The Ultimate Guide to Learning IT Security
So, you’ve got your heart set on a career in IT security but don’t know where to start or how to get there. Firstly, congratulations on making one of the best career decisions, with IT security being one of the most sought after professions in the UK.
What is IT Security and Why Should You Learn It?
IT security is the measures that businesses put in place to protect their data and systems from outside attacks. This is a growing threat to businesses of all shapes and sizes, and is a billion pound industry.
Almost half of all UK businesses reported a breach or attack in the past year, and with it taking on average 120 days for a business to notice a breach; it’s vital that all measures are put in place to prevent information getting into the wrong hands.
With an expected 100,000 unfilled cybersecurity jobs expected in the Uk by 2022; employers are in need of skilled workers in this field more than ever. As part of the GDPR, companies are also now required to put measures in place to protect any and all customer data, so the need for workers skilled in data protection is higher than ever before in the UK.
Unfilled IT Security Jobs Expected in the UK by 2022
How to Get Into IT Security in the UK
Not only is IT Security one of the most secure when it comes to job security and boasts high demand across the UK; it’s also an easy industry to access no matter your background. It’s very possible to enter this field without a degree, which is rare for a profession where senior analysts have salaries that can exceed £100,000.
While the typical pathway into this sector does vary, many entry-level IT security professionals are Certified in their chosen field, which is a short course or level 1-2 training which develops the skills needed for the workforce. Some positions, such as Digital Forensic professionals, tend to have much higher qualifications; including a Bachelor’s Degree in an area such as Computer Science or Information Technology.
Typically, there are four pathways to learning IT security in the UK. These include:
Vocational Course
Foundation Level 1-3 courses are a popular pathway into entry-level positions in the industry
IT Security Apprenticeship
These combine theory and real-world experience and can take 1-3 years to complete
Work Experience
For entry-level positions, learning on the job in an internship or traineeship
University Degree
For more specialised IT security roles, a Bachelor Degree may be required
Now that you know what options are available to you; let’s look into each in a bit more detail to find the option that aligns with your career goals.
1. Choose Your Study Pathway
Vocational Courses
Vocational courses, or further education, is and training that falls outside of ‘school age’, or high school level. In the UK, further education and vocational courses are offered at Colleges, Universities throughout. Qualifications range from Certificate and Diploma at level 3-5 courses. There are plenty of National Vocational Qualifications, or NVQ level 3 and 5 courses available in IT security, which can take anywhere from a few weeks to a year to complete. Many moving into this industry, ether for the first time or looking to specialise, choose vocational qualifications for their ease, online accessibility and short duration.
IT Security Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships are a less common pathway into IT and cyber security, but are very useful. The basis of all apprenticeships are hands-on learning, combined with academic theory in a course. The benefit of this in IT security, is that you can get real-world experience at a company or IT department, while earning your qualification. So, when you finish up, you’ll have both the certification and the experience needed in the real world. Apprenticeships are offered through University and Colleges, and while you do need to manage your time wisely, it’s a great progression route into the industry.
Work Experience in IT Security
It is possible to apply directly to a position as a trainee or an intern and develop your skills this way. While it’s not as common, much like an apprenticeship, you can work on your knowledge in a real-world setting, which is invaluable. This is an option for someone already working in IT who may want to move into an IT security role, or a recent school-leaver.
University Degree
For the more intricate iT roles, such as IT forensic specialists and Systems Engineers, a Bachelor degree is very common in the sector. Many professionals have qualifications in Computer Science or Information Technology, which can take anywhere between 3-4 years to complete. While a postgraduate course isn’t always necessary, some areas of IT security seem to prefer this when hiring for open positions.
2. Determine Your Field of IT Security
The next step once you’ve determined the best pathway for you to a career in IT security? Time to work out what area of this field you want to specialise in. Like many careers in IT, there’s dozens of career opportunities available, depending on where you passions lie. There are 5 distinct branches of IT security which offer their own challenges and rewards as well as careers. These are:
Threat Management
Careers in this area deal with tracking where threats or security breaches originated
Risk Analysis
Careers in this area deal with tracking where threats or security breaches originated
Policy Development
Careers in this area deal with tracking where threats or security breaches originated
Security Auditing
Careers in this area deal with tracking where threats or security breaches originated
IT Security Engineering
Careers in this area deal with tracking where threats or security breaches originated
3. Explore IT Security Career Opportunities
Depending on which area of IT security appeals to you the most, there’s a career path to suit that’s specialised in that field. Based on the above 5 areas of IT security, let’s look at these jobs in more detail and what qualifications are required to get into this area.
Digital Forensic Examiner
This interesting job requires you to act like a digital investigator and often works with law enforcement to assist with cyber crimes. Everyone leaves a footprint, even online. It’s the job of digital forensic analysts to examine traces left behind by hackers and find evidence to track down the culprits.
Qualification: Bachelor Degree in Computer Science or Information Technology
Professional Ethical Hacker
A Certified Ethical Hacker who’s job is involved in searching from possible weaknesses in a company’s systems and existing security measures. In this role, you’ll need to become the hacker, identifying any vulnerabilities and preventing any malicious attacks. Ethical hackers conduct their jobs in an ethical, legitimate way and are often hired by companies to stay on top of attacks before they can occur.
Qualification: Certificate in Ethical Hacking for entry-level positions
Secure Web Application Engineer
Secure web systems engineers work with IT specialists to develop a safe and secure website for users This area is primarily focused on preventing hackers and installing security measures to protect customer data, such as credit card information. In this role, you work with web developers and designers to integrate the right IT security systems into the design and set up of websites and applications. Qualification: Certificate in Web Engineering for entry level positions
IT Security Auditor
An IT security auditor is involved with analysing and evaluating how secure a company’s security measures are, and determining possible points of weakness or vulnerabilities. This is typically done manually, or by setting up a system that identifies when a threat or bug occurs which weakens a business’ security. Security auditors also ensure that company’s have put enough measures in place that align with any existing regulations or laws that are there to protect user’s data and information.
Qualification: Certificate in IT Auditing for entry-level positions
Penetration Testing Engineer
Penetration Testing Engineers work very closely to Ethical Hackers, staying on top of possible attacks by identifying weaknesses before the wrong people do. Also known as a ‘Pen- Test’, professionals in this area evaluate the overall strength of the existing systems in place, and develop ways of improving them. Engineers in this field work with other IT security teams to make strategic decisions on the security systems.
Qualification: Certificate in Penetration Testing for entry-level positions
4. Understand What You’ll Learn
While all IT courses are different, the basic IT skills you’ll learn in a course will be very similar. Most IT careers use the same basic skill set so it’s important you understand exactly what you’ll be learning.
IT security requires a working knowledge of IT systems and operations. One thing worth noting, is developing the ability to differentiate between the IT security programs that exist. Have you heard of Cicso? Or maybe Mile 2 or CompTIA? It may seem confusing, but with many IT Security qualifications that run these certifications, it’s important information to know.
CompTIA
What is it?
CompTIA is the world’s leading provider of IT certifications and have lead to over 200,000 people becoming certified across the globe. CompTIA certifications focus on developing the skills and training needed in areas such as security, networking, Linux development, cloud computing and computer support. As one of the most trusted IT training courses, these courses are a brilliant choice to help you stand out from the crowd when applying for jobs.
What Does it Specialise In?
Mile2
What is it?
Mile2 is a leading provider of certifications in IT and cyber security. Mile2 certifications are involved with providing advanced principles and skills that are required to excel in the IT security domain. Through a hands-on training approach, these courses cover areas of penetration testing, IT engineering, forensic digital examination and secure web application.
What Does it Specialise In?
Cisco
What is it?
Cisco Systems Inc. is the world leader in computer networking for the internet. Cisco’s range of solutions in networking helps to connect devices, computers and networks to lead to the transfer of information seamlessly across the world. A Cisco certification is a great way to learn the basics of networking, development, security and IT management and are recognised IT qualifications worldwide.
What Does it Specialise In?
6. Top Tips for Learning IT Security
If you’ve decided IT security is the place for you and have a better idea of what you want to do in the future, here’s some of our best tips to help you on your road to success.
Tip 1
Consider joining an association or recognised body in the UK. These industry bodies can sometimes require a small membership fee, or a level of qualification for membership, however, they can look great on a resume and help you stand out from competition. Such associations include the Chartered Institute for IT or the Institute of Information Security Professionals (IISP)
Tip 2
IT Security can require wrapping your head around some very complicated procedures. To help you remember the steps involved with operating a security system for instance, it can be worth practising these regularly to help you perfect the technique.
Tip 3
Try a short course in IT security if you’re still not sure about what area you want to explore. These courses can help you get a taste of what’s on offer without investing too much time. These courses can take as little as a few weeks to complete and can ensure you make the right choice when it comes round to choosing your IT security specialisation!
IT security is not only booming, it promises a career filled with challenge and excitement. As one of the fastest growing sectors in the UK and around the world, you can rest assured you’ll make the right career move!