Information Security Analyst
Part of the Cybersecurity Career Guide — This article is one deep-dive in our complete guide series.
By HADESS Team | February 28, 2026 | Updated: February 28, 2026 | 5 min read
You assess and manage security risks across an organization. You sit between the technical security teams and business leadership, translating security posture into risk language that drives decisions. You write policies, run risk assessments, manage vulnerability programs, and make sure the organization meets its compliance obligations.
What You Will Do
Information security analysts work across the full breadth of an organization’s security program. The role mixes technical assessment with policy work and stakeholder communication.
Your responsibilities include:
- Conducting risk assessments against frameworks like NIST CSF, ISO 27001, or CIS Controls
- Managing the vulnerability management program — scan scheduling, prioritization, tracking remediation
- Writing and maintaining security policies, standards, and procedures
- Performing security assessments of vendors and third-party integrations
- Supporting audit activities — SOC 2, PCI DSS, HIPAA, ISO 27001
- Analyzing security metrics and reporting to management on security posture
- Reviewing access controls and user permissions across systems
- Investigating security events and supporting incident response activities
- Evaluating new technologies and projects for security risk
- Coordinating security awareness training programs
- Maintaining the risk register and tracking risk treatment decisions
- Working with IT teams to implement security controls and verify effectiveness
This role is broad. In smaller organizations, you may be the entire security program. In larger ones, you specialize in risk management, compliance, or vulnerability management.
Skills You Need
Information security analysts need a wide range of skills spanning technical, analytical, and communication domains.
Key areas:
- Risk assessment frameworks — NIST CSF, ISO 27001, CIS Controls, FAIR
- Vulnerability management — scanning, prioritization, remediation tracking
- Security policy development — writing effective, enforceable policies
- Compliance frameworks — SOC 2, PCI DSS, HIPAA, GDPR requirements
- Security architecture basics — understanding how controls map to threats
- Vendor risk management — assessing third-party security
- Incident response fundamentals — supporting IR efforts and documenting events
- Communication and reporting — presenting security risk to non-technical audiences
Build these in the skills library and explore related roles in the career path explorer.
Certifications
Information security analyst certifications span from entry-level to management:
- Security+ — the most common entry requirement for security analyst roles
- CySA+ — defensive analysis skills, adds technical credibility
- CISSP — the gold standard for experienced security professionals
- CISA — Certified Information Systems Auditor, strong for audit and compliance focus
Plan your certification path with the certification roadmap planner.
Salary Range
Information security analysts earn between $45K and $105K. Entry-level analysts with Security+ start at the lower end. Analysts with CISSP, risk management experience, and compliance expertise earn toward the top. This role offers strong career progression into security management, CISO, or GRC leadership.
Check your market value with the salary calculator.
How to Get Started
1. Learn security fundamentals — understand the CIA triad, risk concepts, and common frameworks 2. Study a compliance framework — pick NIST CSF or ISO 27001 and learn it well 3. Take the skills assessment to identify knowledge gaps 4. Practice risk assessment scenarios in the labs 5. Get Security+ as your first certification — plan it with the certification planner 6. Learn to write security policies — clear, concise policies that people actually follow 7. Understand vulnerability scanning tools — Nessus, Qualys, or Rapid7 8. Build your resume emphasizing analytical and communication skills 9. Apply for security analyst or GRC analyst roles on the job board
Information security analyst is a versatile starting point with many career directions. If you want to figure out which specialization suits you best, talk to the career coach.
Related Guides in This Series
Take the Next Step
Start your career assessment. Go to the start your career assessment on HADESS.
Explore career paths. Check out the explore career paths.
Get started free — Create your HADESS account and access all career tools.
Frequently Asked Questions
What certifications do I need for this role?
Certification requirements vary by employer and seniority level. Use the certification roadmap planner to build a sequence based on your target role and current qualifications.
What is the salary range for this role?
Salaries vary significantly by location, experience, and employer type. Use the salary calculator for your specific market rate.
How do I transition into this career path?
Take the skills assessment to identify your current strengths and gaps relative to this role. The assessment generates a personalized learning plan to close the gap.
—
HADESS Team consists of cybersecurity practitioners, hiring managers, and career strategists who have collectively spent 50+ years in the field.
