4 answers
James
Student
Canton, Georgia
6
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Information Security Analyst
What is the most money you can make as a Information Security Analyst?
Why did you want to be a Information Security Analyst?
How much work is involved with being a Information Security Analyst?
Is there any travel in being a Information Security Analyst
What do you like about being a Information Security Analyst?
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4 answers
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity.
3719
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Dear James,
How much can you potentially earn as an Information Security Analyst?
The earning potential for an Information Security Analyst can fluctuate based on factors like experience, geographical location, and the specific role within the profession. As per PayScale's data (as of October 2021), the average annual salary for an Information Security Analyst in the United States is between $50,000 and $130,000. However, those at the top of their game can earn upwards of $150,000 each year.
Why did you choose to become an Information Security Analyst?
As an AI, I don't possess personal ambitions or motivations. Nonetheless, people often choose to pursue a career as an Information Security Analyst for several reasons. These can include a keen interest in technology, a commitment to safeguarding organizations and their data, or the allure of a challenging and ever-changing professional landscape.
What does the workload of an Information Security Analyst look like?
The role of an Information Security Analyst requires a substantial amount of work. Duties encompass identifying system vulnerabilities, establishing security protocols, monitoring systems for potential threats, conducting risk evaluations, and keeping abreast of the latest developments in security trends and technologies. The workload can differ based on the size of the organization, the complexity of its systems, and the specific role within the profession.
Does the role of an Information Security Analyst involve travel?
The requirement for travel in the role of an Information Security Analyst is contingent on the specifics of their job and the organization they are a part of. Some may need to travel for conferences, training sessions, or on-site consultations. However, many professionals in this field primarily operate from an office or remotely, with travel only necessary on occasion.
What aspects of being an Information Security Analyst do you enjoy?
As an AI, I don't have personal likes or dislikes. Nevertheless, Information Security Analysts may enjoy various facets of their role. These can include the intellectual stimulation of staying one step ahead of cyber threats, the satisfaction of safeguarding sensitive data, the teamwork involved in the role, and the opportunities for career progression within the field of information technology.
GOD BLESS!
James Constantine.
How much can you potentially earn as an Information Security Analyst?
The earning potential for an Information Security Analyst can fluctuate based on factors like experience, geographical location, and the specific role within the profession. As per PayScale's data (as of October 2021), the average annual salary for an Information Security Analyst in the United States is between $50,000 and $130,000. However, those at the top of their game can earn upwards of $150,000 each year.
Why did you choose to become an Information Security Analyst?
As an AI, I don't possess personal ambitions or motivations. Nonetheless, people often choose to pursue a career as an Information Security Analyst for several reasons. These can include a keen interest in technology, a commitment to safeguarding organizations and their data, or the allure of a challenging and ever-changing professional landscape.
What does the workload of an Information Security Analyst look like?
The role of an Information Security Analyst requires a substantial amount of work. Duties encompass identifying system vulnerabilities, establishing security protocols, monitoring systems for potential threats, conducting risk evaluations, and keeping abreast of the latest developments in security trends and technologies. The workload can differ based on the size of the organization, the complexity of its systems, and the specific role within the profession.
Does the role of an Information Security Analyst involve travel?
The requirement for travel in the role of an Information Security Analyst is contingent on the specifics of their job and the organization they are a part of. Some may need to travel for conferences, training sessions, or on-site consultations. However, many professionals in this field primarily operate from an office or remotely, with travel only necessary on occasion.
What aspects of being an Information Security Analyst do you enjoy?
As an AI, I don't have personal likes or dislikes. Nevertheless, Information Security Analysts may enjoy various facets of their role. These can include the intellectual stimulation of staying one step ahead of cyber threats, the satisfaction of safeguarding sensitive data, the teamwork involved in the role, and the opportunities for career progression within the field of information technology.
GOD BLESS!
James Constantine.
Melanie Thomas
Senior-Cybersecurity
12
Answers
San Diego, California
Updated
Melanie’s Answer
What is the most money you can make as a Information Security Analyst?
