New pathways for the UKs future cyber security experts

Requirements to enter the field vary by job and employer, but cybersecurity professionals usually need extensive knowledge and certifications. Others attend technology bootcamps, and many pursue a college degree in cybersecurity. The outlook for cybersecurity specialists is very positive due to the increasing reliance on technology and the growing threat of cyber attacks.

• HND’s are available in Cyber Security and will cover areas such as programming, networking, and database design and development.
• In this role, you might manage security teams, coordinate between teams, and ensure security compliance.
• Many employers require cybersecurity specialists to obtain prior work experience in information security or a related field.

Of course, before embarking on a career as a cybersecurity professional you’ll need to ensure your knowledge is as current as it can be. There are lots of cybersecurity courses available that will provide you with the fundamentals required to get started. As cybersecurity continues to grow in importance, more specialized roles are emerging. Starting as a cybersecurity analyst creates opportunities to follow your interests within the world of information security and create a career path that’s right for you. Pursuing a career in cybersecurity means joining a booming industry where available jobs outnumber qualified candidates. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the number of cybersecurity jobs is expected to increase by 32 percent between 2022 and 2032 [1].

Resources for Future Cybersecurity Specialists

According to Payscale, security specialists with 10 or more years of experience earned an average annual salary of $98,389 as of September 2021. Security specialists take responsibility for their organizations’ computer-related security, protecting company data against cyberattacks. Companies hire these professionals to prevent security breaches by analyzing current systems, researching ever-evolving risks, suggesting improvements, and implementing changes.

Security specialists also secure data networks, intercept security breaches, and make changes to improve security. These specialists apply programming languages and ingenuity to create solutions for complex issues. Developing security systems often involves the collaboration of many specialized professionals. Security specialists handle sensitive information, so most employers require experience and expertise. According to a Burning Glass Technologies report, 46% of cybersecurity jobs require 3-5 years of experience.

Get familiar with cybersecurity tools and software.

Reach out to cybersecurity professionals on LinkedIn for informational interviews—or send a message to hiring managers to reiterate your interest after applying for a job. Real-world experience working on cybersecurity projects is one of the best ways to learn and represent your abilities to prospective employers. Cybersecurity specialists perform similar work to information security specialists but may how to become a security specialist focus more on hardware. As experts in cybersecurity, these specialists help to create, analyze and deploy organizational security systems. Cybersecurity specialists test for areas of potential exposure in interconnected computer networks, document their findings and provide solutions for vulnerabilities. Candidates may spend 3-5 years gaining technology experience, often in non-security IT roles.