Career Suggestion

Cyber intelligence officer

Cyber intelligence officers gather information about where threats to information technology (IT) systems come from and how they work.

Average salary (a year)

£25000.0 to £50000.0 (starter to experienced)

Typical hours (a week)

35.0 to 40.0 a week

You could work

evenings / weekends occasionally

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role
  • a graduate training scheme

University

You can do a degree or postgraduate qualification in one of the following subjects:

  • computer science
  • computer or cyber security
  • mathematics
  • network engineering and security

You could take a postgraduate course in computing or cyber security if your first degree is not in a related subject, or if you have a lot of industry experience.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

  • a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

More Information

  • equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
  • student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
  • university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/

Apprenticeship

You could apply to do an apprenticeship, such as:

  • Cyber Security Technologist Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship
  • Digital Forensic Technician Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship
  • Protective Security Adviser Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship
  • Cyber Security Technical Professional Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship
  • Advanced Digital Forensic Professional Level 7 Degree Apprenticeship

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

  • a degree in a relevant subject

More Information

  • equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
  • guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide

Work

You could start work with an IT security firm, for example as a support technician after doing GCSEs or A levels, then work your way up while studying for further qualifications on the job.

Other Routes

If you have a degree or relevant work experience, you could apply for the MI5 Intelligence and Data Analyst Development Programme .

More Information

Further Information

You can find out more about working in digital security from the:

If you are under 17 CyberFirst has a programme of activities including:

  • apprenticeships
  • bursaries
  • competitions
  • courses

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
  • complex problem-solving skills
  • the ability to use your initiative
  • the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
  • broadcasting and telecommunications knowledge
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • persistence and determination
  • maths skills
  • to have a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

For public sector work, you may need to go through UK Security Vetting . This includes:a counter terrorist check; a security check (SC) - for access to information classified as 'secret'; developed vetting (DV) - for access to information classified as 'top secret'

For private sector work, you may not need to be vetted unless you're working on government systems.

Day-to-day tasks

In this role you may:

  • identify common weaknesses in IT networks
  • use digital resources to gather information and evidence
  • use computer forensics to identify attackers and their methods
  • analyse threats to major security systems
  • monitor new threats and assess their impact
  • keep databases of threats and hackers
  • produce threat assessment reports and recommend actions
  • develop relationships with other organisations and share security knowledge
  • update your skills and knowledge

Working environment

You could work in an office or at a client's business.

With experience, you could become a specialised cyber security lead and then head of cyber security.

You could also work as a freelance security contractor.

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