Information security analysts are among the most in-demand tech professionals with stable growth and a promising job outlook. Competition can be stiff, so if you’re a security analyst who wants to get ahead of the game, you need to aim for the highest-paying employers with the best work environments.
This article will act as a comprehensive guide on what industry hires the most information security analysts and the companies with which you can apply for a job in the cyber security industry.
What Does An Information Security Analyst Do?
Information security analysts study, monitor, plan, and carry out an organization’s security system to protect it from cyber attacks. They create strategic emergency recovery plans in case of a cyber attack, and this plan is followed diligently by all IT personnel. Every organization requires specific sets of security software. Thus, security analysts need to stay updated and research the most appropriate software to protect the organization.
Responsibilities of an Information Security Analyst
- Monitor security breaches
- Install security and encryption software to protect sensitive information
- Conduct regular penetration testing to check system vulnerabilities
- Consolidate reports on security breaches, the extent of damage, and the actions taken
- Stay updated with the latest security trends and cyber security threats
How Much Can You Earn as an Information Security Analyst?
Information Security Analysts receive an average annual salary of $103,590 annually or about $49.80 per hour. High earners can earn as much as $163,060, while the lowest earn an average salary of $60,060, annually. Average salaries largely depend on the hiring company and their industry. Top sectors include information, finance, insurance, and computer systems design and services industries.
Demand for Information Security Analysts in 2022
The demand is very high for information security analysts. In fact, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the profession will have an impressive 33 perfect job growth in the next ten years, which is significantly higher than the national average for all careers.
The increasing number of online scams and cyber attacks compel many private companies in the information and computer services industry to hire an additional workforce of highly-skilled tech individuals to protect their networks and systems.
Which Industries Use Information Security Analysts the Most?
The industries that need information security analysts the most are the information, computer, finance, insurance, and consulting industries. These industries store and manage large amounts of sensitive data, daily. Cyber security is their highest priority in order to maintain the trust of their clients.
Top Industries With Information Security Analyst Jobs
Information Industry
- In-demand jobs: Senior data engineer, cyber security analyst, IT security adviser
The information industry is composed of companies that produce, gather, and create large amounts of data. These include companies in the fields of research, surveys, data analytics, cloud solutions, software solutions, media, and production.
The information industry deals with a vast amount of sensitive data that holds an intangible value. It is most vulnerable to threats, manipulation, and data loss. It is common for companies in this industry to hire a security engineer, security consultant, security architect, security analyst, and other cyber security consultants to conduct risk assessments and digital forensics.
To enter this industry, you need to have a solid and comprehensive computer background with knowledge in data management. You need to understand cyber security, threat intelligence, and be familiar with programming languages.
Top Attractive Employers for Information Security Analysts in the Information Industry
| Company | Global Headcount | Hiring In | Hiring For |
| Kantar | 30,000 | New York | Senior Data Engineer |
| JWPlayer | 500 | New York | Cyber Security Lead |
| Nielsen | 44,000 | New York | Cyber Security Analyst |
| IQVIA | 88,000 | Wisconsin | Information Security and Compliance Manager |
| Gartner | 17,000 | Remote | IT Security Advisor |
Computer Systems Design and Related Services
- In-demand jobs: Security analyst, information security analyst, cloud security architect
The computer systems and design industry conducts business with various institutions to help them design, implement, and manage their systems, security controls, and software products so that office workflow will be efficient. They work on a per-project or contract basis. Typical projects include setting up a marketplace and creating a secure website.
This industry mostly hires computer systems analysts, software engineers, and programmers. Still, they also employ various professionals in computer-related and administrative fields because the nature of work requires multiple hard and soft skills.
Potential employers will not always require a bachelor’s degree, but you need to show exemplary skills and expertise in programming and information security. To get a cyber security job in this industry, you need both technical skills and a background related to the company’s nature. For instance, if you are applying to an e-commerce company, it would be advantageous to have a sales and finance background.
