The prime function of cybersecurity is to protect the devices that we use every day, such as laptops, tablets and smart phones, as well as the digital infrastructure through which we connect, interconnect and share information.
From a business perspective, a cybersecurity professional helps organisations, and the individuals within those organisations, to reduce the risks and impacts of cyber-attacks. As technology becomes more and more prevalent, so the risk posed by malicious threat actors grows. Consequently, cybersecurity experts have never been more in demand.
With AI and other emerging technologies set to present ever more complex challenges, the industry is crying out for talent that can help defend against new and existing threats. This means that security analysts, ethical hackers for penetration testing, and experts in app development are also in increasing demand. It’s a fast paced and exciting industry with plenty of scope for progression.
What Cyber Security jobs will be open to me?
There are a wide range of roles that come under the banner of cybersecurity:
Entry-level roles include:
Junior Cyber Security Analyst, Technical Support Engineer, Junior Cyber Security Consultant
Mid-level roles:
Information Security Officer, Cyber Security Analyst, Cyber Security Engineer, Cyber Security Consultant, Penetration Tester, Cyber Crime Analyst
Senior roles :
Chief Information Security Officer, Cyber Security Manager, Cyber Security Architect, Senior Cyber Security Consultant
Skills and tips for those looking to work in Cyber Security
Below we have highlighted five important skills for those serious about a career in the industry, with advice on how to gain and/or improve them:
- Sharpen your problem-solving skills
Problem solving plays a major part of the role of any security professional, with a requirement to find creative ways to address complex information security challenges across emerging and existing technologies and environments. - Develop technical aptitude
Cyber Security is technology-focused so being technologically savvy is essential in order to perform the daily activities of a Cyber Security professional. This might include maintaining, troubleshooting and updating information security systems as well as providing real-time security solutions. - Grow your Cyber Security knowledge
To be able to protect organisational data and assets its essential to have a solid knowledge foundation. This includes understanding the consequences of a security failure or data breach, and what to do if your systems become compromised. Cybersecurity can be a complex field, so keeping knowledge up to date is essential for understanding the latest threats and how to deal with them. - Focus on attention to detail
Effectively detecting vulnerabilities and risks requires continuous monitoring of the network. Here attention to detail is paramount as the ability to spot and act upon something that doesn’t look quite right could lead to the early detection and mitigation of a serious threat to the business. - Boost your communication skills
As a Cyber Security specialist, you'll work closely with other teams and departments, so it's critical to be able to communicate effectively, whether you’re explaining cybersecurity strategy and policy or helping individuals with varying levels of technical understanding to solve a problem.
How do I build Cyber Security skills?
The skills outlined above can be developed through appropriate education and training. BCS has worked with industry to develop career pathways for those interested in a rewarding career in cybersecurity.
What Cyber Security qualifications do I need?
Cyber Security qualifications for beginners: Find out about our cybersecurity apprenticeships
For you
Be part of something bigger, join BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT.
Benefits: Gain real working experience. Develop your professional self while also getting a qualification. Opportunities to grow and progress.
Cyber Security qualifications for professionals: Find out about our information security and data protection certifications
Benefits: From the principles of information security management and the basics of blockchain, to the NCSC’s Certified Cyber Professional (CCP) assured service, our pathway lets you build your knowledge from foundation to subject matter expert
Discover more: Watch our latest careers video on Cyber Security
Not yet a member of BCS?
To take full advantage of our courses you need to be a member of BCS. If you’ve not yet signed up, perhaps these six reasons will persuade you:
- For 60 years, BCS has been shaping the future of our industry.
- BCS has 1500+ mentors and mentees who regularly share their knowledge and experience.
- 250,000 BCS professional certifications have been awarded across the industry.
- With 1000+ annual events and 150+ specialist interest groups, there’s plenty of opportunities to get involved with the community.
- Keep up to date with industry developments through the member magazine, ITNOW, and our industry reports.
- Membership fees start from just £20 per year for students and apprentices.
