Career Guide
Information systems security officer
If you are dedicated to promoting safety and integrity within information systems, encouraging innovation and making a significant contribution to an organization’s security posture, you may discover a rewarding career as an information systems security officer.
If you are dedicated to promoting safety and integrity within information systems, encouraging innovation and making a significant contribution to an organization’s security posture, you may discover a rewarding career as an information systems security officer.
Career overview
Information systems security officers (ISSOs) — a type of information security analyst — work to protect an organization's data and information infrastructure. They are responsible for developing security policies, conducting risk assessments and implementing security measures to safeguard systems against cyber threats. These experts monitor network traffic for unusual activity, manage security software and hardware and ensure compliance with relevant regulations and standards. They also collaborate with other IT professionals to respond to security incidents, perform audits and continuously update security protocols to address emerging threats. The multifaceted responsibilities of ISSOs are essential in maintaining the integrity, confidentiality and availability of critical information systems.
In 2023, around 180,700 information security analysts, including information systems security officers, were employed nationally, according to statistics from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The fields with the largest employment of information security analysts are computer systems design and related services, followed by finance/insurance and information.
The demand for information systems security officers and other information security analysts is projected to rise over the next decade as cyberattacks grow in frequency and complexity. Businesses may rely more on these professionals to protect critical data and network infrastructures, especially with the shift to remote work and the rise of e-commerce. The expansion of digital health services and telehealth further increases data security risks, heightening the need more ISSOs to safeguard sensitive patient information. As organizations secure new technologies from external threats, ISSOs play an important role in fortifying defenses against security incidents and ensuring digital integrity.
What to expect
Salary range
$90 - 153K
$90K
$153K
Information security analysts, including information systems security analysts, within the 25th to 75th percentiles, earned salaries ranging from $90,050 to $153,550 
in 2023, according to BLS nationwide statistics.[1]
Projected growth (2023-2033)
59,100 jobs
National job opportunities for all information security analysts, including information systems security analysts, are projected to grow by 33% 
between 2023 and 2033, BLS reports.[1]
Education required
Bachelor's degree
Related job titles
Network security analyst
Systems analyst
Information security specialist
Cybersecurity engineer
Software developer
[1] The salary ranges are not specific to students or graduates of University of Phoenix. The salary ranges, job opportunities and outcomes presented represent the larger job category, which includes the particular job title. Actual outcomes vary based on multiple factors, including prior work experience, geographic location and other factors specific to the individual. University of Phoenix does not guarantee employment, salary level or career advancement. BLS data is geographically based. Information for a specific state/city can be researched on the BLS website. The BLS Projected Growth for 2023-2033 is published by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. This data reflects the BLS’ projections of national (not local) conditions. These data points are not specific to University of Phoenix students or graduates.
Challenges
Being an information systems security officer comes with a unique set of challenges that can test both technical skills and problem-solving abilities. One major challenge is the ever-evolving landscape of cyber threats, which requires ISSOs to stay informed about the latest vulnerabilities, attack techniques and security trends. This continuous learning is essential, as even small oversights can lead to significant breaches. Additionally, these specialists often face pressure to balance robust security measures with the need for operational efficiency, which can lead to conflicts with other departments within the organization. The necessity to ensure compliance with various regulations and standards adds another layer of complexity, requiring meticulous documentation and reporting. Communicating security concerns to non-technical stakeholders can also be difficult, as it involves translating complex technical jargon into understandable terms that illustrate the urgency and importance of effective security policies.
Advantages
Pursuing a career as an information systems security officer presents a number of benefits, making it an attractive choice for professionals in the field. One significant benefit is the opportunity to be at the forefront of protecting an organization’s vital information assets, which can lead to a strong sense of purpose and job satisfaction. The increasing demand for skilled ISSOs will likely result in robust job security and competitive salaries in a field that is both rewarding and stimulating. Additionally, ISSOs often have the chance to engage in continuous professional development, staying updated with the latest technologies and security practices, which is essential in an ever-evolving landscape. Their role also fosters collaboration with a variety of teams, enhancing interpersonal skills and allowing for cross-department insights. Ultimately, those who thrive in this position contribute meaningfully to the security infrastructure and resilience of their organization, making a lasting impact in a critical area of business operations.
