Five reasons to start a career in Cyber Security

career in cyber security

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With cybercrime on the rise, businesses are becoming increasingly concerned about the safety of their data. This means the growing demand for cyber security professionals is at an all-time high – making it a great career choice for anyone looking for a role with excellent prospects.

Here’s why there’s never been a better time to start a career in cyber security:

 

  1. You’ll have a number of roles to choose from

There’s no set route into cyber security.

Whether you’re a recent graduate, you’re looking for a career change, or you’re just looking to make the next step up in the field, there are a number of options to help you make your way into the industry – from apprenticeships and Master’s degrees, to roles in related fields and work placements.

And, because the industry is so broad – so are your career opportunities. You don’t even have to be a tech expert to get started.

With roles in everything from threat intelligence, business analysis, and recruitment, right through to law, project management, and regulatory compliance, there’ll be something to suit you and your skills.

Even if tech is your thing, that doesn’t mean you’ll be limited on choice. Technical jobs are also varied, with a wide range of specialisms to choose from – whether you want to focus on malware reverse engineering or network monitoring and intrusion.

At the very least, you’d have something cool to talk about at parties.

 

  1. You’ll never get bored

Cybercrime is on the rise. And it never stays the same. Which means you can’t either.

With hackers always thinking up new ways to steal data, it’s a cyber security professional’s job to be one step ahead – adapting in line with new technologies and advancing their skills every day. Not only does this make for an exciting career, it also means your abilities will always be up-to-date.

Working with the likes of drones, robots, online systems, and other types of AI, your job will be to solve puzzles, simulate real-life attacks, analyse their causes and effects – and figure out how to stop them.

But it’s not just variety and excitement that makes a career in cyber security rewarding.

You’ll also be helping people – whether it’s protecting organisations’ (and consumer’s) data from major corporate hacks, keeping individuals safe from online theft and scamming, or even making sure everyday services like water and electricity aren’t hijacked by cyber criminals.

Essentially, you’re up there with Superman. Except you’ll actually get paid for it.

 

  1. You’ll be in demand

Because of the ever-growing rise in cybercrime, your profession will always be in demand.

In fact, around half (44%) of businesses have skills gaps in basic technical areas – and incident management skills gaps have increased from 27% in 2020 to 48% in 2024.

The attacks on the NHS affecting computers in almost 100 countries, along with the leaked data of 57 million Uber users, are just a couple of examples of the supply and demand problem when it comes to keeping business’s data safe and secure.

This makes knowledge of this field extremely valuable to employers. And that’s where you come in.

With many roles available all over the world, whether it’s working abroad or remotely, your career opportunities are practically limitless – whilst growth and development within the field is always well within your reach.

All you need to do is get qualified.

 

  1. You’ll have great earning potential

Looking to get paid? Let’s talk money.

The demand for cyber security professionals means salaries within the field are extremely lucrative, with the rise not expected to stop anytime soon.

Need proof? As of January 2020, the average salary for a cyber security professional in London is just under £80,000 a year, with some roles paying in excess of £100,000. That’s £50,000 more than the London average as a whole.

Contract roles in particular are likely to pay premium rates for cyber security professionals who are able to design projects that deliver change for their business.

And as your skills and knowledge grow, so will your earning potential – whether it’s that you’re progressing within your role, carrying out further study – or both.

What’s not to like?

 

  1. There’s more than one way to learn

Learning about cyber security isn’t one size fits all approach.

In addition to CPD courses, professional certifications, apprenticeships, and undergraduate degrees in cyber security and related subjects (e.g. computing), there are a number of Master’s qualifications to help boost your skills past degree level.

And because there are a variety of courses to choose from – you don’t even need to have a background in cyber security to start studying. And with part-time and full-time study options available, you also don’t need to give up other commitments.

 

 

Ready to start a career in cyber security? View all cyber security courses now.