Cyber Careers

There are so many Cyber Security roles – a mix of technical and non-technical. Not all require you to be a code ninja… the majority suit excellent problem solvers and communicators rather than specific cyber skill. Lots of roles are around strategy, incident response, consulting and management – there’s a role which would fit almost everyone.

SPOTLIGHT ON: Penetration Tester

• A Penetration Tester’s job is to break into a system by simulating a cyber attack in order to identify and report on security vulnerabilities
• There are a variety of types of Pentester who work against different types of system, including web and web application, network, device and physical systems
• Pentesting isn’t just a technical skill – it suits those who are problem solvers and lateral thinkers, with analytical skills and an attention to detail
• Pentesters work for large or small companies as well as there being a lot of independent freelance workers
• Starting Salary £20-£30,000
• Typical Salary £40-£65,000 – more is not unusual
• Often flexible working / working from home
• Routes in include degrees, apprenticeships and industry qualification

SPOTLIGHT ON: Cyber Security Analyst

• Cyber security analysts help 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.
• They work either for a specific company or on a consultancy basis
• Starting Salary £25-£35,000
• Typical Salary £35-£50,000 – senior analysts earn £70,000+
• Routes in include degrees, apprenticeships and industry qualification

SPOTLIGHT  ON: Cyber Security Forensic Analyst

• A forensic computer analyst investigates data breaches, security incidents and criminal activity. They might work for the police or other law enforcement agencies, or for a specialist computer forensic company or investigative team
• Using a range of specialised methods and techniques, they retrieve and analyse data linked to a range of criminal activity, such as network intrusions, hacking, online fraud, political, industrial and commercial espionage, terrorist communication, theft of confidential information and the use of illegal images.
• Starting Salary £21-£25,000
• Typical Salary £30-£45,000 – can be £80,000+ in senior roles in industry
• Routes in include degrees, apprenticeships and industry qualification 

Computer Games Industry

There are also lots of careers in the computer games industry. Roles encompass the creative arts including idea generation, storyboard creation and graphical design to the physical coding and development of the game engine. As gaming has moved online there is also a massive industry around the technology and infrastructure required to support that and the cyber security of games and gaming platforms.

The UK has a number of top-level Computer Games companies developing many of the latest releases. Some simple online searches can connect you with apprenticeships and internships with these companies.