Computer Security Specialist, Computer Specialist, Information Technology Specialist, Systems Analyst, Security Analyst
Interest in precision working to implement and administer system security infrastructure and security tools, and in maintaining security practices and procedures
Interest in analyzing physical and technical security risks to data, software and hardware in order to develop policies and contingency plans that minimize the effects of security breaches
Interest in consulting to advise on systems security issues and on enhancing security tools, techniques and business practices; in enforcing security practices and procedures, and in addressing security problems such as computer viruses and unauthorized information access, modification or deletion
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation. It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
Systems security analysts plan, co-ordinate and implement security measures for information systems by:
Duties vary from one job to another depending on the employer and the sensitivity of the information. However, in general, systems security analysts:
To keep up to date with new developments, systems security analysts share information via e-mail, use web based resources that send out alerts about new threats (for example, computer viruses), attend technical training courses and conferences, and read computer related journals, magazines and newsletters.
Systems security analysts usually work standard office hours in offices that are equipped with sophisticated information technology. They may be required to work overtime when there has been a security breach.
Analysts who work for consulting companies may be required to travel.
Systems security analysts need the following characteristics:
They should enjoy analyzing information and solving problems, taking a methodical approach to tasks requiring precision and consulting with others.
Systems security analysts need related post-secondary education and several years of related experience. Employers generally prefer to hire experienced applicants who have a four year bachelor's degree or two year diploma in computer science or a related discipline. A security background check normally is required.
Systems security analysts must continuously upgrade their knowledge because systems and security threats are constantly changing.
In Alberta, universities, colleges, technical institutes and private vocational schools offer a wide variety of degree, diploma and certificate programs related to computer science.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
For a broad list of programs and courses that may be related to this occupation try searching using keywords.
Many systems security analysts also become certified in a security designation such as Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Information Systems Manager (CISM) or Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC).For more information on education and certification see the websites in Other Sources of Information.
Information systems professionals investigate, analyze, design, develop or manage information systems based on computer and related technologies through the objective application of specialized knowledge and professional judgement.
Information Systems Professional is a protected title under Alberta's Professional and Occupational Associations Registration Act. This means that to call yourself an Information Systems Professional or use the I.S.P. designation, you must be a registered member of the Canadian Information Processing Society of Alberta (CIPS Alberta). You do not have to be registered if you do not call yourself an Information Systems Professional.
The Canadian Information Processing Society (CIPS) has defined the body of knowledge required for certification and recognizes the many different ways this standard may be achieved. Applicants must provide documented evidence for 1 of the following I.S.P. designation criteria routes: (1) Established Academic, (2) IT Industry Leader, (3) Established IT Professional, (4) Education Plus Experience, (5) Exam, (6) Professional Experience Only (applicants must have entered the field prior to 1976), or (7) Upgrade from Candidate Status. For official, detailed information, visit the CIPS website, CIPS Alberta website or contact CIPS Alberta.
Information systems professionals who are registered and in good standing with a regulatory organization elsewhere in Canada may be eligible for registration in Alberta if registered professionals in the 2 jurisdictions have similar responsibilities and competencies. For more information, see "What if I am already certified in another province or territory?" and the Alberta regulatory authority (below).
Canadian Information Processing Society of Alberta
PO Box 21085
Edmonton, Alberta
Canada T6R 2V4
Phone Number: 780-431-9311
Toll-free phone number: 1-844-431-9311
Fax number: 780-413-0076
E-mail: alberta@cips.ca
Website: ab.cips.ca
Below-average occupational growth is expected in Alberta for 2016 to 2020. Job openings are a result of employment turnover and newly created positions.
Systems security analysts are employed by organizations that have a web presence (for example, website, FTP site, e-mail service) and by consulting firms.
When companies hire consulting firms to perform security functions, they still need in-house personnel to ensure that consulting agreements are functioning as intended. In-house positions usually have a strong internal compliance component related to auditing and privacy compliance.
Advancement generally takes the form of more responsibility. The best and brightest systems security analysts may become sneakers or pen testers who identify security holes and flaws by deliberately cracking systems and performing penetration tests.
Systems security analysts are part of a larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 2171: Information systems analysts and consultants. In Alberta, 76% of people employed in this classification work in the following industries:
The employment outlook in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
Over 14,100 Albertans are employed in the Information systems analysts and consultants occupational group. This group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 1.5% from 2016 to 2020. As a result, 212 new positions are forecast to be created each year, in addition to job openings created by employment turnover. Note: As systems security analysts form only a part of this larger occupational group, only some of these newly created positions will be for systems security analysts.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Salaries for systems security analysts vary depending on their education and experience, and the responsibilities of their positions.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $21.28 | $53.33 | $34.85 | $34.65 |
| Overall | $29.11 | $63.82 | $45.67 | $45.03 |
| Top | $35.56 | $89.83 | $57.25 | $53.12 |
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* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
High Reliability, represents a CV of less than or equal to 6.00% and 30 survey observations and/or represents 50% or more of all estimated employment for the occupation.
Canadian Information Processing Society (CIPS) website: www.cips.ca
Information and Communications Technology Council (ICTC) website: www.ictc-ctic.ca
International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium, Inc., (ISC)² website: www.isc2.org
International Systems Security Association (ISSA) website: www.issa.org
System Administration, Networking and Security Institute website: www.sans.org
Technology Alberta website: www.albertaict.ca
For more information on career planning, education and jobs, visit the Alberta Learning Information Service (ALIS) website, call the Alberta Career Information Hotline toll-free at 1-800-661-3753 or 780-422-4266 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Works Centre near you.
Updated Oct 01, 2009. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.