Cyber Security Specialist
Careers Explorer:
Research, identify and manage potential cyber security risks.
Overview
Cyber security is one of the fastest growing careers in the tech sector, as organisations strive to protect themselves from the rising threat of cyber-attacks.
As a Cyber Security Specialist, you’ll need to research, analyse, model, assess and manage cyber security risks.
You’ll need to be technically-minded, as you’ll be helping to protect an organisation by employing a range of technologies and processes to prevent, detect and manage cyber threats. This can include protection of computers, data, networks and programmes.
You’ll have to keep up-to-date with the latest security and technological developments, as you’ll be constantly monitoring for potential and emerging threats. You’ll also need to keep a cool head in a crisis as it’s your job to plan for disaster recovery in the event of a security breach.
Top 5 Tasks
- Research and evaluate emerging cyber security threats and ways to manage them
- Monitor for attacks, intrusions and unusual, unauthorised or illegal activity
- Design new security systems
- Engage in ‘ethical hacking’, for example, simulating security breaches
- Implement firewalls and encryption.
Salary
Starting salaries for Cyber Security Specialists are between £25,000 and £35,000, while someone with several years of experience, can expect to earn up to £50,000.
In higher level leadership or managerial roles, you can earn in excess of £70,000.
Am I Suited?
- Technical competency
- Logical thinker
- Team player
- Excellent communicator
- Works well under pressure
Email spam is the most common method for cyber criminals to spread malware.
Qualifications
It’s possible to enter the cyber security profession without a degree by starting in an entry-level IT position, and working your way up to a cyber security role.
However, most employers would favour a degree in a related field such as computer science, software engineering or other IT-related degrees.
