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How to start and progress in a Cyber Security career
Why is cyber security so important?
Cyber security plays an essential role in the fabric of the technology industry. In short, cyber security is the practice of protecting computers, networks, and data from unauthorised access, attacks, damage, or theft. These are all important safety measures that keep your information and devices secure from hackers and other malicious activities online. Keep reading to find out more about this essential role in tech!
What tasks does cyber security cover and why is it an important role?
Cyber security requires a few key skills that are important for all roles heading down a career path in cyber security.
Protecting personal information: Every device and technology we use today stores a lot of sensitive data online, such as credit card details, medical records, and personal messages. Cyber security plays a vital role in keeping this information safe from being stolen or misused.
Preventing financial loss: Cyberattacks (digital attacks led by hackers to destroy or damage computer systems) can lead to massive financial losses for individuals and companies. Cyber security professionals work to prevent these attacks and minimise damage.
Securing businesses: Almost every company, from the medical industry to retail, relies heavily on digital systems for its operations. If these systems are compromised, they can disrupt business operations, lead to loss of trust, and cause significant financial damage.
Safeguarding National security: Governments have to protect their data and infrastructure from cyber threats. Cyber security is crucial for national defence and public safety.
Cyber security is relevant to today’s technologically advanced world because of increased online activity with more people browsing the web, shopping and socialising online – there is a higher risk of cyber attacks occurring. Cyber security ensures these activities remain safe from growing threats. Not only does it protect our everyday digital usage, but it helps to protect critical infrastructures such as electricity, water and healthcare systems. But, as counter technology to hack these systems evolves, cyber security innovations also get smarter to ensure regular compliance is maintained.
What skills are needed to work in cyber security?
To be successful in cyber security, professionals need a mix of technical skills, analytical abilities, and soft skills. Here are some of the core skills required in cyber security:
Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills- Critical thinking
- Attention to detail
- Risk management
- Networking and system administration
- Programming and scripting
- Cryptography
- Threat detection and incident response
- Penetration testing and ethical hacking
- Understanding of security frameworks and compliance
- Communication
- Continuous learning
- Ethics and Integrity
- Collaboration and teamwork
Why do women do well in cyber security roles?
Women bring unique strengths to cyber security, such as diverse perspectives, strong communication, ethical integrity, and creativity. Their contributions enhance collaboration, problem-solving, and leadership within the field, making cyber security teams more effective. Encouraging more women in cyber security is crucial for fostering a stronger, more innovative industry.
Core Roles in Cyber security
Entry-Level Roles in Cyber Security
These include positions like Security Analyst, SOC Analyst, and Junior Penetration Tester. Professionals typically start here after completing relevant education or certifications.
Security Analyst: Monitors and analyses security events, investigates incidents, and recommends improvements to strengthen security posture.
Junior Penetration Tester (Ethical Hacker): Conducts simulated cyber attacks on systems to identify vulnerabilities before malicious hackers can exploit them.
Security Operations Center Analyst (SOC Analyst for short): Watch over the company’s network to look for any suspicious activity, like hackers trying to break in. When they find something unusual, they will investigate it to see if it’s a real threat or just a false alarm. If so, they will help fix it quickly to keep the company’s data safe.
Mid-Level Roles in Cyber Security
As experience grows, professionals move into roles like Security Engineer, Incident Responder, and Mid-Level Penetration Tester. These positions require more specialised knowledge and a deeper understanding of cyber security threats and defences.
Mid-Level Penetration Officer: They have more responsibility compared to their junior colleagues, expecting to have greater technical expertise in conducting full penetration tests and identifying and exploiting vulnerabilities to improve security measures. They’ll often work directly with clients and guide junior team members.
Security Engineer: Designs, develops, and maintains security systems and infrastructure to protect an organisation’s data and networks.
Incident Responder: Respond to security breaches, analyse how attacks occurred, and develop strategies to prevent future incidents.
Senior-Level Roles
With several years of experience, professionals advance to roles like Security Architect, Senior Security Engineer, and Security Consultant. These positions often involve more strategic responsibilities, such as designing security systems and advising on complex security issues.
Security Architect: Creates and oversees the implementation of complex security structures, defining security policies, and ensuring that systems are designed securely.
Senior Security Engineer: Compared to their more junior colleagues, are expected to take on more advanced responsibilities in addition to designing, developing, and maintaining security systems. This role will require more strategic decision-making and leadership abilities to lead or mentor junior team members.
Security Consultant: Advises organisations on their cyber security strategies, assesses risks, and recommends security improvements, often working on a project or contract basis..
Executive-Level Roles in Cyber Security
More experienced professionals in Cyber security may progress into leadership roles like Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), Chief Security Officer (CSO), or even broader executive positions such as Chief Technology Officer (CTO). These roles require not only an in-depth technical knowledge of cyber security but also a strong grasp of business strategy, risk management, regulatory compliance, and the ability to communicate effectively with both technical teams and senior stakeholders.
