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Cyber security jobs are in high-demand as data breaches grab headlines and the country suffers a skill shortage. Do you have the interests, skills and experience necessary to break into and excel in this industry?
There are hundreds of job titles that fall under the ‘Cyber Security’ umbrella. While this isn’t an exhaustive list, some examples of job titles include:
Depending on your role, the field will require:
There is no linear path for success in cyber security. But, all successful cyber security candidates will start with a passion for cyber security and information technology. From there, you could get a degree or certification in a relevant and specialised field. You can also transition from an IT role.
Some examples of IT jobs that lend themselves to a transition into cyber security include:
Once you land your first cyber security job, you should focus on becoming highly specialised in one area. This will make you a more attractive candidate for higher level, specialised roles.
Compared to the national average, cyber security professionals earn an above average salary. But, like most careers, your salary depends on your experience and whether the position is permanent or contract-based.
Please bear in mind that these figures are only estimates and many positions will come with a comprehensive benefits package. Please review our job board for current vacancies and their salaries.
While you can start a career in cyber security using an entry-level IT position as a gateway, some employers may require a relevant degree or certification.
Some examples of relevant degree subjects include:
For those with a Bachelor’s degree looking for a higher level position, there are also MSc courses and degrees in Cyber Security.
There are also a number of industry-recognised certifications you can obtain instead of, or in addition to, your degree. Some of the most relevant certifications include:
Acumin has been an international cyber security recruitment specialist for almost 20 years. Our recruitment services span permanent and contract recruitment and executive search across both the private and public sectors.
Please review our job board for current vacancies.
Our goal is to always find our clients and our candidates a perfect match.
What does a ‘typical day’ look like for a cyber security professional?
As you might expect, daily life for cyber security professionals is unpredictable, just like the attacks they’re tasked with preventing. In general, the job is a balancing act of detection and protection and someone in this role will likely be interacting and working with a number of different people at a number of different levels each day, including stakeholders, customers, and everyone in between. Analysis is a big part of the job and staying up-to-date with cyber security news is a requirement. Given the critical nature of cyber attacks, some roles at some companies will require work outside of the traditional 9-5 window.
Is a certification or a degree better?
This is dependent on a number of factors and you can succeed in this industry with both. You can read more about the pros and cons of degrees and certifications here on our blog.
What is the best certification?
You should choose which certification is right for you based on the specific role within cyber security that you’re interested in and your skill level. For example, those just starting out in the industry or those who are transitioning from an IT job should look to start with a Security+ certification. As you progress professionally, you should look to more skill-specific certifications that match your career goals.
Do most cyber security professionals work remotely or from an office?
There are certainly a number of jobs that you can find within cyber security that are completely virtual and that don’t require you to go into an office. It really all depends on the company you work for and your specific role. For example, penetration testing jobs – especially freelance opportunities – are often remote. On the other hand, government jobs generally require you to work on-site.
Are there a lot of cyber security jobs available?
Job outlook in cyber security is good, with a projected growth rate higher than average. New and exciting jobs are added to our database daily. To stay up-to-date, sign-up for Acumin Alerts.
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