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Cyber intelligence officer

Alternative titles for this job include

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

Average salary (a year)

£25,000 Starter

to

£50,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

35 to 40 a week

You could work

evenings / weekends occasionally

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become a cyber intelligence officer

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

Apprenticeship

You could do an apprenticeship like:

  • cyber security technologist higher apprenticeship
  • cyber security technical professional degree apprenticeship

GCHQ also runs a cyber security 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

More Information

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 National Cyber Security Centre, Security Service MI5 and the UK Cyber Security Council.

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

  • apprenticeships
  • bursaries
  • competitions
  • courses

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

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
  • 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

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.

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

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.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

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.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Apprentice Cyber Security

  • Wage: £17,194.00 Annually
  • Location: 2 St John's Street, Coventry

Governance Analyst L4 Cyber Security Technologist Apprenticeship

  • Wage: £30,000.00 Annually
  • Location: 155 Tooley Street, London
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Foundation Diploma in Cyber Security

  • Provider: HALESOWEN COLLEGE
  • Start date: 06 September 2023
  • Location: Halesowen

Cyber Security Basics Cert L3

  • Provider: EAST SUSSEX COLLEGE GROUP
  • Start date: 11 October 2023
  • Location: Eastbourne
Find courses near you

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