Information and communications technologies are becoming ever more sophisticated. Regrettably, so are the skills of cybercriminals intent on breaching security protocols for nefarious purposes.
If you are looking to develop your career in the IT industry, there’s a huge opportunity here to take advantage of the shortage of IT security skills and help protect computer systems from illegal hackers, especially since the beginning of the pandemic. As one cybersecurity career page puts it: “The UK coronavirus lockdown has generated an increased demand for experienced cybersecurity professionals in our ever-expanding team. We are looking for more positive, forward-thinking professionals to help us protect our growing client base, from global enterprises to NHS trusts, from malicious attacks.”
Working in IT security can take many forms, but your primary role will revolve around maintaining the safety of the organisation’s software and network security system. This requires an in-depth knowledge of potential vulnerability and how to conduct vulnerability testing, familiarity with effective security products to recommend and strategies for threat prevention and intervention. The main skills required are:
1: A keen technical background
Entrance requirements for most entry-level roles will stipulate a university degree (or equivalent) in Computer Science, Maths, Physics or a related subject, a demonstrable interest in IT security issues and some practical work experience in the field. It is advisable to seek out college internships and summer jobs where available or make contact with a global internship programme provider such as this one from the intern group.
Graduates who completed additional modules in digital and computer forensics, cryptology or database design and administration may have a head start. Depending on whether you are planning to specialise in network security, app security, become an ethical hacker or security analyst, more specific technical knowledge may come in very useful indeed.
Job experience as a network administrator, security administrator or system administrator in a business environment is highly valuable as a platform from which to specialise in IT security, make beneficial industry connections and start building your professional network.
2: Excellent communication skills
If you think the cybersecurity industry is made up of geeky introverts such as penetration testers and ethical hackers who prefer to spend long lonely hours behind a computer screen rather than talking to people, you couldn’t be more wrong. In actual fact, IT security experts must not only be able to understand and assess risks and develop strategies to protect computer systems from malicious attacks, but they also need to have exceptional soft skills.
Strong oral and written communication skills are needed to educate users on the importance of cybersecurity and how to protect their data, to onboard and train up new team members, and to produce and present meaningful management information. The ability to communicate your thinking to others in the organisation including those who may have precious little knowledge of IT is a key requirement for a career in cybersecurity.
3: Industry certifications
While industry qualifications are typically not expected for entry-level IT security roles, professional certifications are a good way to establish your credibility in the field while you progress up the career ladder. There’s a wealth of certifications to choose from, depending on your chosen route, your level of experience and your area of specialisation.
Here are some of the most widely recognised cybersecurity qualifications:
- Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
- Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
- CompTIA Security +
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
- GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC)
- EC-Council Certified Security Analyst (ECSA)
- GIAC Penetration Tester (GPEN)
- Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP)
- Certified in Risk and Information System Control (CRISC)
- Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
- Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)
- Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator (CHFI)
- Cisco Certified Network Associate Security (CCNA)
Starting salaries for cybersecurity analysts typically range between £25K and £35K, with experienced and senior staff earning roughly double that amount. The average annual salary for an ethical hacker is £45K, and one salary checker puts the average salary for cybersecurity jobs at £62,500 per year. The most experienced practitioners in leadership and managerial roles can expect to earn in excess of £75K.
One final word of career advice: Don’t underestimate the importance of a good CV to help you land your dream cybersecurity job. Without a credible document that presents your strengths in the most advantageous way, all your qualifications and experience count for nothing. A well-written resume is your best chance to make a great first impression and stand out from the competition, convincing your would-be employer to call you for an interview, where you will get the opportunity to shine in person.
Related post: 8 Cyber Security Graduate Schemes
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