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Computer Security Specialist, Computer Specialist, Cybersecurity Analyst / Specialist, Information Technology Specialist, IT Security Analyst, Security Analyst, Systems Analyst
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used. Here is how this occupation has been classified over time:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
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
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
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 for this NOC group 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.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
Systems security analysts research, plan, design, coordinate, implement, and support security measures for information systems. They:
Duties vary depending on the employer and the sensitivity of the data. In general, systems security analysts:
Systems security analysts must keep up to date with new developments. To do this, they:
Most systems security analysts work standard office hours. They work in offices equipped with advanced information technology.
They may have to work overtime, such as in the event of a security breach. They may need to be on call in case of emergencies or digital security alerts within their company.
They may experience high-stress situations in response to security breaches.
Analysts who work for consulting companies may have to travel.
Systems security analysts need:
They should enjoy:
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 86 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Oct 27, 2021 and May 25, 2022.
Review these skills to learn:
| Design, develop and implement information systems business solutions | 72 |
|---|---|
| Confer with clients to identify and document requirements | 71 |
| Provide advice on information systems strategy, policy, management and service delivery | 61 |
| Conduct business and technical studies | 60 |
| Assess physical and technical security risks to data, software and hardware | 58 |
| Develop and implement policies and procedures throughout the software development life cycle | 56 |
| Personal Suitability: Organized | 55 |
| Personal Suitability: Effective interpersonal skills | 53 |
| Conduct reviews to assess quality assurance practices, software products and information systems | 53 |
| Personal Suitability: Team player | 52 |
Most employers prefer to hire applicants who have a 4-year bachelor’s degree or a 2-year diploma in computer science or a related discipline. They also prefer applicants with several years’ experience and relevant certifications. A security background check normally is required.
Systems and security threats change often. Systems security analysts must upgrade their knowledge on an ongoing basis.
In Alberta, there are many degree, diploma, and certificate programs related to computer science. These are offered by numerous universities, colleges, technical institutes, and private vocational schools.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
To expand or narrow your search for programs related to this occupation, visit Post-Secondary Programs.
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
Many systems security analysts become certified in a security designation. These can include:
They may also become certified in many other security designations (vendor-specific and vendor-neutral). To learn more about education and certification see Other Sources of Information.
Certain professional titles or duties within this occupation are protected by provincial legislation. Requirements vary if you use these titles or perform these duties.
The related legislation is shown below. If there are multiple related legislations, select a certification heading to learn about each one.
Information systems professionals investigate, analyze, design, develop, or manage information systems based on computer and related technologies. They do so objectively applying specialized knowledge and professional judgement.
Information Systems Professional is a protected title under Alberta’s Professional and Occupational Associations Registration Act [pdf].
To call yourself an Information Systems Professional or use the ISP designation, you must register as a member of the Canadian Information Processing Society of Alberta (CIPS Alberta).
You do not have to register if you do not call yourself an Information Systems Professional.
For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Information Systems Professional.
Systems security analysts work for organizations that have an online presence. They also work for consulting firms.
Many companies hire consulting firms to perform security functions. However, they still need in-house personnel to ensure consulting agreements work as intended. Most in-house positions have a strong internal compliance component. This is related to auditing and privacy compliance.
In general, advancement takes the form of more duties. The best and brightest systems security analysts may become “pen testers.” That is, they perform penetration tests (crack systems on purpose) to identify security flaws.
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
In the 2171: Information systems analysts and consultants occupational group, 79.9% of people work in:
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, the 2171: Information systems analysts and consultants occupational group is expected to have an above-average annual growth of 2% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 366 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
Note
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For example, only some of the new positions to be created will be for this occupation. It also applies to other data for the NOC group such as number of people employed.
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, experience, and the duties they perform.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.
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.
To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.
Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.
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.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $21.54 | $49.70 | $34.82 | $35.90 |
| Overall | $26.44 | $66.78 | $46.78 | $46.65 |
| Top | $30.63 | $93.32 | $57.27 | $51.84 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* 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.
Pay brackets for hourly wages
| Oil & Gas Extraction | $121,076 |
|---|---|
| Professional, Scientific & Technical Services | $96,755 |
| Public Administration | $93,908 |
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $92,349 |
| Information, Culture, Recreation | $90,309 |
| Educational Services | $89,541 |
| Health Care & Social Assistance | $86,870 |
| Other Services (Repair, Personal Services and Related) | $77,454 |
| Manufacturing | $76,736 |
| Finance, Insurance, Real Estate, Leasing | $75,959 |
| Wholesale Trade | $73,976 |
| Retail Trade | $64,055 |
Canadian Information Processing Society (CIPS) of Alberta website: cipsalberta.ca
EC-Council website: www.eccouncil.org
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: technologyalberta.com
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2022. 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.
