In modern-day society, the world is run via digital mediums. Everything from business processes to social interactions are now conducted online, providing all of us with more convenience and efficiency in our lives.
This move to digitalisation has changed how the globe operates. Though, as a relatively recent advancement, there have certainly been adjustments and tweaks to fine-tune the running of online platforms along the way.
Individuals with digital expertise are in drastic demand as this new way of working rapidly grows and evolves. From web developers to machine learning engineers, if you have a digital skillset, you will no doubt have your pick of job opportunities.
One area of the digital sphere that is arguably one of the most important is cyber security. This is because professionals in this space focus on ensuring the safe and effective running of all online processes. Without them, there would be less confidence in the shift to online methods, and for this reason, many people are choosing to work in this essential area.
What is Cyber Security?
The concept of cyber security is to apply various controls, processes and technologies to online data, digital devices, networks, programs and systems. This is to protect them from cyber-attacks and any unauthorised exploitation so that businesses, organisations and anyone adopting digital means can do so securely.
How Did Cyber Security Start?
Cyber security began to emerge in the 1970s when a computer program was purposely designed to move across a network a leave a ‘breadcrumb’ trail in its wake. Another program was then designed to chase the invasive program and delete any remnants of it.
This was named ‘Reaper’ and was the first example of antivirus software. As it was self-replicating it was also classed as the first computer worm.
The importance of cyber security has grown tenfold since, while computer systems become more advanced, so do the cyber security threats they face.
Today cyber security remains essential because:
- Cyber security breaches are becoming more expensive as fines increase, but reputation damage is also another cost
- Each year the world’s economy is estimated to lose around £750 billion to the hidden costs of cybercrime
- Cybercriminals are using more advanced tactics that cyber security professionals need to understand and overcome
- More board level executives are becoming concerned about the impact of cyber security breaches on businesses
What Do You Do in a Cyber Security Job?
Cyber security jobs are focused on protecting Information Technology (IT) infrastructure. As such, in a professional cyber security role, you will monitor all the digital systems that are used and put in measures that help you deter and detect any threats that could be of concern.
In this line of work, you can expect to:
- Constantly learn and advance your knowledge to stay abreast with the latest security and technology developments, as well as cyber security threats
- Create contingency and disaster recovery plans
- Put in place monitoring systems that check for cyber security attacks and intrusions, plus any unusual, unauthorised or illegal activity
- Assess and evaluate security products, design and/or upgrade existing cyber security systems
- Simulate cyber security breaches for learning purposes
- Report on security-related events to technical and non-technical staff and stakeholders
Is Programming Necessary for Cyber Security?
It is possible to get started in cyber security jobs without programming knowledge, but you will be limited to entry-level or junior cyber security jobs. If you want to climb the ladder and progress your career to mid-level and upper-level cyber security jobs, you will need to develop a good level of knowledge of at least one programming language.
Learning programming languages helps cyber security professionals examine computer software to unearth vulnerabilities, detect malicious code, and perform tasks requiring analytical cyber security skills.
The programming language you need depends on the cyber security role you hold, but by gaining programming experience, you will stand out against other professionals in the space.
How Much Does a Cyber Security Consultant Make?
One of the many benefits of securing employment in the field of cyber security is that the cyber security salary is higher than average. This is largely due to there being such a high demand for cyber security professionals and a relatively low supply of people who can fill these roles.
As with all professions, the cyber security salary, UK learners should know, ranges depending on factors such as your level of skill, experience and qualification. Not to mention where you are based, your employer and your sector of work.
When taking entry-level cyber security jobs, you can expect between £25k-£35k per annum. More experienced cyber security analysts can reach up to £60k and cyber security professionals in leadership and management roles can receive over £70k per year.
In many cases, these higher than average wages are accompanied by a host of employee benefits like bonuses, pension schemes and medical insurance, among other things.
There are a host of cyber security jobs UK learners can pursue, these include:
- Application Security
- Data Loss Prevention
- Forensics
- Incident Response
- Network Security
- Security Architecture
- Threat Intelligence
- Vulnerability Management
Generally, you would start your career as a cyber security analyst or consultant and move into one of these areas as a specialism.