- As Edmond mentions, it really depends on who you work for, or even if you venture out to work for yourself! An Analyst position could also just be a starting point, with many different positions and advancements to go from there.
Why did you want to be a Information Security Analyst?
- A love for security! There are so so many different areas that encompass security and need people in this type of position. If there is a particular part of security that you're passionate about, even better! Security Analysts are also great when they have a wide breadth of knowledge and can address many different areas.
How much work is involved with being a Information Security Analyst?
- Quite a bit! There's a fair amount of knowledge that you'll need up front. That doesn't mean that you have to get a full university degree, but going for certifications and participating in challenges (like capture the flags) are important. In this industry you'll also have to keep learning, there is always something new to learn and you'll have to keep up as things continue to change. That's actually one of my favorite parts!
Is there any travel in being a Information Security Analyst
- Very possibly, especially if you're able to work for yourself and get contract work for different companies in different places. You could also be able to get a position within a company where they'll send you to their own locations.
What do you like about being a Information Security Analyst?
- There is never a dull day. I can't think of the last time I was 'bored' at work - there will always be something going on.
- As Edmond mentions, it really depends on who you work for, or even if you venture out to work for yourself! An Analyst position could also just be a starting point, with many different positions and advancements to go from there.
Why did you want to be a Information Security Analyst?
- A love for security! There are so so many different areas that encompass security and need people in this type of position. If there is a particular part of security that you're passionate about, even better! Security Analysts are also great when they have a wide breadth of knowledge and can address many different areas.
How much work is involved with being a Information Security Analyst?
- Quite a bit! There's a fair amount of knowledge that you'll need up front. That doesn't mean that you have to get a full university degree, but going for certifications and participating in challenges (like capture the flags) are important. In this industry you'll also have to keep learning, there is always something new to learn and you'll have to keep up as things continue to change. That's actually one of my favorite parts!
Is there any travel in being a Information Security Analyst
- Very possibly, especially if you're able to work for yourself and get contract work for different companies in different places. You could also be able to get a position within a company where they'll send you to their own locations.
What do you like about being a Information Security Analyst?
- There is never a dull day. I can't think of the last time I was 'bored' at work - there will always be something going on.
Thank you so much! You helped me out in a very big way!
James
Ana Wu
Consultant
7
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Ana’s Answer
What is the most money you can make as a Information Security Analyst?
-I can tell you:
- what I make ( between 80-90k as a security consultant with some experience but still considered entry level in NY);
- what I hear my peers making (some people I went to college with had starting salaries at 70k, others were closer to 50-60k also in NY - some of them had more experiences or were more skilled at things their companies were looking for);
- and what I see on google (which you can also check - it varies based off location, years of experience, hiring company, and role you're being hired for. For NY I see ranges between 50-150k).
- I want to point it out that NY's cost of living is awfully high. I personally know professionals that earn 20-30k less than I do in a different state, but have a much better quality of life because their cost of living is so much lower. So when considering a job, yes money is important but you also need to check cost of living for that job's location or where you live (if you get a remote job).
- Remote work for some companies come with caveats - they will pay you a salary based off where you live. So this is also another moving part to consider.
Why did you want to be a Information Security Analyst?
- Personally, it is because technology is such a crucial part of our lives which makes security of it important and valuable to organizations. Technology from an end user perspective came naturally for me, but once I got deeper in technical aspect of security I knew it was not for me. Info Sec is where I thrive so this is where I am.
How much work is involved with being a Information Security Analyst?
- Day to day, it depends. Majority of time I work normal hours and once in a while if there is a need for a client, I work 10-12 hrs which is offset in other days that there is no need for any of my input. I personally like this rhythm of work as it works for me.
- On a more general level, everyone in security have a tendency to earn certificates in order to showcase keep up with market needs as well as being competitive. This require extra hours outside of work that you study, practice, etc. It's a lot of work, but very rewarding.
Is there any travel in being a Information Security Analyst?