What to expect
Salary range
$90 - 153K
$90K
$153K
Information security analysts, including information systems security analysts, within the 25th to 75th percentiles, earned salaries ranging from $90,050 to $153,550 in 2023, according to BLS nationwide statistics.[1]
Projected growth (2023-2033)
59,100 jobs
National job opportunities for all information security analysts, including information systems security analysts, are projected to grow by 33% between 2023 and 2033, BLS reports.[1]
Education required
Bachelor's degree
Related careers
Network security analyst
Systems analyst
Information security specialist
Cybersecurity engineer
Software developer
[1] The salary ranges are not specific to students or graduates of University of Phoenix. The salary ranges, job opportunities and outcomes presented represent the larger job category, which includes the particular job title. Actual outcomes vary based on multiple factors, including prior work experience, geographic location and other factors specific to the individual. University of Phoenix does not guarantee employment, salary level or career advancement. BLS data is geographically based. Information for a specific state/city can be researched on the BLS website. The BLS Projected Growth for 2023-2033 is published by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. This data reflects the BLS’ projections of national (not local) conditions. These data points are not specific to University of Phoenix students or graduates.
About our source
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) is an agency of the United States Department of Labor that serves as part of the U.S. Federal Statistical System. Find out more: https://www.bls.gov/bls/about-bls.htm
Career-relevant knowledge and skills
Information systems security officers may need to demonstrate knowledge in the following areas while on the job:
- Risk management
- Risk mitigation
- Risk analysis
- Risk management framework
- Governance
- Administrative network strategy
- Security management
- Asset protection
- Data security
- Data loss strategy
- Security controls
- Enterprise network security
- Incident response
- Investigation
- Threat assessment and response
- Information assurance
- Infrastructure
These professionals may also need the following skills to perform their daily responsibilities:
- Network defense fundamentals
- Network automation
- Endpoint security
- System administration
- Infrastructure-as-a-service
- Network switches
- Scripting
- Programming
- Python
- Intrusion detection and prevention
- Forensic investigation analysis
- Security systems
- Disaster recovery
- Cloud computing
- Management information systems
- Project management
- Troubleshooting
Soft skills
Soft skills are interpersonal and personal attributes that enable individuals to interact effectively and harmoniously with others. Developing soft skills such as decision making, problem solving, attention to detail, effective communication and creativity can be helpful in the information systems security officer career path.
Education and experience
For those pursuing the information systems security officer career, there are specific academic achievements, credentials and work experience that can help you reach your goals. Below, you'll find a few key steps you can take to prepare for a career as an ISSO.
Obtain a degree in cybersecurity, computer science, information technology or a related field. Many positions require at least a bachelor's degree, while a master's degree may help you stand out among other candidates.
Acquire industry-recognized certifications such as Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) or CompTIA Security+. These credentials demonstrate expertise and commitment to the field.
Seek internships or entry-level roles in IT security or related areas. Hands-on experience is crucial for understanding security tools, protocols and real-world challenges, laying a solid groundwork for a career as an ISSO.
Career enhancement
Reaching your initial goals can be merely the start of a fruitful career journey. As a professional, embracing lifelong learning not only enriches your knowledge and skills but also equips you for new opportunities that lie ahead.
The information systems security officer career allows for progression into more senior and specialized roles within the field. These positions include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Senior information systems security officer: A more experienced role with broader responsibilities and oversight
- Information systems security manager: Focuses on managing a team of security professionals and overseeing security measures across an organization
- Ethical hacker: Specializes in identifying and exploiting vulnerabilities within systems to improve security defenses
- Incident response manager: Leads the response to security incidents and breaches, ensuring quick recovery and mitigation of damage
- Compliance and risk manager: Ensures that the organization complies with relevant regulations and manages security risks effectively
In these designations, professionals will be able to expand their expertise, take on greater responsibilities and lead strategic initiatives. As you look ahead, here are a few tips for advancing within the ISSO career path:
- Set career goals: Outline short-term and long-term career objectives, and regularly assess your progress towards achieving them. Having a clear vision helps maintain focus and motivates continuous personal and professional development.
- Diversify experience: Continuously seek opportunities to work on diverse projects that expose you to different aspects of cybersecurity and information systems management.
- Continuous learning: Stay updated with emerging technologies and evolving threats by attending workshops, webinars and taking advanced courses relevant to your field. Also, remain in-the-know on changing laws and compliance requirements in your field to ensure your organization remains compliant and minimize legal risks.
- Networking: Build a professional network by joining industry groups, conferences and online forums. Engaging with peers can lead to mentorship opportunities and insights into best practices.
- Seek advanced certifications: Pursue specialized certifications that align with your career goals, such as Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) or Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), to boost your resume and knowledge base.
Programs
At University of Phoenix, we offer undergraduate, graduate and certificate programs that educationally prepare you for opportunities within the information systems security career. Our programs allow for the flexibility to take one course at a time in five- to six-week intervals to accommodate other commitments and a busy schedule outside of the classroom.
Learn more about which of these programs—designed to teach you the skills you’ll need in your career—is right for you.
Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity
The Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity program provides students with a deeper understanding of a variety of topics in the cybersecurity field. These topics include cyber domain, internet networking, networking analysis and network monitoring, fundamental security concepts to mitigate packet vulnerabilities, security team participation, cloud computing and wireless security. Students can further expand their knowledge and skill development through courses on our Cybersecurity Analyst Defender track, which closely align to industry certifications through EC Council.
In this program, you’ll learn how to:
- Examine an organization's infrastructure to ensure compliance with cybersecurity standards and policies
- Evaluate organizational policies and strategies to determine potential cybersecurity vulnerabilities
- Apply a variety of hacking tools and techniques to expose risk and protect and secure network systems in a variety of organizations
- Apply the known phases of ethical hacking to protect and secure networks systems in a variety of organizations
- Apply object-oriented scripting to solve potential cyber-security attacks
You can earn this bachelor’s degree by completing 120 credits through courses in general education, core topics and elective subjects. The length of this program is 47 months, and each course is five weeks long.[2]
Master of Science in Cybersecurity
The Master of Science in Cybersecurity required course of study focuses on deepening the understanding of cybersecurity and operations at an enterprise level. Students will learn topics in information assurance like how threat analysis, incident response and vulnerability detection contribute to a cybersecurity strategy along with an understanding of how standards and policies can serve as a guideline for risk mitigation. Students gain exposure to software, cloud and network security as well as ethical issues in the cybersecurity industry. Students can choose to pursue elective topics in tactical cybersecurity before completing a capstone course where they apply their learning through a security team participation course.
In this program, you’ll learn how to:
- Design elements of an enterprise using standards and tactics in cybersecurity
- Consider ethical and privacy protocols in enterprise cybersecurity
- Implement cybersecurity frameworks and policies in risk management
You can earn this master’s degree by completing 39 credits through courses in required and elective topics. This program is 18 months long. Each course is six weeks in length. [2]
Associate of Science in Cybersecurity
The associate degree program in Cybersecurity focuses on the tasks and skills involved in various jobs in cybersecurity, the technologies used to perform those tasks and to prepare for a career as a cybersecurity professional. The program is aligned to three EC Council certifications (Secure Computer User, Network Defender and Ethical Hacker) but does not directly lead to any type of professional or industry certification.
In this program, you’ll learn how to:
- Evaluate the network security elements associated with defending the cyber domain through the use of STEM principles
- Summarize the processes necessary to protect all assets of an infrastructure in the cyber domain
- Assess an organization's infrastructure, including compliance with cybersecurity policies and governance and other risk assessment standards
You can earn this associate’s degree by completing 63 credits through courses in required and elective topics. This program is 25 months long. Each course is six weeks in length.[2]
Advanced Cybersecurity Certificate (Undergraduate)
The Advanced Cybersecurity Certificate concentrates on the concepts and principles of securing and protecting the information assets of the organization. The areas of information assurance, systems security, risk management, cryptography, cyber security and enterprise security are covered in this certificate.
In this program, you’ll learn how to:
- Integrate elements of security in a networked environment
- Coordinate the use of information security tools within an organization
You can earn this certificate by completing 18 credits of required topics. This program is seven months long. Each course is five weeks in length.
Cyber and Network Defense Certificate (Undergraduate)
The Cyber and Network Defense Certificate teaches the methods for looking for weaknesses and vulnerabilities in systems. IT firms are the main recruiters of ethical hackers, however these experts are also needed by other industries like financial service providers, airlines, retail chains and hotels. An added benefit is the content is aligned to the EC Council Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification exam and builds hacking skills in a legal and legitimate way.
In this program, you’ll learn how to:
- Use ethical hacking principles
- Execute secure networking fundamentals
- Understand data programming
You can earn this certificate by completing 18 credits of required topics. This program is seven months long. Each course is five weeks in length.
Information Assurance and Security Certificate (Undergraduate)
The Information Assurance and Security Certificate offers coursework to successfully apply information technology theory and principles to address real world business opportunities and challenges. The coursework provides students with technical skills and interactive, hands-on experience in information systems, wireless networking, cyber security, cryptography, and systems security. This certificate concentrates on the concepts and principles of securing and protecting the information assets of the organization.
In this program, you’ll learn how to:
- Apply information security concepts
- Explain fundamentals of networking
You can earn this certificate by completing 18 credits of required topics. This program is seven months long. Each course is five weeks in length.
[2] Your course schedule may vary based on an evaluation of previous experience, training or transferable credits. Discover saving opportunities through the University’s prior learning assessment. You may speak to an enrollment representative for individualized information.
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