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Computer Security Specialist, Computer Specialist, Cybersecurity Analyst / Specialist, Information Technology Specialist, IT Security Analyst, Risk and Compliance Specialist, Security Analyst, Systems Analyst, Technology Risk 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:
| Starting | $34.82 |
|---|---|
| Overall | $46.78 |
| Top | $57.27 |
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 research, plan, design, co-ordinate, implement, and support security measures for information systems. Their duties include:
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 have to be on call. For instance, they may need to respond to emergencies or digital security alerts within their company.
They may experience high-stress situations in response to a security breach.
Analysts who work for consulting companies may have to travel.
Systems security analysts need to possess:
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 49 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Nov 21, 2020 and Jul 29, 2021.
Review these skills to learn:
| Design, develop and implement information systems business solutions | 38 |
|---|---|
| Conduct reviews to assess quality assurance practices, software products and information systems | 38 |
| Personal Suitability: Organized | 37 |
| Provide advice on information systems strategy, policy, management and service delivery | 36 |
| Personal Suitability: Team player | 36 |
| Assess physical and technical security risks to data, software and hardware | 35 |
| Personal Suitability: Effective interpersonal skills | 35 |
| Confer with clients to identify and document requirements | 34 |
| Personal Suitability: Excellent oral communication | 34 |
| Conduct business and technical studies | 32 |
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. A security background check normally is required.
Systems and security threats are constantly changing. As a result, systems security analysts must continuously upgrade their knowledge.
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.
For a broad list of programs and courses that may be related to this occupation try searching using keywords.
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.
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
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:
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.
Salaries for systems security analysts vary depending on their education, experience, and the duties they perform.
| 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 |
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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.
| 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: www.cipsalberta.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: technologyalberta.com
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2018. 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.