what is a cyber security expert?
As technologies advance, cybercriminals are becoming more dangerous and pose a threat to information in computer systems. As a cyber security expert, you develop and implement network security measures to prevent cyber attacks and malware. You also regularly conduct security checks to look for threats and update the installed protection measures. When determining vulnerabilities in a computer system, sometimes you have to do white hacking and present your findings to the management.
As a cyber security expert, you need extensive knowledge of potential vulnerabilities and expertise in conducting vulnerability checks. It is necessary to keep up with emerging threats in the cyber world and learn effective strategies for prevention or intervention. In most organisations, a cyber security expert is an entry-level position that requires a broader knowledge base of all aspects of security. Aside from technical expertise, you also perform administrative functions like writing reports.
A career as a cyber security expert improves your experience in cyber jobs and helps you discover your favourite area of specialisation. With a few years of experience, you can narrow your skillset to a particular specialism.
Would working as a cyber security expert suit your computer skills? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in a cyber security expert role.
view jobsaverage salary of a cyber security expert
According to ONS, the salary of a cyber security expert in the UK is about £52,578 per year. That equates to £26.96 per hour, which is more than other IT sector jobs. An entry-level cyber security expert earns around £42,500 per year, while experienced workers earn about £70,000. The compensation package often includes health insurance benefits, paid vacations and other allowances.
how to increase your salary as a cyber security expert
Your salary often relies on internal and external factors. In many industries, your experience determines your compensation package. In cyber security, hands-on experience is more valuable than educational qualifications. Therefore, as you gain more experience, you will increase your salary due to your transferable skills.
As a cyber security expert, it is possible to get a job in any industry since many companies rely on technology and the internet to run their businesses. However, some industries pay more to cyber security experts due to the sensitive nature of the company data they handle. For instance, finance and insurance companies are likely to pay more compared to other industries. Your certifications are also relevant during your salary determination, and a cyber security certification boosts your earning potential.
types of cyber security experts
As a cyber security expert, you can perform general duties or specialise in the following roles:
- cyber security architect: as a cyber security architect, you design and develop unhackable security systems in a company's IT network. Your job is to assess the vulnerability and beef up system security, and you also regularly maintain the security systems and update the measures.
- cyber security administrator: as a cyber security administrator, you install security solutions and troubleshoot the security solutions in case of problems.
- cyber security analyst: your work as a cyber security analyst is to monitor a company's infrastructure for potential threats. You also create contingency plans and review suspicious activities in the system.
- cyber security auditor: as a cyber security auditor, you evaluate online security systems. You determine whether the security measures are effective against potential breaches.
working as a cyber security expert
Wondering what the day-to-day activities of a cyber security expert are? Read on for details on the duties and work environment of a cyber analyst.
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duties and responsibilities
Specific responsibilities depend on the industry and company you work for, but most of them include:
- providing security during software development stages: as a cyber security expert, you look for software or hardware systems vulnerabilities. During the development stages, you need to recognise potential threats and close the vulnerabilities by building firewalls into the network systems.
- monitoring systems for suspicious activities: when you are the cyber security expert, you need to design various defensive systems that will notify you of breaches or intruders in the systems. For instance, you can create an authorisation protocol to ensure only authorised personnel access sensitive data. If an unauthorised person attempts to access, you receive a notification to act immediately.
- reporting security incidents: when monitoring security systems, you must report any incidents and recommend strategies to mitigate future risks. It is also important to document updates to the security systems and introduce new defensive systems and protocols for easy tracking.
- auditing security systems: cybercriminals are continually devising new ways to breach computer systems. They are also becoming harder to track; hence you need to conduct security audits regularly. Run a diagnostic on any changes to check for undetected breaches and develop ways to beef up security. You should also check the effectiveness of the defensive systems and generate reports on your findings and recommendations.
- creating and implementing security policies: once you recognise security gaps in the computer systems, you should create security policies to mitigate them. It is also your job to create awareness of the security policies and supervise the implementation of security measures.
