What is Cyber Security?

Cyber security is the protection of networks, systems and data from cyber attacks using various technologies, controls and processes. These attacks are typically aimed at accessing, altering or destroying sensitive information, with some of the most common being malware, ransomware and phishing. An effective cyber security approach consists of several layers of protection over potential targets, which cyber security professionals will oversee.

How to Get Into Cyber Security?

There is no single path to a career in cyber security, so people get into it from many different angles. A cyber security degree is not always required, but qualifications in computer science or related areas will go a long way. What’s most important is that you have a profound interest in how technology works, as well as a deep insight into what needs protecting and why exactly things are unsecure. Here are a few suggested ways to gain this understanding:

Train in IT

Starting in an IT role unrelated to cyber security will help you learn the fundamentals needed for a future security role. Learning coding, database management and system configuration will all come in handy.

Narrow your focus

Focusing on one area of cyber security will help you hone the skills you need to get there. For example, if you wanted to go into web security, look at web developer jobs first.

Be a self-directed learner

Gain as much knowledge and experience in your chosen field as you can. Investing in training courses, teaching yourself to code and joining local security groups are just some of the ways you can build your skillset. Formal qualifications from reputable examining bodies will also stand you in good stead. This includes qualifications such as: a Certified Information Security Manager certificate from ISACA, a Certified Information Systems Security Professional certificate from (ISC)², or a BCS Certificate in Information Systems Security Management certificate from BCS.

Salary Information and Career Progression for Cyber Security Jobs

• Opportunity

  As hackers launch progressively sophisticated attacks at an increasingly rapid rate, the cyber security industry will need all the help it can get. Unfortunately for everyone that isn’t a hacker, the cyber security market is known as the industry with the “largest human capital shortage in the world”.

  Businesses are massively struggling to deal with today’s threat climate. According to the 2017 Global Information Security Workforce (GISW) Study, two thirds of respondents admitted their organisations did not have the number of cyber security professionals required. By 2019, more than six million cyber security experts will be needed globally, yet there are currently only 4.5 million professionals who fulfil the necessary requirements, leaving many roles unfilled.

  Although there are many programmes out there aimed at increasing the popularity of cyber security as a career path, the talent shortage is expected to continue for the foreseeable future because of the increased threat level. Demand for experts in this field is therefore only going to grow.

  The upside to all of this is that talented cyber security professionals are going to be highly in demand for years to come. If you’re considering going into cyber security, or are currently in the field, you can be sure there will be plenty of opportunities for you to advance in this career.

• Popular Industries for Cyber Security Jobs

  There are a few core industries which regularly employ cyber security specialists. Among these are the information technology, engineering, military industries, as well as the government and the security sector itself.

  The number of job opportunities for the various cyber security job roles vary between different industries. Most security consultant roles, for example, are offered within the information technology sector, whilst the majority of CISSP experts are demanded by the government.

  Cyber security firms themselves are also always on the hunt for new talent. Some of the leading firms in the world include Herjavec Group, IBM Security and Raytheon, and they are an obvious source of cyber security opportunities.

• Recent Changes in the Cyber Security Industry

  One of the biggest changes within cyber security is the growing importance of ISO 27001 – the international standard for information security management systems. More and more organisations now implement the ISO 27001, causing an increased demand for professionals who are qualified in accordance with this standard.

  As previously touched upon, another huge change in the industry is increasing frequency of cyber-attacks over the past few years. Internet of Things (IoT) threats and Ransomware attacks are becoming more prominent, creating headaches for both businesses and IT professionals alike. Ransomware is particularly dangerous, as it can spread viruses latching onto confidential information that can only be removed if data owners meet a cyber criminal’s demands. Disaster Recovery as a Service (DRaaS) solutions have been heralded as the best defence against ransomware, and can automatically backup files when an attack is launched. Familiarity with these solutions is becoming very important to many cyber security roles.

• Future Prospects

  With the aforementioned talent shortage within the cyber security industry, it is unsurprising that the future prospects for cyber security professionals are extremely promising. The already high average salaries are expected to rise even further, and the working conditions are likely to become even more convenient – for example, more cyber security professionals are gaining the opportunity to work from home. Besides the competitive salaries, the flexibility and the multiplicity of job offers, cyber security specialists will also have the chance to work with cutting-edge technology.

• Salt’s advice for getting a job in cyber security

  Employers’ Requirements

  Cyber security roles require a mix of both hard and soft skills. In terms of hard skills, you’ll need to be well-versed in cyber security fundamentals like carrying out risk assessments, developing functional security requirements and using security technologies such as IDaaS.

  When it comes to soft skills, effective communication is highly sought-after as cyber security professionals often need to explain complex concepts both to clients and colleagues. You will also need to be very detail-driven in order to examine technical issues from all angles, and problem-solving and analytical skills are a must.

  CV Requirements

  It is important to show your understanding of the latest information security principles and the best practices for software development and database security, as well as demonstrate excellent knowledge of different open source applications. It should also be clear that you can conduct vulnerability assessments (including penetration testing), wireless security assessment and infrastructure solution implementation.

  Make sure to talk about some of the most significant projects you have worked on, detailing what they were looking to achieve, what technologies you used and how you succeeded with these different projects.

  Interview Preparation

  The employers’ expectations of cyber security specialists are extremely high, so you’ll need to come well-prepared for job interviews. One suggestion is to anticipate the type of cyber security problems a business might face and the solutions you’d come up with. You should also make sure you get to know your interviewers’ backgrounds before meeting them as it might reveal which types of questions they are likely to ask. Finally, be sure to check out the various online resources documenting typical cyber security interview questions as these can invaluable to your preparation.

  Educational Requirements

  The educational requirements for cyber security jobs vary. Generally speaking, it is advisable to have a degree in cyber security, mathematics, computer engineering, computer science or something similar. For more senior positions, it is beneficial to also have a master’s degree with focus on information technology security. That said, some employers may still hire you if you only have a few years experience in the cyber security field in lieu of a degree.