Why is Cybersecurity Analyst One of the Most Demanded Jobs in the UK?

In today’s digital age, cybersecurity has become a critical concern for individuals and organizations alike. Cybersecurity refers to the practice of protecting internet-connected systems, hardware, software, and data from cyber threats such as phishing schemes, ransomware attacks, identity theft, data breaches, and financial losses.

With the increasing volume and sophistication of cyber attackers and attacks, the importance of cybersecurity continues to grow. As a result, cybersecurity analysts have become one of the most demanded jobs in the UK.

In this article, we will explore why cybersecurity analysts are in high demand and the career opportunities available in this field.

The Cybersecurity Jobs Crisis: Challenges and Opportunities

Challenges of the Cybersecurity Jobs Crisis:

  • There is a shortage of qualified cybersecurity professionals to fill the increasing number of job openings, leading to unfilled jobs and high burnout rates among information security staff.
  • Many organizations are making basic mistakes in hiring and recruiting cybersecurity professionals.
  • The risk landscape has shifted dramatically, with a more exposed environment and a cyberwar in full swing, making it challenging for cybersecurity professionals to keep up with the latest threats.
  • The lack of investment in cybersecurity education and training is resulting in a skills shortage.
  • The increase in cyberattacks, workers’ burnout, and the long years it takes to train an expert are reported as the drivers of the crisis.

Opportunities of the Cybersecurity Jobs Crisis:

  • The increasing number of job openings in cybersecurity presents an opportunity for those who have the right skills, training, and mindset.
  • Cybersecurity education and training can help develop the next generation of cybersecurity experts.
  • The $2 trillion American Jobs Plan includes $20 billion for state, local, and tribal governments to update and improve cybersecurity.
  • Candidates who know security and have a strong knowledge of web app vulnerabilities will typically have a leg up as these types of attacks are becoming more common.

The Importance of Cybersecurity in Today’s Business Landscape

Cybersecurity Salaries and Benefits in the UK

Salaries:

  • The typical income for a Cyber Security specialist in the United Kingdom is between £50,000 and £80,000 per year.
  • The average salary for a Cyber Security professional in London, UK is $45,191 per year.
  • The average Cyber Security Engineer salary in London, UK is £51,712 as of March 03, 2021.
  • The salary for a Software Developer/Engineer in Cybersecurity is £70,000, and for a Computer Systems Engineer/Architect is £69,900.
  • The average annual salary for an entry-level cybersecurity role in the US is $110,000.

Benefits:

  • Cybersecurity professionals in the UK can expect to receive benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.
  • Some organizations offer additional benefits such as flexible work arrangements, training and development opportunities, and bonuses.
  • Cybersecurity professionals may also have the opportunity to work on cutting-edge technologies and projects and have job security due to the high demand for their skills.

The Skills and Qualifications Needed to Become a Cybersecurity Analyst

Skills:

  • Cybersecurity analysts must have strong technical skills, including knowledge of 
  1. Programming languages
  2. Operating systems
  3. Network protocols.
  • Good technical skills, analytical abilities, and knowledge to recognize and prevent cyber-attacks are essential to becoming a cybersecurity analyst.
  • Cybersecurity analysts should possess a combination of strong information technology and security skills.
  • Scripting, controls and frameworks, intrusion detection, network security control, and operating systems are some of the essential technical skills for cybersecurity analysts.

Qualifications:

  • A bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field is typically required to become a cybersecurity analyst.
  • Some employers may prefer candidates with a master’s degree in cybersecurity or a related field.
  • Relevant certifications, such as 
  1. CompTIA Security+
  2. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
  3. Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) can also enhance job prospects.
  • Cybersecurity analysts should also have strong communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and attention to detail.

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The Future of Cybersecurity: Trends and Projections

  1. The number of unfilled cybersecurity job openings is expected to reach 3.5 million by 2025, leading to a scarcity of security professionals.
  2. Cybersecurity risk will become a primary determinant in conducting third-party transactions and business engagements, with 60% of organizations using it as a primary determinant by 2025.
  3. The use of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) technologies is one of the biggest trends in the future of cybersecurity.
  4. Heightened concerns over cybersecurity, coupled with an ongoing shortage of cybersecurity professionals, will drive changes to cybersecurity strategies and workplace policies in the coming years.
  5. Cybersecurity awareness, potentially vulnerable clouds, the exponential increase of attacks on mobile devices, and geo-targeted phishing are some of the other trends and projections for the future of cybersecurity.

How to Prepare for a Career in Cybersecurity

To prepare for a career in cybersecurity in Australia, you can follow these steps:

  1. Complete a bachelor’s degree in information technology, computer science, or other related fields.
  2. Consider completing postgraduate study.
  3. Complete a relevant industry certification, such as Certified Ethical Hacker, CompTIA Security+, Certified Information Systems Security Professional, etc.
  4. Explore the most popular cybersecurity careers in Australia and the skills and education required to succeed in them.
  5. You can also start an internship or find your first cybersecurity job without a degree.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the demand for cybersecurity analysts in the UK is increasing due to the growing number of cyber-attacks and the need for organizations to protect their data and networks. However, there is a severe shortage of qualified workers in the cybersecurity sector, leading to unfilled jobs and high burnout rates among information security staff. This talent shortage presents an opportunity for those who have the right skills, training, and mindset to pursue a career in cybersecurity and help organizations protect against cyber threats. To address this crisis, there is a need to invest in cybersecurity education and training to develop the next generation of cybersecurity experts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a cybersecurity analyst do?

A cybersecurity analyst is responsible for planning, evaluating, and carrying out security measures to protect an organization from breaches by identifying and resolving security threats to safeguard information.

What is the salary of a cybersecurity analyst in the UK?

The salary of a cybersecurity analyst in the UK varies depending on the level of experience and the organisation. However, the median salary for an information security analyst in the US is $103,590.

What are the key skills required for a cybersecurity analyst?

The key skills required for a cybersecurity analyst include knowledge of security protocols, network security, and information security, as well as analytical and problem-solving skills, communication skills, and attention to detail.

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