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work environment
As a cyber security expert, you can get a job in different industry sectors that rely on technology. You can work in-house for a specific company and handle all their cyber security issues or work for an IT consultancy firm. Regardless of where you work, most of your duties are office-based, and you spend most of the time analysing computer systems and identifying ways to improve security. When you work for an IT consultancy, you work in your client's office with security issues. However, it is possible to solve the problems in your client's network without leaving your company.
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work schedule
A cyber security expert career is not your typical 9 to 5 job. Data breaches occur at any time, and you need to be available to prevent or intervene. Most of the technical and administrative duties require you to work about 40 hours a week. However, when there is an active threat, you may need to work overtime, including evenings, weekends and public holidays. Most cyber security experts work full-time positions, but part-time jobs are available. You can also work remotely or become a freelancer. Usually, cyber security roles involve minimal travelling unless you work for a consultancy firm and visit your clients.
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job outlook
The increased reliance on online services makes cyber security experts highly sought after to protect the security of computer systems and prevent data breaches. As a cyber security expert, you can focus on the general roles or specialise and increase your job prospects. From the cyber security expert position, gain additional certifications and become the information security manager or senior cyber security risk analyst. Other areas of specialisation are compliance officer, cloud security analyst and penetration tester. Alternatively, you can become self-employed, but you need impressive cyber security skills to be successful.
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advantages of finding a cyber security expert job through randstad
Finding your cyber security expert job through Randstad provides important advantages such as:
- a wide variety of training and development opportunities
- an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
- a range of opportunities in your area
- get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the job
- temporary and permanent contracts
Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as a cyber security expert is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too!
education and skills
Most cyber security experts join the profession through a degree in IT or computer science. Other degrees that can help you join cyber security jobs include forensic computing, mathematics or science, network engineering and any STEM course. When you complete your degree, you become a junior cyber security expert.
You need to develop your skills through certifications to increase your earnings and competitiveness in the market.
- at entry-level, start with Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP) qualifications for a junior cyber security analyst.
- when you have two years of experience, CompTIA Security+ certification is suitable for your career progression.
- after five years of experience, complete Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) qualifications and become an auditor. You can complete other certifications relevant to your area of expertise.
skills and competencies
Aside from educational qualifications and certifications, you need transferable skills including:
- problem-solving skills: as a cyber security expert, your problem-solving abilities play a significant role in your day-to-day duties. You need creative problem-solving skills to tackle complex security issues in computer systems and digital environments.
- technical aptitude: cyber security relies on technology, and you should have exceptional computing skills to perform complex tasks like updating information security systems. You also need to design and implement security measures to provide real-time protection against data breaches.
- attention to detail: as a cyber security expert, you need to be vigilant and detail-oriented to notice the slightest changes in a system. Attentiveness to details also helps you detect vulnerabilities in computer systems and monitor networks for breaches.
- communication skills: as a cyber security expert, you work closely with various employees when solving security issues. You need communication skills to help you explain your findings and concerns in non-technical terms. It also comes in handy when you are developing security procedures for a company.
FAQs
FAQs about working as a cyber security expert
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what is a cyber security expert?
A cyber security expert monitors computer systems and digital environments for data breaches and external attacks. They also evaluate the system and check for vulnerabilities. Want to learn more about working as a cyber security expert? Then check out this article.
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what is the salary of a cyber security expert?
The average salary of a cyber security expert is £52,578 per year. However, entry-level workers earn around £42,500 while senior-level experts earn an average of £70,000. Want to learn more about working as a cyber security expert? Then check out this article.
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what are the requirements to become a cyber security expert?
If you have impressive computing skills, formal education isn't compulsory. However, most people join the career through a degree in computer science or IT courses. Want to learn more about working as a cyber security expert? Then check out this article.
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who is the best cyber security expert?
The best cyber security expert has exceptional problem-solving skills and technical aptitude. They also understand how hacking works to protect the systems from data breaches. Want to learn more about working as a cyber security expert? Then check out this article.
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is cyber security hard?
Cyber security can be challenging if you don't have the technical skills necessary for success. You also need passion to excel as a cyber security expert. Want to learn more about working as a cyber security expert? Then check out this article.
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how do I apply for a cyber security expert vacancy?
Applying for a cyber security expert job is easy: create a randstad profile and search our job offers for vacancies in your area. Then simply send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here!
