What they do all day? Our information is more accessible than ever, spread over multiple devices, systems, and the "cloud." It's the job of information assurance analysts to ensure that companies' data is secure, intact, and accessible to those that need it, while protected from those who don't. They evaluate what information is sensitive, identify risks, and recommend procedures to keep data safe.

How to get the job? Companies tend to build teams with diverse backgrounds, including analysts with math, science, IT, information security, or even military expertise. A high-level security clearance is a big plus if you work for the government or a contractor.

What's great? What's not? With the rise in cybercrime, there's great demand for analysts who can help combat the problem. But the job can be a pressure-cooker if you work for an outfit where the stakes are high, such as, say, the Department of Homeland Security. --K.A.

What they do all day? Our information is more accessible than ever, spread over multiple devices, systems, and the "cloud." It's the job of information assurance analysts to ensure that companies' data is secure, intact, and accessible to those that need it, while protected from those who don't. They evaluate what information is sensitive, identify risks, and recommend procedures to keep data safe. --K.A.