How to become a Cyber Security Expert

The role of a cyber security expert, or a cyber intelligence officer, is one for which there is a huge demand in the job market worldwide. Arguably, anyone who is highly skilled with computers would be a good fit for this role.

Cyber security may initially seem like a difficult career to get into; however, skilled cyber security experts are highly sought after, and it can be a lucrative career choice. Although a career in cyber security may occasionally be stressful, requiring you to take on a high degree of responsibility and technical knowledge, it can also be a highly rewarding career path. If you have a head for all things IT, perhaps cyber security is the career route for you.

If you are looking for more information on securing a career in Cyber Security, you are in the right place. In this article, we aim to give you more details to enable you to decide whether cyber security expert is the right role for you. We will look at an overview of the day-to-day tasks of a cyber security expert and examine the best way to start your career in cyber security.

Learn how to become a Cyber Security Expert

What does a Cyber Security Expert do?

As a cyber security expert, you'll usually work within an organisation, helping to plan and implement new cyber security systems. You will likely be working on short-term projects for most of your career, however, you may also secure in-house roles.

Common tasks and day-to-day duties of cyber security experts include:

• Analysing and assessing potential business security threats.
• Monitoring and evaluating the business’s network to prevent sensitive data from being compromised.
• Implementing plans and procedures, i.e. firewalls, passwords, and encryption to avoid potential security breaches.
• Producing technical reports.
• Educating other departments on the importance of cyber security.
• Staying abreast of the latest international security news in the media.

What is Cyber Security and why is it so important?

In terms of salary for cyber security experts, this depends on your level of experience and where you are located in the UK. The average salary of a cyber security expert in the UK is around £45,000 per annum, however, experienced cyber security experts are likely to earn considerably more than this.

As a cyber security expert, you will be able to command a higher salary as your level of experience and knowledge increases.

Do you have the skills needed to become a Cyber Security Expert?

Arguably, a cyber security expert’s number one quality will be a strong aptitude for computers. Other key skills and qualities include:

• In-depth knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software.
• First-class problem-solving skills.
• A strong ability to work well under pressure.
• Solid telecommunications knowledge.
• Rigorous attention to detail.
• persistence and determination.
• Excellent abilities in mathematics.

Read our top tips for securing a career in Cyber Security.  

What do career prospects look like for Cyber Security Experts?

There is currently a very high demand for cyber security experts in a variety of sectors including public and private sector, large multi-national banks to and smaller independent businesses or charities. This is a rapidly growing field and there is potential to work in a variety of industries as a cyber security expert. You will likely take on fixed-term roles, however, a full-time role might be a possibility depending on the needs of the business. Many cyber security experts eventually become self-employed or eventually work on a consultancy basis.

It is advisable for an inexperienced cyber security expert to start by taking on an entry-level IT role in a field such as networking, then take on work protecting a diverse range of IT infrastructures in order to build up a decent amount of relevant experience. This is likely to eventually lead to well-paid managerial roles and will increase your ability to work with large corporate clients if this is what you choose to do.

How do I become a Cyber Security Expert?

Cyber security is an increasingly popular field for IT graduates, however, there remains a high demand for cyber security professionals globally. Some aspiring cyber security experts will take a cyber security course or an ethical hacking course as well as courses and training on data protection, incident handling or cyber investigation. Cyber security careers do not require university degrees and plenty of cyber security experts move on to cyber security from entry-level IT jobs, completing cyber security qualifications along the way.

Practical workplace experience is arguably the most important factor in becoming a cyber security expert, as many jobs will specify that you need experience in using specific cyber security programmes. Cyber security experts frequently top up their skills with cyber security certifications in order to ensure that their skillset remains highly sought after by employers.

There are several certifications that are relevant to cyber security and e-Careers is a leading provider of many cyber security certifications.  A cyber security course from e-Careers will allow you to study part-time at a pace that suits you without having to give up your main employment and take on university debt.

Entry requirements

In terms of what you need to become a cyber security expert, there are no concrete requirements. There are many routes to this career, arguably, workplace experience along with solid business infrastructure know-how and cyber security technical certifications are the most important requirements when it comes to becoming a cyber security expert.

e-Careers exclusively offers a Cyber Security Certification Programme with Job Placement, enabling you to study in your own time, over 12 months and a job opportunity upon successful completion.  This programme will provide you with the knowledge, practical experience and job opportunity upon successful completion, alongside certifications from some of the worlds leading awarding bodies including CompTIA, EC-Council and GCHQ.

Call us on +44 (0) 20 3198 7700 to speak to one of our Career Consultants today, to discuss your career goals or get started.