Top Attractive Employers for Information Security Analysts in Computer Systems Design Industry
| Company | Global Headcount | Hiring In | Hiring For |
| Oracle | 132,000 | Remote | Security Analyst |
| NTT Data | 139,500 | Texas | Information Security SMI Analyst |
| IBM | 345,900 | Texas | Senior Cyber Security Analyst |
| Hitachi Consulting | 6,500 | Remote | Principal Cloud Security Architect |
| Compu Com | 8,000 | South Carolina | Information Security |
Insurance Carriers Industry
- In-demand jobs: Cloud security engineers, penetration testers, security analysts
The nature of the insurance industry is to protect against financial losses, whether the reason is health, accidents, theft, property damage, or other hazards. They offer insurance policies to individual clients, groups, and businesses. They also offer securities, mutual funds, and retirement plans, which are products that used to only be associated with banks and financial firms.
This industry is one of the top employers of job titles like computer systems analysts, software engineers, programmers, and computer support specialists because their entire database contains sensitive client information. They are also most at risk of ransomware, cloud exploits, and third-party exposure threats.
They need cyber security professionals to manage security incident reports and implement a robust cyber security program. Large insurance companies prefer hiring security professionals with a graduate degree and background in math, statistics, science, business, economics, finance, and other computer-related fields.
Top Attractive Employers for Information Security Analysts in the Insurance Industry
| Company | Global Headcount | Hiring In | Hiring For |
| Cigna | 73,800 | Connecticut | Cloud Security Engineer |
| Humana | 48,700 | Remote | Senior Penetration Tester |
| UnitedHealthcare | 10,000+ | Nevada | Senior Cyber Security Analyst |
| State Farm Group | 57,672 | Texas | Security Analytics Analyst |
| New York Life Insurance Co. | 11,388 | New York | Principal Cyber Threat Intelligence Analyst |
Semiconductor and Electronic Component Manufacturing
- In-demand jobs: Information security systems analyst, cyber security lead, network security engineer
Manufacturers of electronic components and semiconductors produce computer parts, communication equipment, and various electronic products. Technological innovation drives their focus more than sales and production because of the rapid pace of the electronics industry and its competitive nature.
This industry is one of the top employers of computer engineers, electrical engineers, computer network administrators, and computer scientists. They are also one of the top-paying industries for information security analysts. They employ people in various cyber security roles to conduct risk analysis, assess potential threats, and implement risk management strategies.
Cyber security jobs in the electronic component and manufacturing industry often have high standards and requirements for their IT employees because of the nature of the industry. Most of the employment opportunities posted are senior, managerial, or supervisory positions that require advanced certifications and skill sets, as well as good communication skills and extensive experience.
Top Attractive Employers for Information Security Analysts in Semiconductor and Electronic Component Manufacturing Industry
| Company | Global Headcount | Hiring In | Hiring For |
| Intel | 110,600 | Arizona | Information Security Systems Analyst |
| Samsung | 287,439 | Texas | Cyber Security Lead |
| Qualcomm | 41,000 | California | Senior Network Security Engineer |
| Broadcomm | 21,000 | Remote | Cybersecurity Support Engineer |
| Micron Technology | 40,000 | Virginia, Colorado, California, Texas | Senior Manager, Offensive Security |
Telecommunications Industry
- In-demand jobs: Cyber security analysts, cloud security engineer, security operations analyst
The telecommunications industry connects people through the internet, telephones, televisions, radios, and other services. They bring their technology to households, individuals, businesses, and the government. This industry is one of the top employers of computer software engineers, telecommunications specialists, information security analysts, and network systems analysts.
They hire cyber security analysts to prevent potential threats such as Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks, routing attacks, and Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) hacking. For this industry, entry-level jobs for a professional position require a bachelor’s degree, preferably in engineering or any computer-related field. Continuing studies and an advanced degree will help grow your career much faster in this field.
