Information Security Analysts

Information Security Officer

Information Security Specialist

Information Systems Security Analyst

Information Systems Security Officer (ISSO)

Information Technology Security Analyst (IT Security Analyst)

Network Security Analyst

Security Analyst

Systems Analyst

What is an Information Security Analyst?

An Information Security Analyst is a professional responsible for protecting an organization’s computer systems and networks from cyber threats. They focus on safeguarding sensitive information by implementing and monitoring security measures designed to prevent unauthorized access, data breaches, and other security incidents. Information Security Analysts analyze security breaches to identify the root cause, develop strategies to mitigate risks, and create policies to ensure compliance with regulations and standards. Their work involves a combination of proactive and reactive measures, including conducting vulnerability assessments, managing security software, and responding to incidents as they arise. This role requires a deep understanding of computer systems, network security, and the latest cyber threats, along with strong problem-solving and analytical skills to quickly respond to potential risks.

Job Outlook

Projected salary and job growth

$69210.0 - $182370.0

This career will grow rapidly in the next few years.

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Assessment

Related assessments and tests

No assessment available.

Related Occupations

Tasks

Develop plans to safeguard computer files against accidental or unauthorized modification, destruction, or disclosure and to meet emergency data processing needs.
Monitor current reports of computer viruses to determine when to update virus protection systems.
Encrypt data transmissions and erect firewalls to conceal confidential information as it is being transmitted and to keep out tainted digital transfers.
Perform risk assessments and execute tests of data processing system to ensure functioning of data processing activities and security measures.
Modify computer security files to incorporate new software, correct errors, or change individual access status.

Technology Skills

Web platform development software
Data base user interface and query software
Transaction security and virus protection software
Network monitoring software
Development environment software

Tools Used

Network analyzers
- Local area network LAN analyzers
Mainframe computers
Notebook computers
Desktop computers
Protocol analyzers

Knowledge

Computers and Electronics
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Administration and Management
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Engineering and Technology
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Telecommunications
Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.

6 Active Jobs in South Africa

Avg Salary: R46,206pm

Are You Ready to Secure South Africa’s Digital Future? A Guide to Becoming an Information Security Analyst

As South African businesses accelerate their digital transformation, the demand for skilled professionals to protect sensitive data has never been higher. With 3 active jobs currently available and an average salary of R46,206pm, the field offers both stability and significant financial growth. In fact, our data shows a steady upward trajectory in 2024, with average monthly earnings rising from R40,661.92 in January to a projected R50,827.40 by December. However, technical skill is only one part of the equation.

Is Information Security Right for Me? (Psychometric Checklist)

Before committing to this career path, consider if your natural temperament aligns with the rigours of the role. An Information Security Analyst must possess:

Analytical Rigour: Do you enjoy deconstructing complex problems to find the "how" and "why" behind a system failure?
Unwavering Ethical Integrity: You will have the "keys to the kingdom"; a strong moral compass is non-negotiable.
Meticulous Attention to Detail: Can you spot a single anomalous line of code or a minor irregularity in a vast network log?
Composure Under Pressure: When a security breach occurs, can you remain calm and methodical while others panic?
Innate Curiosity: Are you the type of person who stays up late wondering how a new piece of technology works?
Adaptability: Cyber threats evolve daily; are you comfortable with a landscape that changes every time you log in?

A Day in the Life of a South African Security Analyst

In the South African context, your day often begins with a review of automated alerts generated during the night. You might spend your morning monitoring network traffic for signs of intrusion, specifically looking for patterns that suggest local or international phishing attempts targeting South African financial institutions.

Midday might involve a meeting with the compliance team to ensure the organisation’s data handling processes align with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA). You aren't just a "techie"; you are a risk manager. You might spend the afternoon conducting a vulnerability assessment on a new cloud-based payroll system or educating staff on how to avoid social engineering tactics. In a country where infrastructure challenges like load shedding can impact physical security systems, your role often extends to ensuring data integrity and system availability during power transitions.

Education, Upskilling, and the Growth Mindset

Entry into the field typically requires a blend of formal education and specialised industry certifications. Most South African employers look for a National Diploma or Degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or Cyber Security from an accredited University or TVET College.

However, the degree is merely the foundation. To be "ready," you must pursue professional certifications such as:

CompTIA Security+: The gold standard for entry-level security professionals.
Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH): For those interested in the "Red Team" or offensive side of security.
CISSP or CISM: Advanced certifications for those moving into management and architecture.

It is crucial to understand that in Information Security, your education never truly ends. A "ready" candidate is one who commits to continuous learning, regularly attending webinars, participating in "Capture the Flag" (CTF) competitions, and staying updated with the latest CVE (Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures) reports.

Next Steps: Test Your Readiness

Transitioning into Information Security is a rewarding move, but it requires a specific blend of technical aptitude and psychological resilience. If the prospect of defending South African organisations against global cyber threats excites you, and you possess the analytical mindset required for deep-dive investigation, you are already halfway there. The next step is to move beyond theory and evaluate your practical alignment with the industry. Take the leap and test your readiness now through our comprehensive career assessment.

Skills

Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Complex Problem Solving
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Abilities

Deductive Reasoning
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Inductive Reasoning
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Problem Sensitivity
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
Written Comprehension
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.

Education

How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?

Bachelor's degree

53 %
Post-baccalaureate certificate

23 %

Awarded for completion of an organized program of study; designed for people who have completed a Baccalaureate degree, but do not meet the requirements of academic degrees carrying the title of Master
Associate's degree

13 %

Work Activities

Working with Computers
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Analyzing Data or Information
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

Detailed Work Activities

Develop computer or information security policies or procedures.
Update knowledge about emerging industry or technology trends.
Implement security measures for computer or information systems.
Test computer system operations to ensure proper functioning.
Collaborate with others to resolve information technology issues.

Work Interests

Conventional
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
Investigative
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.