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Computer systems security analysts optimize an organization's security measures to protect data and computer systems from unauthorized use. To safeguard against system security threats--viruses, worms, Trojan horses, spyware and hacker intrusion--security analysts assess and monitor computer systems and develop protection measures. Security tools include user authentication protocols, anti-virus software, firewalls and software intrusion detection systems (IDS). Analysts also conduct user training and create documentation to help security staff in the event of a cyber attack.

Career opportunities in systems security

Security is among the fastest-growing fields in the IT sector. The Bureau of Labor Statistics' Career Guide to Industries identifies computer services as "among the five industries with the largest job growth," with a 45 percent increase in jobs between 2008 and 2018. A major factor in this growth, explains the BLS, is "the increasing need to maintain network and computer system security." Systems analysts, which include security analysts, can look forward to estimated job growth of 53 percent through 2018, making this the second fastest-growing occupation in the nation. Systems security is among the highest-demand security specialty, along with security software development, disaster recovery services and custom security programming.

Computer systems security analyst salary 2010 outlook

Computer systems security analyst salaries reflect the premium organizations place on these strategic information specialists. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports an average annual wage of $79,370 for information security analysts, web developers and network architects combined as of May 2010. Salary.com reports a higher median wage of $83,088 for systems and application security analysts. Infosec Institute differentiates between information security analysts, who earn an average base salary of $80,683 and senior analysts, who command $92,336.

Salaries vary by experience, training, industry and employment region.

Security certification. According to annual salary surveys by Foote Partners, security certifications offer a more significant salary boost than any other IT certification. A salary survey by Certification magazine found the following averages for leading security analyst certifications in 2009:

• ISC² Information Systems Security Architecture Professional (CISSP-ISSAP), $136,060
• ISACA Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), $120,230
• GIAC Certified Forensics Analyst (GCFA), $105,710

Industry. Salaries are highest in government and health care, reports Infosec Institute.

Region. Top-paying states for security analysts, according to the BLS, are New Jersey, Maryland and California. The highest salaries can be found in Silicon Valley, where the average wage is $111,050. Computer systems security analysts in search of the most economically advantageous home base, however, will need to look beyond high-tech urban centers to cities like:

• Springfield, Ohio: $95,480 (94 cost of living)
• Tucson, Ariz.: $90,020 (99 cost of living)
• Atlanta, Ga.: $80,510 (94 cost of living)
• St. Louis, Mo.: $81,570 (89 cost of living)

These cities offer low cost of living, with ACCRA Cost of Living Index values in the 89-99 range, below the national average of 100.

Computer systems security analyst schools

A college bachelor's degree is the standard minimum qualification for a career as a computer systems security analyst, according to the BLS. College majors include computer science, information systems and management information systems. Some computer systems security analyst schools offer specialty degree programs in information security. Mid-career IT professionals and other busy adults can prepare for an analyst role by opting for computer systems security analyst training online. Since applied work experience is an important qualification for security analyst positions, an internship can offer a valuable complement to training online.

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