Looking to kick off your cybersecurity career? As our reliance on electronic devices and digital systems continues to grow, cyberattacks remain persistent threats. Therefore, the need for cybersecurity professionals is on the rise and it doesn’t look like that’s about to change any time soon! In fact, 50% of businesses have experienced a form of attack or breach in the last 12 months. Strong cybersecurity measures are essential for protecting personal information, maintaining customer trust, safeguarding company data and avoiding financial losses.
Despite the growing demand, women account for just 18% of the cybersecurity workforce. Due to the lack of female role models in the industry, it can be overlooked by women when choosing a career. This is a shame as it can open the door to many opportunities and benefits, including job security, high earning potential and significant potential for career advancement. Pursuing a career in cybersecurity not only allows women to thrive in their professional lives but also helps inspire the next generation of female professionals.
What is cybersecurity?
Cybersecurity is the practice of defending electronic devices, systems, networks and data from cyber-attacks. It aims to stop people stealing, altering, destroying, disrupting or disabling information resources and systems.
Cyber-attacks can either be insider threats or outsider threats. Insider threats are caused by individuals who have legitimate access to the systems they are targeting. Whereas an outsider threat comes from someone without an affiliation with the system, hackers are an example.
There are many types of cyberattacks. Some common ones are listed below:
- Malware
This is harmful software, such as spyware or viruses, used to access a system’s data. This can be in the form of a malicious link or attachment.
- Phishing
This is the practice of sending fraudulent communications which appear to be from a legitimate source, such as a bank. This is used to steal money or receive personal data or login information. Also, it can be used to install malware on a device.
- Spoofing
This is when someone pretends to be someone or something else to gain a person’s trust. Spoofing is used to gain access to systems, steal data or money or spread malware. Spoofing can be a part of phishing.
- Backdoor trojan
These attacks involve malicious programs that can deceptively install malware or data. However, they also open a ‘backdoor’ to your computer system which attackers can then use to hijack the device without it being known to the user.
- Ransomware
Ransomware is a type of malicious software that cyberattackers can install on a device which allows them to block access until you pay the attackers a ransom. However, experts recommend not paying as there isn’t a guarantee they will remove the software.
- Password attacks
Password attacks include someone correctly guessing your password and keylogging. Keylogging is when attackers monitor the information you type and identify a password. Furthermore, they can also use phishing to act like a trusted site, so you input your details.
What are the benefits of gaining a cybersecurity degree?
Pursuing a degree in cybersecurity as a woman has many benefits, both personally and professionally. As cybercrime continues to rise, the need for skilled cybersecurity professionals is growing rapidly making it a very stable vocation. With many companies placing a greater emphasis on improving gender diversity, female cybersecurity graduates are even more in demand. This focus on inclusion, means there are more mentorship programmes and initiatives available specifically for women which can help your learning, grow your confidence and help you make connections.
However, the skills and knowledge you learn from a cybersecurity degree are not only in demand but are applicable universally and across many industries. Some examples are healthcare, finance, government and tech companies. This means you can align your career choices with other passions you may have.
A career in this field often comes with flexible and remote working which can be a big factor for having a good work-life balance and juggling any responsibilities you may have. Our Women in Tech Survey found that these were the top incentives for women in tech.
Being a woman in a male-dominated field also allows you to become a role model and pave the way for other women and young girls. Breaking these barriers not only helps women but also leads to more innovative solutions to combat cyber threats.
What career opportunities does a cybersecurity degree offer?
There are many excellent career opportunities to choose from with a cybersecurity degree, making it an exciting and valuable degree to have!
We have listed some of the top cybersecurity jobs below:
Information Security Analyst
Responsibilities:
- Monitor networks for security breaches and investigate when they occur
- They assess risks and determine how to improve security policies and protocols
- Respond to breaches
- Configure tools e.g. anti-virus software and password protectors
- Test company networks for weaknesses
- Report on how the network is performing and evaluate its strengths and weaknesses
Average salary range: £40,000 – £50,000
Security Administrator
Responsibilities:
- Upgrading, installing and configuring application software and computer hardware
- Managing user accounts
- Developing and documenting security procedures for the company
- Performing regular security tests
- Developing performance reports and relaying this information to stakeholders
- Collaborating with the security team to troubleshoot technological issues
Average salary range: £23,00 – £30,000
Cloud Security Engineer
Responsibilities:
- Analyses security risks and needs
- Designs, upgrades and monitors solutions and systems
- Assess security risks
- Propose and implement risk mitigation strategies
- Safeguarding cloud-based systems from potential threats and vulnerabilities
- Staying up to date with the latest cloud security threats, trends, and technologies
Average salary range: £50,000 – £70,000
Cyber Security Analyst
Responsibilities:
- Monitor and respond to security incidents
- Analyse security alerts
- Investigating potential threats
- Conduct threat assessments
- Develop strategies to protect a company’s data
Average salary range: £30,000 – £60,000
Ethical Hacker
Responsibilities:
- Identify security vulnerabilities and weaknesses
- Perform authorised hacking attempts on systems and networks to show security vulnerabilities
- Conduct security audits to ensure compliance with best practices and regulatory requirements
- Report and document findings and recommendations
- Keep updated with the latest hacking techniques and security trends
- Collaborate with other cybersecurity professionals to address vulnerabilities
Average salary range: £36,000 – £68,000
Ready to look for your next role? You can find cybersecurity opportunities with companies committed to improving gender diversity here.
How can you start your career using your cybersecurity degree?
Networking is crucial in cybersecurity, both online and offline. Attending cybersecurity conferences, joining webinars, and connecting with people on social media are great ways to build your network. LinkedIn is a great platform for this as it allows you to build a personal brand that will help you get noticed and stand out from the competition. Here we have some tips on how to improve your LinkedIn profile.
Many organisations offer internships or entry-level roles for cybersecurity graduates, so take advantage of these! They’re an excellent way to put your skills to practice, expand your learning and make useful connections. Roles like IT support, security analyst, or risk assessment trainee are excellent starting positions. In addition, government agencies often seek cybersecurity professionals for roles in national security and defence which is a great stepping stone.
Build a portfolio showing your technical abilities, this might include malware analysis or setting up secure networks. Consolidating your knowledge into a clear, easy-to-read portfolio will help set you apart from other candidates in the job market. Doing this will also increase your confidence in your abilities. It is also important that you don’t stop learning! This shows potential employers that you are passionate about the industry and committed to keeping your skills up to date.
Stepping out of university and into the professional world can feel intimidating, but it’s also an exciting phase filled with countless opportunities! If you’re still unsure how to begin your journey into the tech world, we have put together some top tips here.
