This week a controversial UK government-backed advertising campaign was launched across social media to encourage people to retrain. The advert featured an image of a ballet dancer alongside the message: “Fatima’s next job could be in cyber (she just doesn’t know it yet)”. The campaign was met with an onslaught of negative reaction. At a time when arts and culture sector is expected to lose 400,000 jobs and £74bn loss in income because of the coronavirus pandemic, the timing of the advert could not have been worse. Culture Secretary , Oliver Dowden described the advert as crass and it was later pulled. The advert was not solely targeted at people working within the arts but was part of a pre-existing campaign to encourage people from all walks of life to consider a career in cyber security. Should you consider a career in cyber security?
What is cyber security?
Cyber security is the practice of defending computers, servers, mobile devices, electronic systems, networks, and data from unauthorised access and malicious attacks. If a business suffers a hack the damage can be immense. High profile cyber security failures capture headlines, cost millions and put customers at risk. The Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2020 commissioned by The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport shows the extent of the challenge businesses face. Almost half of businesses (46%) and a quarter of charities (26%) report having cyber security breaches or attacks in the last 12 months. The stakes are even higher for medium and large sized businesses. The survey found that 68% of medium sized businesses and 75% of large businesses suffered breaches/attacks in the last year. Yet despite the increasing importance of cyber security ,research suggests that by 2022 there will be 100,000 vacant cyber security jobs in the UK . There are simply not enough people pursuing the relevant education and training.
What cyber security jobs are there?
Cyber security is an incredibly diverse field, with professionals specialising in a range of platforms, technology (such as cloud storage and apps) through to specific skills like hacking and analysis. Broadly speaking the jobs fall into the following broad categories:
- Network security – securing a computer network from intruders, whether targeted attackers or opportunistic malware.
- Application security – focuses on keeping software and devices free of threats.
- Information security – protecting the integrity and privacy of data.
- Operational security – creating and maintaining the processes for handling and protecting data, including the procedures that determine how and where data may be stored and shared.
Some examples of cyber security jobs include: Cloud Security Consultant, Software Security Officer, Security Administrator and Ethical Hacker.
How much could I earn in cyber security?
Cyber security roles are amongst the highest paying jobs in tech. Salaries range from around £20,000 for entry-level Cyber Security Consultants, to over £100,000 for Security Directors.
How can I find a job in cyber security?
If you do not have a relevant degree, the fastest way to find a role in cyber security is to get qualified. There are a wide range of different certifications out there, for those with experience and complete beginners. Many of the qualifications can be pursued by taking online and self-paced courses, so you can fit them around your existing commitments.
Some of the most popular cyber security certifications include:
- CompTIA – This popular entry-level IT certification can help you get up to speed, and security qualified fast.
- Certified Ethical Hacker – This certification introduces you to the hacking tools and techniques used by real cyber criminals. This qualification will allow you to apply for ethical hacking roles right away, to help companies detect potential security vulnerabilities.
- CCNA Security – This qualification teaches how to keep networks secure, and how to deal with a variety of security threats.
- If you are interested in an entry level cyber security role, or if you are simply keen to learn more about the industry, why not attend the upcoming virtual Cyber Security job fair on the 17November 2020. Job fairs are a great opportunity to engage with course providers and employers.Sign up to our newsletter below and find out about virtual careers fairs in every sector, special offers and more.
