Why We NEED Information Security Analysts

There's a common misconception that artificial intelligence (AI) is making technology professionals less necessary. In cybersecurity, the opposite is true. As digital threats grow more sophisticated, the demand for skilled information security analysts has never been higher, and the data backs that up decisively.

What Is an Information Security Analyst?

An information security analyst is a cybersecurity professional who specializes in securing data within an organization's computer networks, systems and databases. They design and implement security policies to mitigate cybersecurity risks and protect sensitive information from both external threats and internal vulnerabilities.

It's worth noting the distinction between information security and cybersecurity, terms that are often used interchangeably. Cybersecurity refers broadly to preventing cyberattacks from unauthorized electronic sources. Information security focuses specifically on protecting data and information in both physical and electronic forms and ensuring that data remains accessible to those authorized to use it.

What Does the Job Actually Look Like?

According to Coursera, a typical information security analyst job description includes:

• Detecting, monitoring and mediating aspects of security, including physical security, software security, data security and network security
• Performing compliance control testing
• Developing recommendations and training programs to minimize security risk and build security awareness
• Staying current with evolving cybersecurity threats by communicating with external sources
• Collaborating with teams and management to implement best practices in computer security

InfoSec analysts are needed in virtually any organization that handles sensitive data, spanning industries like business, healthcare, finance, government, technology and energy.

The Job Outlook Is Strong

The numbers speak for themselves. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median salary for information security analysts is $124,910 per year. Employment in the field is projected to grow 29% from 2024 to 2034, which is much faster than the average across all U.S. occupations. The BLS has ranked it among the fastest-growing occupations in the country over that timeframe.

U.S. News and World Report named Information Security Analyst the #3 Best Technology Job of 2025, citing salary, job market strength and future growth as the primary factors.

What Skills Do You Need?

Breaking into the field starts with building a strong technical foundation. Aspiring analysts should learn how networks, operating systems, firewalls and routers work, and develop an understanding of risk management and data protection principles. Many also develop ethical hacking or penetration testing skills to better identify potential vulnerabilities before bad actors do.

Beyond technical expertise, information security analysts need to understand data privacy laws and compliance standards, such as HIPAA in healthcare or PCI DSS in finance. Strong communication and collaboration skills also matter, since analysts frequently work across teams to detect, report and resolve security threats.

How to Get Started

According to Coursera, about 62% of information security analysts hold a bachelor's degree, while 20% hold an associate degree. A degree in computer science, information technology or cybersecurity provides a structured foundation in networking, programming and system security.

Certifications are also a valuable pathway. Entry-level credentials like CompTIA Security+, CompTIA Network+ and Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) are strong starting points. More advanced certifications like CISSP or CISM can help analysts move into senior or specialized roles over time.

Herzing University's Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity program covers topics including risk management and incident response, ethical hacking, AI and machine learning, cloud computing security, data privacy and more. As part of the program, Herzing pays for students' first attempt on several industry certification exams.

If data analysis is more your focus, Herzing also offers pathways to become a data analyst, with programs in both data analytics and business analytics designed to prepare graduates for roles working with the large volumes of data that organizations depend on to make strategic decisions.

AI Isn't Replacing These Jobs — It's Complicating Them

Rather than eliminating the need for information security professionals, AI is raising the stakes. As organizations increasingly rely on AI-powered systems, the attack surface grows larger and the need for skilled professionals who can anticipate, detect and respond to threats becomes more urgent, not less. The future of cybersecurity belongs to people who understand both the technology and the threats it creates.