What Does an Information Security Analyst Do in Companies?

By Dr. Matthew Loux and Bryce Loux  |  02/05/2026

Nearly all of today’s business operations rely on digital systems. As a result, safeguarding digital files and other sensitive information has reached a new level of importance. Concealing confidential information commonly includes:

• Customer data
• Financial records
• Operational trade secrets
• Internal communications

At the same time, cybercriminals and other malicious actors continue to find new ways to exploit security gaps and gain unauthorized access to computer files and networks. This growing threat landscape has made the information security analyst’s role extremely valuable across virtually every industry.

An information security analyst aims to keep an organization safe from cyber threats, which involves protecting the company’s computer systems, networks, and organization’s data. This role supports information security, operational continuity, risk management, and customer trust in the organization.

Information Security Analyst Responsibilities

In an organization, the main duty of an information security analyst is the protection of information. An information security analyst might need to protect a company from losing information to hackers, keep unauthorized users from having access, and escalate security incidents.

The protection of vital assets by information security analysts is also supported by establishing automated responses to cyberattacks and continuously improving security. Parts of an analyst’s job include ensuring that certain qualities are maintained at all times:

• Confidentiality – ensures that sensitive data is accessible only to authorized users
• Integrity – comprises the protection of data from unauthorized alteration
• Availability – involves the reliable access to an information system and the operational data it contains

Security analysts must apply security principles and use their technical skills to proactively protect an organization’s computer networks and data. Information security analysts plan and implement appropriate security measures to maintain confidentiality, integrity and availability.

What Do Information Security Analysts Do within Organizations?

Information security analysts typically work in a wide range of workplaces, including:

• Banking
• Healthcare
• Retail
• Government
• Education
• Technology

Their duties may vary depending upon the type of organization. But in any organization that stores digital files or manages data transmissions, information security analysts play an essential role in:

• Detecting security threats
• Responding to cybersecurity incidents
• Managing security systems
• Performing risk assessments and vulnerability testing
• Creating security policies and procedures
• Training employees in security awareness
• Meeting legal and regulatory requirements
• Anticipating potential cyber threats
• Collaborating with other experts in an organization

Detecting Security Threats

A highly important function of an information security analyst is protecting systems and networks by detecting signs of unauthorized access. Through continuous, real-time monitoring and threat detection tools, analysts analyze logs from servers, applications, and network devices to identify unusual patterns that may indicate attacks.

Threat detection, intrusion detection, and monitoring networks enable analysts to identify cyber threats as they emerge. Indicators such as repeated failed log-in attempts, abnormal network activity, or access requests from unusual locations may signal a potential breach. Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) systems also help consolidate and process data, allowing organizations to respond quickly and reduce potential damage.

Responding to Cybersecurity Incidents

Cyber risks exist for every organization, regardless of how robust security defenses are. Information security analysts play a critical role in attack response by managing breaches from the moment they occur. When a potential breach is identified, analysts work to contain the threat, limit damage, and restore normal system operations as quickly as possible.

Incident response measures may include:

• Isolating affected systems
• Suspending compromised user accounts
• Removing malicious software
• Restoring data from secure backups

Structured incident response plans support a coordinated response to unauthorized access and activity.

After systems are stabilized, information security analysts investigate how the security breach occurred and identify gaps in an organization’s security posture. Digital forensics may be used to analyze evidence and guide the implementation of corrective security technologies, or new policies to prevent future attacks.

Managing Security Systems

Information security analysts deploy and manage security systems designed to protect information from internal and external security breaches. These systems encompass:

• Firewalls
• Antivirus and anti-malware tools
• Intrusion prevention technologies
• Encryption technologies (for encrypting data transmissions)
• Endpoint security solutions

To remain effective, security systems must be properly configured, regularly updated, and integrated with other security controls. As a part of this work, information security analysts will:

• Oversee different technology tools
• Implement network defense strategies
• Manage configuration management
• Maintain access management to protect systems and organizational assets

Performing Risk Assessments and Vulnerability Testing

Security risk and threat assessments, including the collection of information on potential security threats, are a critical responsibility for information security analysts. Systems security risk assessments need to be conducted periodically to analyze potential threats and weaknesses, along with the consequences of a possible security breach. This work enables organizations to align the appropriate security controls with the level of security that is most appropriate to the risk.

Some common methods for identifying weaknesses in systems and applications include:

• Vulnerability assessments – scanning systems for known weaknesses
• Penetration testing – simulating real-world cyberattacks to validate whether an organization's security can be bypassed without causing damage to production systems

Information security analysts conduct vulnerability scans and penetration testing to identify weaknesses in computer systems and implement security measures before information can be exploited by hackers. Technical expertise in network protocols and data management is essential for effective risk assessment and mitigation.

Once vulnerabilities are documented, analysts collaborate with information technology (IT) and development teams to mitigate them by:

• Applying software patches
• Strengthening configurations
• Implementing additional security controls

Creating Security Policies and Procedures

Technology by itself cannot safeguard information. Human error continues to be a contributing factor to breaches. To mitigate this risk, information security analysts formulate security policies and procedures that inform employees of acceptable, safe technology use.

