This is the fifth instalment of a series of blogs that provide information on occupational roles that employers struggle to fill. In this article we take a look at the role of the cyber-security specialist.

There are regional differences in the skills and occupations where employers are experiencing shortages and throughout this series we will endeavour to provide information on where the greatest demand for the occupations and skills exist geographically.

As the use of technology increases globally and the way the humans use technology to do things like shop, bank, control their heating etc. the need for experts who can keep people, businesses and their information safe increases.

What does a cyber-security specialist do?

Cyber-security specialists defend IT infrastructures and networks from attack. They do this by recognizing and assessing possible security breaches and putting measures in place to protect against these, including technological solutions and training staff / raising awareness of potential cyber threats and how to avoid them.

How to become a cyber-security specialist

It is possible to develop a career in cyber-security from an entry-level role in IT. If you are good at what you do and committed to developing your skills then you could progress into this role.

Alternatively, there are apprenticeships in cyber-security now or you could choose to study for a degree in computer science or specifically cyber-security and begin your employment further up the career ladder.

The skills that you need for a career as a cyber-security specialist include:

• Great IT skills obviously
• Analytical skills / a logical approach
• Problem solving skills
• The ability to work under pressure and to a deadline

Cyber-security specialist salaries

The average starting salary for a cyber-security specialist is around £25,000 and rises to between £45,000 and £80,000 with experience.