Top Attractive Employers for Information Security Analysts in Telecommunications Industry
| Company | Global Headcount | Hiring In | Hiring For |
| AT&T | 243,350 | Virginia | Cyber Security Analyst |
| Verizon Communications | 135,400 | Mexico | Security Operations Analyst |
| Comcast | 168,000 | Philadelphia | Cloud Security Engineer |
| Charter Communications | 96,100 | Missouri | Enterprise Security Risk Assessor |
| T-mobile US | 75,000 | Washington, DC | Principal Analyst, Enterprise Information Security |
What Education Do You Need to Be an Information Systems Analyst?
Information systems analysts often need a bachelor’s degree to get a high-paying job at a reputable company. However, can you be an information security analyst without a degree? Yes, if you possess the technical skills required for the job. There are no licenses and registrations legally required to practice this field.
You can learn skills in cyber security through short courses, online certificate courses, and bootcamps. However, without a diploma, your chances of landing a high-paying job in top companies are slim. They often prefer a bachelor’s degree, or even a postgraduate degree, for a managerial position.
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Can You Become an Information Security Analyst Professional with a Coding Bootcamp?
You can become an information security analyst when you complete a coding bootcamp, provided you have the skills and knowledge in network security and in managing complex computer systems.
A coding bootcamp provides you with a training certification that will be advantageous in job applications. Whether you have a bachelor’s degree or not, certificates from short courses and bootcamps are important when hiring managers screen applications.
No matter how good you are at programming, hacking, or security software, you still need some form of training to be well prepared for the role of an information security analyst. A coding bootcamp is an ideal training ground to master digital data and its frameworks, as well as network security, project management, and network vulnerability testing.
What Skills Do You Need to Be an Information Security Analyst?
Analytical Skills
A good information security analyst can assess potential risks by carefully studying networks and computer systems. Strong analytical skills help professionals evaluate risks in network patterns and activities and recommend improvements in security policies. You can develop this skill over time with experience and training.
Focused and Detail-Oriented
Focus and strong attention to detail are crucial to finding security issues in networks and overall systems. The job of an information security analyst is very complex and can be overwhelming. With the proper management of security data and software, maintaining the network infrastructure will be easier.
Problem-Solving Skills
When computer exploits are found in the network systems, it is essential for security professionals to know the next steps to eliminate the threats and secure the network. Regardless of the situation, a good information systems analyst with excellent problem-solving skills can take measures and ensure security policies are set in place.
What’s the Best Industry for Me as an Information Security Analyst?
If you’re looking to apply within the cyber security job market, the best industry for you is the one you feel most comfortable in and that matches your ideal pay rate. For instance, if you have previous experience in business and finance, you might be more interested in working for insurance companies, a financial institution, or monetary authorities like the central bank.
If you have a background in computers and engineering, you might be interested in career opportunities in industries such as computer systems design, telecommunications, and software publishers. The best job roles for you also depend on which state you live in and your foundational skills.
If you’re aiming for a high cyber security salary, you should look for a job in California, New York, and New Jersey, all of which are the highest-paying states in terms of the median salary. Virginia and Texas have the highest employment levels if you want a higher chance of getting a job.
What Industries Hire the Most Information Security Analysts FAQ
Information security analysis is a rewarding and promising career. The position is very much in demand with a projected employment growth of 33% before 2030. The annual salary is above average, especially if you work at Lockheed Martin. Most hiring companies are very stable. The skills required for this job are very in-demand, and even if you don’t end up as a security analyst, dozens of other related job titles will secure you financially.
The top-paying industry where information security professionals can make the most money is electronic shopping and mail-order houses. Security analysts can earn an average salary of $132,150 annually in this sector. Other industries with a high annual wage are the information, semiconductor, and electronic component manufacturing industries.
You do not need formal education or a bachelor’s degree to have a career in cyber security. However, you need to learn advanced cyber security skills in various subjects, all of which can be learned through bootcamps, online courses, or associate degree programs.
You can find information security analysts in computer-related companies, banks and commerce, finance companies, and consulting firms. These companies hire them to place security measures in their computer networks to prevent data loss, online theft, and corruption of their network systems.
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