Information Security Analysts Are In High Demand In Baltimore
The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that this field will grow by a hefty 37 percent between 2012 and by 2022, the average being about 12 percent. Here in Baltimore, considered a hub for computer security training and cyber security in general, there are approximately 13,000 open positions in the field.
Information security jobs in the Greater Baltimore area will be fueled not only by private businesses needing IT assistance, but especially by healthcare enterprises as health records are increasingly digitized requiring that security measures be put into place and maintained.
Also, it is anticipated that the federal government will have contracts for information security climbing to an expected $14 billion by 2017, which means additional jobs here in the Baltimore area.
As the threats to IT systems become increasingly complex and diverse, the education and training to become an information security analyst is evolving. Most employers require a bachelor's degree in a computer technology field; some will accept a general field, such as computer science or computer engineering.
Many now prefer more specialized degrees such as a B.S. in information systems security, information security or information assurance.
There are also several associate degrees in IT security available from technical schools, junior colleges, and other schools which may lead to entry-level positions with security firms.
According to University of Maryland University College/ Cyber Security, a local school which trains in the IT security area, the job skills employers are looking for in this job category include proficiency in:
Firewalls, Network Security, LINUX, UNIX, CISA-Certified Information Systems Auditor, cryptography, Cisco, Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), system and network configuration, and scanners.
Finally, the average pay for college trained information system analysts, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, ran about $86,170 as of 2012.
Susan Brown originally spent many years in banking/finance before confronting her addictions. She has now been in recovery for 20 years.
Primary interests include metaphysics and energy healing in which
she has several certifications. She has written for Examiner.com since 2009 and also writes for Om Times. Sue lives in Baltimore.
