Cyber Security Specialist - Job Description - Targetjobs

1/8/24, 2:23 PM Cyber security specialist: job description | targetjobs
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Cyber security specialist: job description

Olivia Rowland
Last updated: 21 Nov 2023, 16:22
Cyber security specialists protect organisations’ IT systems from hacks, malware and other attacks by cyber criminals.
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Cyber security specialist : Salaries | Employers | Qualifications and training | Key skills
Cyber security specialists play an essential role protecting organisations’ digital networks from criminal intrusion. Much of their work
involves a mix of artistry and technical expertise as they need to be constantly one step ahead of the hackers and organised criminals
behind cyber attacks.
Typical duties include:
developing and implementing a cyber security strategy.
monitoring for vulnerabilities and risks in existing software and systems.
building firewalls and spyware and malware detection into network infrastructures.
monitoring software use.
installing and testing new security measures.
if a breach occurs or a threat is identified, closing off the security vulnerability and developing a plan to prevent any future
incidents.
reporting and investigating IT security incidents, including recreating them to identify vulnerabilities.
testing new security measures.
advising and training colleagues.
You’re likely to work standard office hours (9.00 am – 5.00 pm) but you may have to stay late to respond to an emergency. You may
also need to be on call in case there is a security incident outside working hours.
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With the increase in cybercrime and its growing threat to organisations, cybersecurity professionals are in demand. Salary survey
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websites suggest that earnings can start from around £29,000 and rise to around £100,000.
https://targetjobs.co.uk/careers-advice/job-descriptions/cyber-security-specialist-job-description 1/6
As you progress, you could choose to specialise, which will increase your earning potential.
Typical employers of cyber security specialists
Network providers.
Local and central government.
Banks.
Schools and universities.
Professional services firms.
Telecommunications providers.
Utilities providers.
Entertainment companies.
Engineering firms.
Airlines.
Health and welfare organisations.
Manufacturers.
Security consultancy firms.
Once you’ve gained experience, you could work as a cybersecurity contractor or a self-employed consultant.
Jobs are advertised on targetjobs and by careers services and university departments. You’ll also find them advertised by specialist IT
recruitment agencies and on sector-specific job sites.
Qualifications and training required
Both university graduates and school leavers can enter the cyber security profession. Graduates tend to need a degree related to
computer science or in a STEM subject, but this isn’t always essential. A commitment to working in technology, plus hands-on
experience with IT systems and software, is just as important.
It’s essential to continue learning once you’re employed, as cybercrime and the ways to tackle it are constantly evolving. Your
employer may support you to work towards specialist qualifications.
A number of employers run apprenticeships in cyber security, some of which involve studying towards a degree at the same time as
working.
Key skills for cyber security specialists
Strong IT skills and knowledge including hardware, software and networks.
Meticulous attention to detail.
Ability to use logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of IT systems.
Adaptability.
A forensic approach to challenges.
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A deep understanding of how hackers work and ability to keep up with the fast pace of change of cyber crime capabilities.
Ability to seek out vulnerabilities in IT infrastructures.
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1/8/24, 2:23 PM Cyber security specialist: job description | targetjobs

Cyber security specialist: job description

Typical duties include:

developing and implementing a cyber security strategy.

monitoring for vulnerabilities and risks in existing software and systems.

monitoring software use.

installing and testing new security measures.

testing new security measures.

advising and training colleagues.

Typical employers of cyber security specialists

Local and central government.

Schools and universities.

Professional services firms.

Health and welfare organisations.

Security consultancy firms.

Qualifications and training required

Key skills for cyber security specialists

Strong IT skills and knowledge including hardware, software and networks.

Meticulous attention to detail.

A forensic approach to challenges.

People reading this also searched for roles in these areas:

IT graduate jobs IT internships Consulting internships

Our top picks

What is the recruitment process for a graduate job or scheme?

Cyber, Data & Digital Summer Vacation Scheme

Technology Industrial Placement Manage settings

Get results tailored to you Log in

Trending in these sectors

1 What are the best paying jobs for graduates?

3 Software engineer: job description

4 Applying to McKinsey & Company: CVs, cover letters and interviews

You might be interested in...

Business analyst: job description

Explore Optiver's Software Engineering Internship

Duncan Boyer - Services Execution Graduate, Data Analysis Stream

Computer sales support: job description

© Copyright 2024 GTI Futures Ltd. Registered in England No. 2347472.

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