At this level, executives are responsible for shaping and overseeing the organisation’s entire cyber security framework, aligning it with broader business goals to protect against evolving threats.
Chief Information Security Officer (CISO): A senior executive responsible for developing and overseeing the organisation’s overall cyber security strategy, and aligning security initiatives with business objectives.
CISO (Chief Information Security Officer): The CISO is like the head of a team that protects the company’s data. They make sure that hackers can’t get in, and they create strategies to keep all of the company’s information safe. They also help fix things if there is a security breach.
CSO (Chief Security Officer): The CSO looks after both digital and physical security. So, while they handle online threats (like hackers), they’re also responsible for things like security cameras and building access to make sure the company is safe both online and offline.
CTO (Chief Technology Officer): The CTO is in charge of all the technology the company uses, not just security. They help the company choose the right tech tools, make sure everything works well, and ensure the technology supports the company’s goals. Security is part of their job, but they also focus on things like software, hardware, and innovation.
Specialised Roles in Cyber Security
Some professionals may choose to specialise in areas such as cryptography, forensics, or IAM, leading to niche roles that require specific expertise and can lead to senior positions within those specialities.
Cryptographer: Specialises in creating and implementing encryption algorithms and cryptographic systems to secure data and communications.
Malware Analyst: Analyses malware to understand its behavior, and helps in developing tools to detect and prevent malware infections.
Risk Analyst: Assesses potential security risks to the organisation, evaluates the effectiveness of existing controls and recommends improvements.
Compliance Officer: Ensures that the organisation adheres to legal and regulatory requirements related to cyber security, and helps implement policies to maintain compliance.
Forensic Analyst: Investigates and analyses cybercrimes, collecting and preserving evidence, and working with law enforcement when necessary.
Identity and Access Management (IAM) Specialist: Manages user access and identity controls, ensuring that only authorised individuals have access to specific data and systems.
Side note! A lot of our community members also work in data engineering within cyber security, such as Claire Evans! Get to know their story and journey into their tech roles right here.
Career Progression & Salary in Cyber Security
A typical career progression and salary development will differ between industries, location, and even years of experience. But a typical progress may look something like this:
- Junior Security Analyst (or SOC Analyst): Experience: 0-2 yr, £26K – £32K/yr
- Security Analyst: Experience: 2-6 years, £37K – £60K/yr (Prospects)
- Penetration Tester (Ethical Hacker): Experience: 3-5 years, £40K – £80K/yr (Prospects)
- Incident Responder: Experience: 4-6 years, £52K – £80K/yr (Talent.com)
- Senior Security Engineer: Experience: 7-10 years, £57K – £97K/yr (Talent.com)
- Security Consultant: Experience: 7-10 years, £90K – £150K+/yr (Reed)
- Security Architect: Experience: 8-10 years, £90K – £100K/yr (Morgan McKinley)
- Chief Information Security Officer (CISO): Experience: 10+ years, £120K – £150K/yr (Morgan McKinley)
How to work in Cyber Security with Code First Girls
Cyber security offers a compelling career pathway with plenty of opportunities to learn and upskill along the way. As technology trends develop and cyber security threats become smarter, new innovations are needed and therefore diverse skills and abilities.
MOOC Sprints and Challenges
To get you started in cyber security, we offer numerous MOOC introduction topics that will provide you with essential coding skills, set over 4-weeks each so you can sign up to and complete as many MOOCs as you seek. They are not just for entry-level coders but also available to advanced coders who want to refresh their skills!
Kickstarter Classes
Our next level up is our Coding Kickstarter Classes which run across 8 weeks and provide foundational knowledge to solidify your coding knowledge in the following:
CFGdegree - Software or Data Engineering Pathway
Ready to take on the next chapter of your coding journey? Our CFGdegree is a 16-week course that will arm you with the latest and best coding knowledge in software or Data Engineering and give you practical experience so you can hit the ground running upon completion.
+Masters - Cyber Security
When it comes to studying the +Masters in Cyber security, you can only be eligible for this course if it is also listed by the sponsoring company. So make sure to check when applying for the CFGDegree, if this is a particular route you seek to go down.
Medical Industry
In the healthcare industry, safeguarding patient information is paramount. Cyber security roles in this field focus on data protection and compliance with regulations such as GDPR (in the UK) and HIPAA (in the USA). Securing medical devices that store and transmit sensitive patient information is also crucial. Cyber security professionals must be prepared to respond to privacy breaches and ensure system availability in healthcare settings. While direct experience in healthcare isn’t required, an interest in user-centric systems is highly valued.
Finance Industry
The finance industry requires cutting-edge cyber security measures to protect highly- sensitive information, including financial data, customer records, transaction details, and proprietary algorithms. Fraud prevention is a critical aspect of cyber security in this sector, involving the monitoring and prevention of fraudulent activities such as identity theft. Cyber security professionals also ensure compliance with regulations like GDPR, PCI DSS, and SOX, which are essential for maintaining the integrity and security of financial systems.