Hacking threat drives demand for information security analysts

At the front line in the fight against healthcare hackers are the information security analysts, and as the fight continues, the need for these technological soldiers is growing.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the need for information security analysts is set to grow 18 percent from 2014-2024, a faster than average rate compared to other occupations.

“Demand for information security analysts is expected to be very high,” according to the BLS website. "Cyberattacks have grown in frequency, and analysts will be needed to come up with innovative solutions to prevent hackers from stealing critical information or creating problems for computer networks.”

The need for information to remain secure from those who would steal it is of the upmost importance. That is especially so for our healthcare system, where hackers can steal patient information and then either hold the data for a ransom or sell it on the black market.

“As the healthcare industry expands, its use of electronic medical records, ensuring patients’ privacy and protecting personal data are becoming more important,” said BLS. “More information security analysts are likely to be needed to create the safeguards that will satisfy patients’ concerns.”