Careers in Information Security
Information security and cybersecurity jobs account for nearly 10% of all IT jobs, and the growth rate of information security job postings is twice as fast as for all other IT jobs. Demand for information security talent is outstripping supply. In 2020, Virginia ranked #1 for information security analysts in several geographic categories measured by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational and Wage Statistics, including the following:
- State with the highest employment level in Information Security Analysts
- State with the highest concentration of jobs and location quotients in Information Security Analysts
- Metropolitan area with the highest employment level in Information Security Analysts (Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV)
The vast majority of information security jobs require at least a bachelor’s degree. In return, information security job salaries offer a significant premium above the overall average for IT jobs.
Our bachelor’s degree major and post-bachelor’s certificate in information security prepare students to be IT specialists and decision makers in information security positions in private and governmental sectors.
Demand by Industry Sector
Leading industries for information security professionals include the following:
- Computer Systems Design and Related Services
- Management of Companies and Enterprises
- Credit Intermediation and Related Activities
- Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services
- Insurance Carriers
Industries with the highest shares of information security professionals include:
- Monetary Authorities (Central bank)
- Computer Systems Design
- Data Processing and Hosting
- Telecommunications
- Software Publishers
Information Security Roles
Many different positions are available in public and private sectors for information security professionals. Among them are the following:
- 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