Systems security analysts work for organizations that have an online presence (such as websites, FTP sites, and email services). They also work for consulting firms.
Many companies hire consulting firms to perform security functions. However, they still need in-house personnel to ensure that 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 “sneakers” or “pen testers.” They identify security holes and flaws by cracking systems on purpose. They also perform 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 [pdf] in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
- trends and events that affect overall employment (especially in the industries listed above)
- location in Alberta
- employment turnover (work opportunities that come up when people leave existing positions)
- occupational growth (work opportunities that come up when new positions are created)
- size of the occupation.
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.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.