Policies can include areas such as:

• Password policies
• Data classification
• Security of remote work
• Device policies
• Incident response

Establishing clear guidelines helps to foster consistent security behaviors and lessens the possibility of inadvertent data loss.

These policies are the responsibility of analysts to periodically review and update to integrate changes in technology, business activities, and compliance.

Training Employees in Security Awareness

Within an organization, creating a culture of security awareness is the responsibility of information security analysts. Employees are often the targets of attackers, using techniques like phishing or social engineering. Information security analysts play an important role in empowering staff to recognize and avoid hazards.

Security awareness education can take many forms:

• Presentations
• E-learning courses
• Phishing simulations
• Periodic reminders to staff

By educating staff to recognize malicious emails, adopt good password hygiene, and safeguard confidential information, information security analysts help an organization to improve its security posture.

Meeting Legal and Regulatory Requirements

In various sectors such as healthcare, finance, and law, there are strict laws and regulations regarding the protection of sensitive data and the management of cybersecurity risks. For instance, the European Union implemented the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) protect individuals’ personal information.

Information security analysts assist organizations in meeting these legal and regulatory obligations that involve:

• The privacy of personally identifiable information
• The security of financial information

For analysts, compliance responsibilities may include:

• Implementation of necessary security controls
• Internal audits
• Required documentation
• Coordination of compliance activities with external auditors or regulatory authorities

By facilitating compliance with legal obligations, information security analysts assist the organization in maintaining its reputation in the marketplace and avoiding financial penalties, and lawsuits.

Anticipating Potential Cyber Threats

Cybersecurity is a field in constant flux. Information security analysts need to be aware of:

• The evolution of attack vectors
• New types of malware
• The increasing number of system vulnerabilities
• New security trends in the cybersecurity field

Analysts must also develop threat intelligence capabilities. They must stay current with evolving security technology and cloud computing to anticipate and defend against emerging threats.

In the aftermath of a security breach, analysts need to understand potential future threats so that proactive measures can be used to reinforce organizational security.

Collaborating with Other Experts in an Organization

Information security analysts take an interdisciplinary approach as they work with other experts. For instance, they partner with:

• IT personnel on infrastructure security
• Software developers on threat modeling during application development
• Executives on risk and security assessments and the return on investment (ROI) of security

Analysts must have strong communication skills. Most of the time, they deal with issues and concerns that present complex technical elements. The ability to clearly communicate important information to non-technical people clearly is important so that stakeholders understand the reasons behind different decisions.

Necessary Tools and Skills in Information Security

Most information security analysts utilize an extensive range of tools, involving:

• Network monitoring systems
• Vulnerability scanners
• Endpoint protection
• Encryption
• Cloud security

As a result, information security analysts need strong technical skills. They must be familiar with:

• Operating systems
• Networking
• Databases
• Cloud environments and cloud computing
• Network protocols
• Cybersecurity, especially cloud security

In addition, becoming an information security analyst require certain skills. Key skills include:

• Analytical thinking
• Problem-solving skills
• Attention to detail
• Calmness during high-pressure situations
• Ethical judgment
• Risk management

Education for Information Security Analysts

Information security analysts typically have a bachelor’s degree in areas such as:

• Cybersecurity
• Computer science
• Information technology

Many analysts also pursue a master’s degree in these areas or a related field so that they can seek more advanced roles.

Information Security Certifications

Some employers prefer job candidates to have industry-recognized certifications, as those certifications indicate specialized knowledge and dedication to the field. The most common certifications for information security analysts and other cybersecurity professionals are:

• CompTIA Security+®
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP®)
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH®)
• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM®)

Why Information Security Analysts Matter

As the cyber threat landscape evolves and becomes more complex, the demand for information security analysts continues to grow. Without adequate information security and continuous monitoring, organizations face financial losses, operational disruptions, reputational damage, and an increased risk of data breaches.

Information security analysts play a critical role in protecting digital assets, managing risk, responding to cyberattacks, and maintaining customer trust. Their technical expertise enables organizations to operate securely and confidently.

The Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity at AMU

For adult learners seeking to develop their knowledge of cybersecurity and aspiring to become cybersecurity professionals, American Military University (AMU) provides an online Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity. Students who enroll in this bachelor’s degree program will have the opportunity to take courses in networking concepts, hardening operating systems, and cyber warfare. Other courses include cryptography concepts, biometrics, computer and network security, and cybersecurity.

Students can choose from one of five concentrations to suit their professional goals:

• Critical infrastructure
• Digital forensics
• General
• Privacy and surveillance
• Wireless and mobile security

 For more details about this B.S. in cybersecurity, visit AMU’s information technology degree program page.

CompTIA Security+ is a registered trademark of the Computing Technology Industry Association.
CISSP is a registered trademark of the International Information System Security Certification Consortium, Inc.
Certified Ethical Hacker is a registered trademark of the International Council of E-Commerce Consultants.
CISM is a registered trademark of the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA).