What is Cybersecurity?

Cybersecurity is the practice of safeguarding our computer systems, networks, and sensitive data. At its core, it’s the practice of defending against cyberattacks—the ever-evolving threats that can disrupt, compromise, or harm our digital infrastructure.

These attacks come in various forms, from malicious software (malware) to phishing attempts, denial-of-service attacks, and social engineering. As technology advances, so do the tactics employed by cybercriminals.

Therefore, staying informed and proactive in our cybersecurity measures is essential to protect our devices, information, and privacy. In a recent article "Cybersecurity 101: What it is and why it matters", I delve into what cybersecurity is and why this practice is so important in organisations today.

What jobs are there in cybersecurity?

At the time of writing this article, the keyword ‘cybersecurity’ returned over 6,500 results from LinkedIn jobs based within in the UK.

Not only does this reiterate the high demand we are currently seeing in the market for experienced individuals in this area, but it also shows that there are a multitude of avenues that encompass working within cybersecurity.

Example job titles include:

● Information Security Analysts
● Cybersecurity Consultants/Specialist
● Infosec Analyst/ Cybersecurity Analyst
● Network Security Architect
● Information Security Officer
● Security Software Developer
● Security Engineer
● Incident Manager
● Cyber Resilience Consultant
● Penetration Tester/ Ethical Hacker
● Threat Hunters
● Computer Forensics Analysts

What are the key skills needed to work in cybersecurity?

In order to be successful when working in the cyber space, it’s vital that you’ve got the technical expertise in the field with relevant cyber tools or systems, as well as soft skills that are required for people working within tech.

Technical skills:

● Proficiency in network security
● Knowledge of cybersecurity tools and technologies
● Compliance and regulatory knowledge
● Programming and scripting
● Penetration testing and ethical hacking
● Threat analysis
● Incident response and forensics
● Cryptography
● Security architecture and design

Soft skills:

● Problem solving
● Analytical Reasoning
● Excellent communication
● Team collaboration
● Attention to detail
● Risk management
● Project management
● Adaptability

Career pathways for working in Cybersecurity

According to our latest Digital Leadership Report, many digital leaders surprisingly revealed that cyberattacks seemed to be declining towards the end of 2023. Although this may come as a shock to many, most organisations are beginning to view cyberattacks as ‘a part of doing business’.

However, while the reported decline in cyberattacks may seem encouraging, it is essential not to become complacent. The nature of cyber threats is constantly evolving, and new challenges are emerging on the horizon.

Given these emerging threats, the demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals is only expected to grow. The career progression within this field is both dynamic and rewarding, offering a range of opportunities for those with the right skills and knowledge. Whether you are just starting in the industry or looking to advance your career, there are numerous pathways to explore.

Here are some links to detailed career pathways if you are considering a job in cybersecurity:

As the threat landscape continues to evolve, so too will the need for innovative cybersecurity solutions and skilled professionals to implement them. The future of cybersecurity promises to be challenging yet full of opportunities for those ready to meet the demands of this critical field.

Salary ranges working in Cybersecurity

Salaries for cybersecurity professionals vary depending on factors such as level of experience, location, and specific skills.

● Cybersecurity analysts - £25,000 to £40,000
● Security architects/ managers - £70,000 to £120,000
● Security Engineer – £40,000 to £100,000
● Incident manager – £50,000 to £70,000
● Threat analyst – £50,000 to £70,000
● Cloud Security Specialist – £90,000 to £120,000
● Cybersecurity Consultant – £600 per day

What the typical Cybersecurity candidate is looking for

Candidates in the cybersecurity space often prioritise factors such as remote work flexibility, a supportive team dynamic, opportunities for career progression, and comprehensive benefits packages.

Companies that are able to offer competitive salaries, a robust work-from-home policy, a diverse and inclusive work environment, clear paths for career advancement, and attractive benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and professional development opportunities are more likely to attract and retain top cybersecurity talent.

In recent years, we’ve seen a massive increase in the market for experienced cybersecurity specialists. The need for mid and higher-level experts has in turn inflated the salary ranges for people working within this field – and now many cyber specialists expect more competitive salaries compared to what we were seeing in the market 18 months ago.

Hybrid-working policies or fully remote positions are still highly in demand. The pandemic proved to everyone that work can be done without needing to be in the office, and this is a comfort many people have come to enjoy. It’s often that you’ll see candidates second guessing roles if they’re expected to be in the office more than 3 times a week.

Current Industry Trends

In today's rapidly evolving cybersecurity landscape, companies are actively recruiting for roles such as Threat Analysts, Cloud Security Specialists, and Cybersecurity Consultants with expertise in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning.

We’ve also seen a growing recognition of the importance of robust cloud security measures, with organisations investing in solutions that utilise AI to continuously monitor and protect cloud-based assets.

During the COVID pandemic, there was a boom in the market for cybersecurity specialists, which meant the value of these positions also increased. In light of the salary demands changing, contractors are beginning to look for more permanent positions, because the pay is better and the benefits that come with permanent roles are much more attractive.

Furthermore, the integration of security measures into DevOps processes is gaining traction, with AI-powered tools automating security testing and validation throughout the development lifecycle.

Morgan Stanely released an interesting article titled "AI and Cybersecurity: A New Era", which discusses how both cybersecurity teams and hackers are impacted by this ever-evolving landscape. With the help of AI, cybersecurity teams are utilising the tool to assist them in identifying and flagging suspicious data, allowing them to effectively stop and prevent cybercriminal attacks.

Summary

The demand for cybersecurity professionals is rapidly growing due to the increasing complexity of cyber threats, particularly with the rise of AI and remote work.

In the cybersecurity field, there are a variety of roles available, such as Cybersecurity Analyst, Penetration Tester, and Cloud Security Specialist. Success in these roles requires a blend of technical expertise and essential soft skills.

Salary expectations vary based on experience and specialisation, with many professionals seeking roles that offer flexibility, career progression, and robust benefits.

As the industry evolves, current trends emphasise AI-driven security measures, cloud security, and the integration of security into DevOps processes, making cybersecurity a dynamic and rewarding career path.

About the author: Holly Jennings

Holly is a Consultant working within our Financial Services practice at Harvey Nash. Since joining the team, Holly has gained immense experience and knowledge within the Financial Services sector and specialises in recruiting for IT Infrastructure & Operation positions, ranging from senior to junior level roles.

To find out more about Holly, view her profile here. Or if you would like to get in touch about cybersecurity roles, please get in touch.

insights

View all news and insights

Cybersecurity 101: What it is and why it matters

Teaser

Post

Content Type

Exploring Cybersecurity Careers: What to expect and how to navigate your career path