what is a security developer?
As a security developer, you uncover security threats and find resolutions. That means your job revolves around troubleshooting, remedying flaws and debugging. Your programming abilities aim to identify malware and potential threats or create programmes that prevent and resolve security issues. You will develop strategies to avoid cyber attacks and test the organisation's software for malware.
Aside from creating new security technologies, a security developer comes up with security protocols for a company and integrates them into existing software applications. You may work independently or collaborate with other information technology colleagues during the design, testing and implementation phases of security systems.
where are security developers needed?
With your skill and knowledge of cybersecurity issues, you can work for various companies and government agencies. Public organisations and government entities need security developers to secure their data and prevent fraud or data breaches. Private businesses often need to beef up security to prevent cyberattacks that could lead to a breach of privacy and loss of revenue. Top industries that depend on the expertise of security developers are finance, software publishing and computer systems design.
As a security developer, you need to conceptualise threats from various sources or future cyberattacks that may threaten a computer application or system. When you understand the threats, you can develop creative ways of dealing with them.
Would a career in IT and tech as a security developer suit your analytical skills and creativity? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in a security developer role.
average salary of a security developer
According to ONS, the average salary of a security developer in the UK is £39,279 per year. When you are starting, your compensation package is around £22,000 annually. Once you gain a few years of experience in the field, you will have enough skills to earn up to £71,000 per year. Since a security developer job involves working long and unsociable hours, your earnings include overtime pay and bonuses.
how to increase the salary of a security developer
In many industries, a security developer's salary depends on the experience level since hands-on experience in dealing with cybersecurity threats is valuable. At entry-level, you focus on gaining skills since you have minimal transferrable skills. As you gain expertise, your earnings reflect the skills you possess. The industry also influences your compensation package. If you want a high paying security developer position, consider working in information or finance and insurance companies.
Where you live or work also affects your salary. For instance, working in London guarantees a higher income due to the high demand for the profession and the availability of large companies. Some organisations also offer location-based wages that factor in where you live instead of the company location. This is beneficial for remote software developers living in large cities with a high cost of living.
types of security developers
As a security developer, you utilise all your skills in handling security threats for your employer. However, if you work in a multinational company, you can specialise in the following roles:
- security software developer: your job is to create security software used in monitoring systems for intrusion, viruses, spyware or malware. You also develop anti-virus and other security applications to protect the computer systems.
- security analyst: as a security analyst, you assess software, hardware and computer networks' vulnerabilities and find countermeasures to resolve any issues.
- cybersecurity developer: your job is to identify vulnerabilities in the system and develop high-tech solutions to defend the computer systems from hacking and other types of cybercrime.
working as a security developer
Working as a security developer involves analysing software implementations and creating new applications to resolve security issues. That means you combine technical skills and soft skills to perform your duties and collaborate with others in your work environment.
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job description of a security developer
As a security developer, you may perform the following tasks:
- designing security software solutions: your primary role as a security developer is creating and developing security tools. You analyse security threats in an organisation and develop solutions for the problem. The solutions could be implementing an existing application or creating a solution from scratch. Developing a new software involves designing and building a prototype for the software.
- implementing and assessing security: since you are involved in the entire life cycle of the software solutions, you should test and implement them. Assessment includes analysing security issues and installing the solutions. During the transition from old to new security protocols, you supervise the process to ensure all the bases are covered and the computer system is secure.
- testing security software tools: cyber threats have become rampant and increasingly complex. If you don't test your security software tools regularly, you leave the system vulnerable to attacks. It is vital to troubleshoot and debug source codes to ensure they are working as expected. Testing is important after implementations since it helps you discover loopholes in the security software and rectify design flaws that compromise security.
- on-going maintenance: since cyber threats increase and evolve daily, you need to ensure your employer's systems are always secure. Regular maintenance of the security software tools is necessary to improve their functionality and resilience against cyber attacks.
- training: as a security developer, you train other workers on the existing security threats and ways to keep the organisation safe. Training also raises awareness of the security protocols in the company.
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work environment
You are likely to work in government agencies or private companies that require cybersecurity experts. That means you will work in office settings designing software security applications. Most companies have well-lit and comfortable indoor environments for security developers to inspire creativity and ease their work. You can work remotely from home, a local library or a cafe with high internet connectivity since you need to assess the functions of each software tool in real-time.
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who are your colleagues?
Depending on the industry and your employer, you are likely to work alongside security analysts, security engineers and security architects. The security analysts help you identify vulnerabilities that need new software solutions while the security architects assist with the design. You will also work close to security administrators, information security officers and other specialists, including cryptographers, software engineers and penetration testers.
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work schedule
As a security developer, your work schedule varies depending on your employer and area of specialisation. While your routine fits into the conventional office hours, some duties extend to less sociable hours. For instance, if your role involves managing organisation-wide security systems, you may have to work on a shift schedule to ensure someone maintains the systems at night.
When you work part-time or on a project basis, your working hours will be flexible and could start early or extend to late evenings and weekends. Some security developer jobs also involve travelling, especially if your employer has many clients and you have to visit their premises to identify system problems.
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job outlook
Since many cyber security jobs have overlapping duties, shifting to a different role is easy. When you have acquired transferable skills as a security developer, you can try new challenging positions or focus on a specific area of specialisation. For instance, you can specialise in the security analyst role or systems administrator. Some security developers learn encryption and become cryptographers. Other specialised roles include source code auditor and penetration tester.
Alternatively, you move up the ladder and become the chief information security officer. You can become a security consultant and open a private practice when you have expert knowledge.
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advantages of finding a security developer job through randstad
Finding your security developer 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 security developer 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
Some of the routes of becoming a security developer include:
- university course: as a security developer, you need a degree in a computer-related field like computer science, IT, computer engineering or software engineering. A degree in cybersecurity network technology gives you the background you need in identifying and resolving threats. Completing a master's degree also gives you a competitive advantage for an advanced position in security software.
- certification: most employers prefer certifications in information security. You can get a certificate as a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP). Some security developers boost their qualifications with credentials in relevant programming languages like Java.
skills and competencies
Skills and competencies of a security developer include:
- problem-solving skills: as a security developer, problem-solving skills are vital in your daily tasks. You need to develop creative solutions for complex security challenges in existing and emerging technologies. Problem-solving skills help you find ways to address attacks in digital environments.
- technical aptitude: becoming a security developer is a technology-focused career, and your duties involve maintaining and troubleshooting information systems. You need to be tech-savvy to succeed in your role.
- attention to detail: preventing data breaches and cyber-attacks needs vigilant and detail-oriented individuals. With attention-to-details, you can identify loopholes in the software and devise ways to beef up security.
- communication skills: as a security developer, it is crucial to communicate effectively during training to ensure security protocols are implemented as expected.
FAQs
FAQs about working as a security developer
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how do I become a security programmer?
You can join the security programming profession by completing a degree in a computer-related field. A certification in programming or cyber security also boosts your job prospects.
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what is developer-first security?
The developer-first security approach puts security tools in the hands of a developer to implement them in the development environment. In the past, application security was an afterthought after development.
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what does a security software engineer do?
A security software engineer develops software security solutions and tools to safeguard the company's systems from external threats and cyber-attacks. They also install and implement the software.
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how much does a security software developer make?
As a security software developer, you earn an average salary of £39,279 per year. However, the salary fluctuates depending on your skill and experience level. For instance, entry-level security developers take home £22,000 annually while experienced experts earn £71,000.
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how do I apply for a security developer vacancy?
Applying for a security developer 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!