- Depends on the job and the company. As a consultant I have the opportunity to travel based off a specific client's needs or choose not to travel at all as my organization gives everyone the choice to do so. Some of my friends in more technical roles in non-consulting roles sometimes travel for internal meetings or to fix an issue with a device which they do not have the choice to do so.
What do you like about being a Information Security Analyst?
- For me it is the flexibility, work life balance, the pay, and the fulfilment in the work done. This is nothing specific to security as for me a job is a job so other factors is what really matters.
I hope this helps!
-I can tell you:
- what I make ( between 80-90k as a security consultant with some experience but still considered entry level in NY);
- what I hear my peers making (some people I went to college with had starting salaries at 70k, others were closer to 50-60k also in NY - some of them had more experiences or were more skilled at things their companies were looking for);
- and what I see on google (which you can also check - it varies based off location, years of experience, hiring company, and role you're being hired for. For NY I see ranges between 50-150k).
- I want to point it out that NY's cost of living is awfully high. I personally know professionals that earn 20-30k less than I do in a different state, but have a much better quality of life because their cost of living is so much lower. So when considering a job, yes money is important but you also need to check cost of living for that job's location or where you live (if you get a remote job).
- Remote work for some companies come with caveats - they will pay you a salary based off where you live. So this is also another moving part to consider.
Why did you want to be a Information Security Analyst?
- Personally, it is because technology is such a crucial part of our lives which makes security of it important and valuable to organizations. Technology from an end user perspective came naturally for me, but once I got deeper in technical aspect of security I knew it was not for me. Info Sec is where I thrive so this is where I am.
How much work is involved with being a Information Security Analyst?
- Day to day, it depends. Majority of time I work normal hours and once in a while if there is a need for a client, I work 10-12 hrs which is offset in other days that there is no need for any of my input. I personally like this rhythm of work as it works for me.
- On a more general level, everyone in security have a tendency to earn certificates in order to showcase keep up with market needs as well as being competitive. This require extra hours outside of work that you study, practice, etc. It's a lot of work, but very rewarding.
Is there any travel in being a Information Security Analyst?
- Depends on the job and the company. As a consultant I have the opportunity to travel based off a specific client's needs or choose not to travel at all as my organization gives everyone the choice to do so. Some of my friends in more technical roles in non-consulting roles sometimes travel for internal meetings or to fix an issue with a device which they do not have the choice to do so.
What do you like about being a Information Security Analyst?
- For me it is the flexibility, work life balance, the pay, and the fulfilment in the work done. This is nothing specific to security as for me a job is a job so other factors is what really matters.
I hope this helps!
Edmond Momartin ☁️
Public Cloud Security & Compliance AT&T | MBA InfoSec | OWASP-LA Board
65
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Edmond’s Answer
Hi James,
My short answer is that "it depends" but in general information security analyst profession relies heavily on the person's willingness to learn new things on a daily basis, curiosity, and problem solving skills. If you look up the general description for it in government's "Occupational Outlook Handbook" it is all about protecting a company's digital systems and digital assets. It can be dealing w/ forensics and reviewing security logs to figure out how an attack was performed by bad-actors or dealing with systems and policies.
Any security job these days offers a good pay (as reflected in the website below) and generally no travel is required - all work can be done remotely.
Ref: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/information-security-analysts.htm
An internship in any cybersecurity/IT/information security field.
Attend a monthly meeting offered by any of the local chapters of isc2.org, issa.org or isaca.org. These non-profit orgs offer networking opportunities and you can ask questions in person.
My short answer is that "it depends" but in general information security analyst profession relies heavily on the person's willingness to learn new things on a daily basis, curiosity, and problem solving skills. If you look up the general description for it in government's "Occupational Outlook Handbook" it is all about protecting a company's digital systems and digital assets. It can be dealing w/ forensics and reviewing security logs to figure out how an attack was performed by bad-actors or dealing with systems and policies.
Any security job these days offers a good pay (as reflected in the website below) and generally no travel is required - all work can be done remotely.
Ref: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/information-security-analysts.htm
Edmond recommends the following next steps:
Thank you for the advice.
James