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Cyber security professionals design, implement, test and maintain cyber security systems and track, investigate and analyse data linked to cybercrime.

Main tasks

  • Uses specialist software to gather and analyse information and evidence relating to cybercrime and presents findings to law enforcement officials or private clients.
  • Deals with and reports on breaches in security.
  • Makes recommendations concerning software/system quality.
  • Develops quality standards and validation techniques.
  • Develops test plans for security systems and undertakes and documents the testing of security systems weaknesses and errors, identifies source of problems and proposes solutions.
  • Examines IT system for potential threats to its security and integrity and draws up response plans for situations where security is compromised.

Source: Office for National Statistics.

Salary and earnings

Potential earnings

£78,969.03

Average earnings

£46,569.32

Source: Office for National Statistics' Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE).

Skills & knowledge

The top 5 most important skills and knowledge requirements relevant to this career.

Active Learning

Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

Reading Comprehension

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Active Listening

Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Critical Thinking

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Monitoring

Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Computers and Electronics

Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

Education and Training

Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

Customer and Personal Service

Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

Telecommunications

Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.

Clerical

Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.

What course level do I need to study?

The level of study required will vary with each job, sector and company. The table below shows the level of study achieved by those currently working in this career choice.

Educational requirements: Honours, Bachelor's degree

Source: Office for National Statistics.

Level of study Percentage achieved
Level 0 1%
Level 1 3%
Level 2 10%
Level 3 22%
Level 4-5 (Higher Education) 12%
Level 6 (Bachelors) 38%
Level 7 (Masters or equivalent) 11%
Level 8 (Doctorate) 2%

Source: Labour Force Survey (LFS) data.

Economic data for careers is provided by Lightcast and also available through our Career Coach app. Job postings, employment and earnings information is represented at the regional level for the East Midlands.