Job Description

Cyber Security Analysts will help protect an organisations computers, data, programmes and networks from criminal intrusion by using a range of technologies and processes to prevent, detect and manage cyber threats.  Cyber security is rapidly becoming one of the most important roles in the tech sector with criminals and hackers becoming ever more sophisticated and specialist needing to be constantly one step ahead.

(The video is from BT Security)

Entry Requirements

You can get into this job through:

Apprenticeship

You could do a cyber security technologist or cyber intrusion higher apprenticeship, or a cyber security technical professional degree apprenticeship.

You'll usually need 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship.

Click here to search for an apprenticeship.

University

You could do a foundation degree, degree or postgraduate award in: computing, information systems, project management or business management.

You'll usually need:

• at least 1 A level, or equivalent, for a foundation degree
• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
• a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

Click here to search for a suitable course.

Work

You could start work as an IT support technician after GCSEs or A levels and train on the job for further qualifications.

Direct Application

You could apply directly to work as an IT security co-ordinator if you've got several years' experience in IT management, network engineering or cyber intelligence.

Further information

You can find out more about working in IT and digital security from The Chartered Institute for IT and National Cyber Security Centre.

Career path and progression

With experience you could move into network management, IT project management or security consultancy.

You could work for the police, security services or specialist law firms, carrying out forensic investigation of computer-based crimes.

Related careers you may be interested in:

• Cyber intelligence officer
• Network engineer
• Database administrator
• Network manager

Required Skills

• strong IT skills including hardware, software and networks
• Meticulous attention to details
• Ability to identify weaknesses in IT systems
• Willingness to keep up with the fast pace of change in the criminal cyber-world
• An understanding of how hackers work
• An analytical approach to challenges
• the ability to use your initiative

Salary Range

£35,000 to £60,000