Can You Work from Home in Cyber Security?
In addition to higher than average wages, cyber security jobs often come with the added benefit of being able to work from home.
There are plenty of cyber security companies and roles that are based in house working with the technology within the building. However, because the work often deals with technology and people that are based in different parts of the world, working from home is entirely possible in cyber security jobs.
So, if you’re looking for a career that has this flexibility, consider becoming a Cyber Security Consultant.
How to Get into Cyber Security?
If you’re wondering how to get into cyber security, UK learners will be pleased to know you don’t need a cyber security degree. Granted, these are widely available and offer excellent in-depth education, but there are other ways of completing cyber security training that can get you employed in the field faster.
This is a huge benefit if the prospect of committing years to university level study isn’t an option for you. Whether this is because you need to switch careers and study cyber security around your existing role, or you have young children to care for.
Many professionals in cyber security are actually self-trained and don’t have any cyber security certifications. While this is a possible route into the profession, completing unguided learning can take longer.
The best ways for you to break into the cyber security field in terms of speed is by completing cyber security apprenticeships and learning on the job, or by completing shorter cyber security courses.
Learn Cyber Security Online
While there are numerous colleges offering cyber security courses that take less time to complete than a cyber security degree, the quickest way to get your certification is by completing these courses online.
This is because cyber security courses online are studied at your pace, so if you are able to blitz through the materials, you can obtain your cyber security qualifications as soon as you’re finished.
Stonebridge Associated Colleges provide a range of cyber security courses online. As a leading UK distance learning provider, you can be confident these courses will teach you what you need to get started.
You can study:
Official CompTIA ITF+ IT Fundamentals (FCO-U61 Core Series)
Gain a broader understanding of information technology to ensure this is the best career avenue for you in this IT Fundamentals course. This pre-career certification is designed to help you get to grips with each of the foundation areas of IT and build your knowledge from the ground up.
This makes it ideal for non-technical professionals. The course includes the exam, labs and practice papers, so you are in the best position to successfully complete your studies. In your exam, you will be tested on vital skills and knowledge, such as:
- How to use common operating systems and establish network connectivity
- How to identify typical software applications and their use
- Best practice use of security and web browsing
This course and the exam are beneficial for learners considering cyber security jobs and aspire to complete professional-level cyber security certifications.
CompTIA Network+ (N10-008 Core Series)
In this online cyber security course, you will develop the skills that are needed to confidently design, configure, manage and troubleshoot both wired and wireless devices. The Network+ course is the only cyber security certification that runs through the hands-on skills and precise knowledge specifically required in network professionals.
Official CompTIA A+ (220-1001 & 220-1002 Core Series)
The A+ certification is highly regarded as the industry standard for launching IT careers in the modern digital world. Through performance-based exams, you will become a proven problem solver.
The course is designed to equip you with foundational IT skills across a variety of devices and operating systems. So, you can confidently support modern core technologies in terms of security, cloud use, data management and more.
Through a range of modules and assessments, you will be able to demonstrate baseline security skills, troubleshoot and problem solve key service and support challenges, support basic IT infrastructure and networking, configure and support PC, mobile and IoT device hardware, implement data backup and recovery methods and apply data storage and management best practices.
Above all else, this course is reviewed regularly by IT and cyber security experts so that it continues to equip you with the core skills that are in demand in the modern workplace.
Study Cyber Security Today
If you like the sound of the job security, above average salary and workplace flexibility that comes with cyber security jobs, Stonebridge Associated Colleges can help you kick start your career.
With our online CompTIA cyber security courses, you can gain industry essential knowledge and skills from the comfort of home. Plus, being able to work through the materials at your pace puts you on the fast track to applying for your next job in cyber security.
There is a huge demand for cyber security professionals worldwide, so why not take advantage of these job opportunities by getting qualified online!
Find out more today by speaking with our Course Executives on 0121 392 8288, visiting our support centre or by clicking here!
