewed
- August 2026
- Methodology
- v1.0
This assessment reflects current AI capabilities and expected adoption patterns. Actual impacts will vary by industry, employer and the way each role is performed.
Career pathways
WHERE YOU COULD GO
CURRENT ROLE
Information Security Analyst
IT Operations & Security
ADJACENT MOVES
STARTING POINTS
Who thrives here
Interest profile
conventional · CIR
Individuals who are highly analytical, systematic in their approach to problems, and enjoy working with technical systems and data to protect assets will find this role rewarding. A strong focus on rules, procedures, and detail-orientation is key.
Personality characteristics
Methodical
Approaches security problems with a systematic and organized methodology, following established procedures.
Analytical
Enjoys dissecting complex technical issues and data to uncover patterns and identify threats.
Composed
Maintains calm and focus during high-pressure security incidents and investigations.
Precise
Pays close attention to detail to ensure security measures are correctly implemented and vulnerabilities are accurately identified.
Collaborative
Works effectively with team members and other departments to implement and maintain security protocols.
Best for
- Individuals who thrive on technical challenges and protecting digital assets.
- People who are meticulous, detail-oriented, and enjoy following structured processes.
- Those who are comfortable working independently on complex analyses, while also collaborating with a team.
Watch out for
- The nature of incident response can sometimes lead to unpredictable and stressful situations.
- Requires constant vigilance and staying updated with the latest cybersecurity threats and technologies.
A week in the life
A representative working week for an Information Security Analyst — where the deep work, meetings, and admin actually land.
Real people. Real results.
Thousands of people
can't be wrong.
Frequently asked questions about Information Security Analyst roles
What does an Information Security Analyst do?
An Information Security Analyst monitors networks for security breaches, investigates incidents, and implements protections such as firewalls and encryption. Conducts vulnerability assessments and recommends policy changes to safeguard sensitive data, ensuring the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of information systems. Protects an organization's critical data and systems from cyber threats, preventing financial loss, reputational damage, and ensuring business continuity and compliance with regulations.
How much does an Information Security Analyst earn?
An Information Security Analyst earns a median of $98,000 per year in the US, typically ranging from $75,000 to $135,000.
What qualifications do you need to become an Information Security Analyst?
To become an Information Security Analyst, a bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Cybersecurity, or a related field is typically required. Relevant industry certifications are highly valued and can sometimes substitute for formal education.
What personality suits an Information Security Analyst?
Information Security Analyst roles tend to suit people who are highly conscientious — precise, organised and strong on follow-through (Conscientiousness 85/100) and reserved — comfortable with long independent focus rather than constant social contact (Extraversion 32/100). The traits that matter most in the role are Methodical, Analytical, Composed and Precise. Approaches security problems with a systematic and organized methodology, following established procedures. On interests, Information Security Analyst maps to a CIR Holland Code profile — individuals who are highly analytical, systematic in their approach to problems, and enjoy working with technical systems and data to protect assets will find this role rewarding. A strong focus on rules, procedures, and detail-orientation is key.
Who does an Information Security Analyst role suit?
An Information Security Analyst role is usually a strong fit for these reasons. Strong Conventional and Investigative alignment: the role demands systematic analysis and adherence to security protocols. A significant portion of the week involves deep work focused on technical analysis and problem-solving. The role offers continuous learning opportunities in a rapidly evolving threat landscape, appealing to intellectually curious individuals.
What are the downsides of being an Information Security Analyst?
Information Security Analyst roles come with trade-offs worth weighing up. The nature of incident response can sometimes lead to unpredictable and stressful situations. Requires constant vigilance and staying updated with the latest cybersecurity threats and technologies.
What is the work environment like for an Information Security Analyst?
Work as an Information Security Analyst is mostly office-based with hybrid arrangements common, semi-structured — a mix of set processes and self-directed work, a moderate pace and medium exposure to clients or stakeholders. Around 55% of the week is focused deep work.
What skills do you need to be an Information Security Analyst?
Core skills for an Information Security Analyst include Network Security, Incident Response, Vulnerability Management, Threat Intelligence, Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) and Cryptography.
How do you become an Information Security Analyst?
Common entry routes into Information Security Analyst roles include Junior It Support Specialist, Network Administrator, System Administrator and Help Desk Technician.
What career progression is there for an Information Security Analyst?
From an Information Security Analyst role, common next steps include Senior Information Security Analyst and Security Architect; lateral moves include Information Security Engineer and Security Consultant.
What is the job outlook for Information Security Analyst roles?
The outlook for Information Security Analyst roles is currently rated excellent. New job opportunities are highly likely. Demand significantly outpaces supply in most markets.
Will AI replace Information Security Analyst roles?
Traitstack rates automation risk for Information Security Analyst roles at 65 out of 100, which is strong. Routine monitoring and vulnerability scanning tasks will increasingly be handled by AI, freeing analysts to investigate novel threats, perform deep incident analysis, and strategize policy. AI is most likely to take on monitor security systems for anomalies and detected alerts., perform initial triage and basic investigation of security incidents. and conduct automated vulnerability scans to identify weaknesses.. Investigating complex, novel security breaches and advanced persistent threats., developing and enforcing new security policies based on emerging threats. and communicating nuanced security risks and findings to non-technical audiences. stay with people. Beyond alert monitoring. Towards advanced threat hunting and strategic security posture. That score measures how much of the work could change, not the likelihood the job disappears. It is Traitstack's current view, revisited as AI capability moves.