Information Security Analysts
Also called: cybersecurity, security, analyst, information security officer, information security specialist
Do you do this at work?
Answer each card — it takes about a minute.
Do you do this at work?
Perform risk assessments and execute tests of data processing system to make sure functioning of data processing activities and security measures
Swipe right for yes, left for not me. On a keyboard: → yes, ← not me, Z undo. +2 XP per answer.
How AI is changing information security analysts work
8 of 11 main tasks for this job show up in real AI-use data, so we rate it Red (lots of AI use) — 73% when main tasks are weighted. This shows where people already use AI, not whether the job will disappear. How we measure this.
Tasks in this job and recorded AI use
- Perform risk assessments and execute tests of data processing system to make sure functioning of data processing activities and security measures (main task) — a lot of recorded AI use
- Develop plans to safeguard computer files against accidental or unauthorized modification, destruction, or disclosure and to meet emergency data processing needs (main task) — a lot of recorded AI use
- Document computer security and emergency measures policies, procedures, and tests (main task) — a lot of recorded AI use
- Coordinate implementation of computer system plan with establishment staff and outside vendors (main task) — some recorded AI use
- Encrypt data transmissions and erect firewalls to conceal confidential information as it is being transmitted and to keep out tainted digital transfers (main task) — some recorded AI use
- Monitor use of data files and regulate access to safeguard information in computer files (main task) — some recorded AI use
- Modify computer security files to incorporate new software, correct errors, or change individual access status (main task) — some recorded AI use
- Monitor current reports of computer viruses to determine when to update virus protection systems (main task) — some recorded AI use
- Review violations of computer security procedures and discuss procedures with violators to make sure violations are not repeated (main task) — no recorded AI use
- Talk with users to discuss issues such as computer data access needs, security violations, and programming changes (main task) — no recorded AI use
- Train users and promote security awareness to make sure system security and to improve server and network efficiency (main task) — no recorded AI use
Tasks: O*NET 31.0. AI use: Anthropic Economic Index (exact or close text match).
Your first steps (guidance)
- Week 1: Open a free AI assistant and say hello. Follow our “Getting started with AI” guide. Ask it one simple question about your work.
- Week 2: Use AI on one task you do often. Try the prompt for: “Perform risk assessments and execute tests of data processing system to make sure functioning of data processing activities and security measures”. Try the prompt for: “Develop plans to safeguard computer files against accidental or unauthorized modification, destruction, or disclosure and to meet emergency data processing needs”.
- Weeks 3–4: Make it a habit. Use AI 3 times a week for 15 minutes. Always check facts, numbers and names yourself.
Tick your own tasks above to get a plan based on what you really do. New to AI? Read our beginner’s guide.
Questions about AI and information security analysts
Will AI replace information security analysts?
Our data can’t predict job losses, and we don’t try to. What it does show: 8 of the 11 main tasks for this job match tasks people already use AI for (Anthropic Economic Index), giving a Red rating (lots of AI use). Using AI on a task is not the same as AI doing the whole job, and 3 of the 11 listed tasks show no recorded AI use yet.
Which cybersecurity tasks is AI used for most?
In the data, the most AI use among this job’s tasks is for: perform risk assessments and execute tests of data processing system to make sure functioning of data processing activities and security measures; develop plans to safeguard computer files against accidental or unauthorized modification, destruction, or disclosure and to meet emergency data processing needs; document computer security and emergency measures policies, procedures, and tests.
Which cybersecurity tasks show little or no AI use?
For example: review violations of computer security procedures and discuss procedures with violators to make sure violations are not repeated; talk with users to discuss issues such as computer data access needs, security violations, and programming changes; train users and promote security awareness to make sure system security and to improve server and network efficiency. These are good places to keep building your own skills.
How does this job compare to others?
In Microsoft Research’s “Working with AI” study, this job’s AI applicability score is equal to or higher than 74% of the occupations they scored. That measures overlap with AI chat use, not risk of job loss.
How can a cybersecurity start learning AI?
Start small: open a free AI assistant, try it on one task you do often, and always check facts and numbers yourself. The plan on this page is guidance, not professional advice.