Career pathways for cyber security professionals

Cyber security is a good career path due to its high demand, job security, competitive salaries, career growth opportunities, constant learning, global relevance, and ethical impact.

Organisations of all sizes and industries are recognising the importance of protecting their digital assets, resulting in a high demand for skilled cyber security professionals.

We've put together some of the different career paths you can take if you want to become a cyber security professional.

Entry-level cyber security roles

Security Analyst

As an entry-level Security Analyst, your main responsibility is to monitor security systems, analyse security events, and assist with incident response activities. You will review security logs, investigate alerts, and report any potential security risks or breaches. You will work closely with Senior Analysts and assist in the development and implementation of security policies.

The average salary for an entry-level Security Analyst is £42,000

Security Operations Analyst (SOC)

As a Security Operations Analyst (SOC) you are responsible for monitoring and analysing security events. You will investigate security alerts, conduct in-depth analysis of threats, and provide incident response support. You will also contribute to the development and improvement of security monitoring and incident response processes.

The average salary for a Security Operations Analyst is £41,500

Cyber Security Specialist

As a Cyber Security Specialist your role is to protect an organisation's IT systems and digital assets from cyber threats and attacks. You will need to conduct risk and vulnerability assessments, and penetration testing to identify potential security weaknesses. Additionally, you will develop and deliver security awareness training programs to help enforce security policies and procedures, and you will need to stay up to date with the latest cyber threats and defence strategies.

The average salary for a Cyber Security Specialist is £55,000

Mid-level cyber security roles

Cyber Security Consultant

As a Cyber Security Consultant your job is to provide expert advice on cyber security best practices, assess security risks, conduct vulnerability assessments, and develop strategies and solutions that will help optimise a company’s security infrastructure. You will work with stakeholders to identify security gaps, whilst recommending, and implementing security controls, and ensuring compliance with regulations.

The average salary for a Security Consultant is £60,000

Cyber Security Engineer

As a Cyber Security Engineer your are role is to design, implement, and maintain security measures for an organisation's systems, networks, and applications. You will need to assess security architecture, identify vulnerabilities, develop and deploy solutions, configure and manage security tools, conduct regular assessments and penetration testing, and collaborate with cross-functional teams.

The average salary for a Cyber Security Engineer is £60,000

Network Security Analyst

Your role as a Network Security Analysts involves monitoring and analysing network traffic and identifying and responding to potential threats. You will need to configure and manage network security devices, conduct vulnerability assessments, analyse logs, and investigate security incidents. You will collaborate with other teams to implement security controls and provide recommendations.

The average salary for a Network Security Analyst is £65,000

Senior cyber security roles

Security Architect

Your role as a Security Architect includes designing and implementing security solutions to protect a company’s systems, networks, and data. You will work closely with stakeholders to understand their requirements and develop security strategies that align with business goals. Additionally, you will provide guidance and support to development teams to ensure secure coding practices and secure deployment of applications.

The average salary for a Security Architect is £80,000

Cyber Security Lead

Your role as Cyber Security Lead is to oversee and provide leadership in the implementation and management of cyber security initiatives within an organisation. You will be required to lead a team of cyber security professionals, coordinate their activities, and ensure the organisation's security aligns with industry best practices and regulatory requirements.

The average salary for a Cyber Security Lead is £82,000

Cyber Security Consultant

As a Cyber Security Consultant, your role is to provide expert advice and guidance on cyber security best practices to clients or within your organisation. You will assess security risks, conduct security audits, and develop comprehensive security strategies and solutions. Your responsibilities include evaluating the effectiveness of existing security measures, identifying vulnerabilities, and recommending appropriate controls and countermeasures. As a Cyber Security Consultant, your objective is to help organisations enhance their security infrastructure, minimise risks, and protect their digital assets from cyber threats.

The average salary for a Cyber Security Consultant t is £80,000

It is important to note that these roles may vary depending on the organisation and industry. Career progression often involves gaining experience, acquiring additional certifications, developing technical and leadership skills, and staying updated on the latest trends and technologies in the cyber security field.