From the different types of cyber security jobs, to average salaries you can expect and our expert advice on tailoring your CV to land your dream role, here’s everything you need to know about how to get a cyber security job.
If you’re interested in pursuing a career in the cyber security industry, you should consider the following reasons why it’s a favourable choice:
Demand for professionals: There is a growing demand for cyber security professionals, as cyber security threats become more sophisticated and frequent. Many organisations who may never have considered cyber security roles before, are actively seeking cyber security professionals to protect them against threats.
Genuinely making a difference to individuals and society: Cyber security job roles contribute to the greater good, by safeguarding sensitive information, data and critical infrastructure. By working in cyber security, you are genuinely impacting the lives of others; a contribution to society that is extremely rewarding.
Opportunities to learn: Technology is developing at a rapid rate, as are cyber security threats. This means that in any cyber security job, ongoing learning is crucial to staying ahead of new threats. This is appealing to those who like to be challenged and enjoy a role that does not stay stagnant.
Global opportunities: Cyber security is a global issue, meaning you could be working on international projects and your work could take you anywhere in the world. Plus, given the digital nature of the role, many cyber security jobs are remote, which lends itself to flexibility and more opportunities available.
Security Analyst: Protects companies from cyber-attacks by identifying and correct flaws in the security system.
Network Security Engineer: Protects systems from cyber threats, including malware, phishing, DoS / DDoS attacks and hacking attempts. You can read more about the different types of cyber-attacks here.
Cryptographer: Develops highly complex and challenging cryptographic algorithms and protocols with the ultimate goal of blocking hackers, safeguarding data and sensitive information. Those that specialise specifically in breaking or decrypting codes are called cryptanalysts, another cyber security job to consider.
Ethical Hacker: Testing a computer system, a network or an application (authorised testing) to find security vulnerabilities that could be exploited by criminal hackers.
Digital Forensics Investigator: Specialises in collecting, analysing and preserving data and evidence to be used in legal proceedings, helping to solve crimes by closely with law enforcement officials and forensics professionals. You can find more about Digital Forensics Investigator jobs here.
Incident Responder: Responds to and manages cybersecurity incidents, such as data breaches or attacks, to minimise damage and prevent future occurrences.
The average base salary for someone working in a cyber security job in the UK is £43,000, according to Indeed. However, this will vary due to specialism, experience and location. You can find the top 10 highest-paying cyber security jobs here.
The cyber security job market is fierce, meaning you’re likely to come up against some stiff competition, even just for an interview. Tailoring your CV to the specific job you're applying for increases your chances of standing out for any role, and it’s no different for a job in cyber security.
Here are our top tips for tailoring your CV for a cyber security job:
Identify the key skills mentioned in the job description, and give examples of where you’ve used these before, and what successes came from this. Even if you haven’t had paid experience in a similar job, remember to mention any relevant previous involvement, including familiarity with specific cyber security tools.
Providing examples of your experience in real-time projects helps potential employers understand your capabilities and how you can apply your knowledge to real situations. Quantifying your accomplishments where possible, such as reducing a certain number of security incidents in a given timeframe is key to catching employers’ eyes.
3. Use keywords
As many companies now utilise Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) when recruiting, you can use the original job description to your advantage. Make sure to incorporate relevant keywords from this into your CV, including cybersecurity technologies and any specific tools mentioned in job posting, to get through the initial CV screening.
4. Qualifications and training
Mention certifications you hold, such as Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), the world's premier infosec qualification, or Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH). Make sure to add dates to these qualifications, showing your commitment to staying current and on top of trends in this area.
On the Portsmouth Online Cyber Security and Digital Forensics course, you'll develop a well-rounded view of your field – from developing the expertise to safeguard peoples’ data to predicting attacks, analysing cybercrime, and designing robust IT infrastructures.
The course is part-time and 100% online, meaning you can work at your own pace and around your existing commitments: