As we become more and more reliant on technology, the more of our personal information is on digital devices. Unfortunately, some people try to take advantage of this information by stealing, damaging, or sharing it without permission. Criminals can access your bank transactions, family medical history, your financial records, and family photos. Cyber crime is increasingly common, dangerous, and harder to prevent, and information security analysts are fighting against it each day.

Information security analysts are on the front lines of keeping our information safe. They plan and carry out security measures to protect our information from cyber-attacks for all kinds or organizations like companies, medical facilities, and government agencies. Information security analysts install software to prevent the unauthorized use and distribution of privet information. Daily tasks include monitoring computers for security, investigating security breaches when they happen, and staying informed about information technology trends and standards.

To become an information security analyst, you need either a bachelor’s or a master’s degree in computer science (or another related field). You also need to be analytical, creative, detail oriented, and technologically savvy. There is a huge demand for information security analysts in the United States. In fact, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics raked them as the sixteenth fastest growing profession the country and has projected that the demand for information security analysts will increase by 28 percent over the next 10 years.