What to expect from your first job in Cyber?

As we become more reliant on digital technologies, the cyber security industry has grown in order to protect organisations against online attacks. Cyber security is defined as the practice of protecting computers and online systems from unauthorised digital access or attacks.

Cyber security offers a huge amount of job satisfaction; the impact of your digital work can be seen in the physical world. As a sector, it is ever-evolving, dynamic and challenging. If you enjoy problem solving and learning on the job, a career in cyber security could be perfect for you.

If you’re starting out in cyber security, the entry-level positions you will typically find include roles such as Cryptographer (the art of writing or solving codes), Penetration Tester (coordinating a simulated attack on a computer system to evaluate its security) or Cyber Security Analyst (where you protect an organisation by employing a range of technologies and processes to prevent, detect and manage cyber threats).

Regardless of the role you go in to, cyber jobs are not 9-5. Due to the nature of attacks, when it happens security teams will work around the clock to rectify the damage caused. Cyber security requires initiative and individuals should be constantly updating themselves on latest technology developments and discovering solutions to new threats.

Pay in the sector is competitive and salaries in cyber security are expected to rise by 7% in 2018. A SOC Analyst could start out on £30,000 but the salary can rise to up to £80,000.

You can find out more about starting out in cyber security in our downloadable guide ‘Top Roles in Cyber Security’ which also details training you’ll need, the most popular jobs in the industry and the salaries they command.