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IT security co-ordinator

Alternative titles for this job include Information security analyst

IT security co-ordinators protect their clients' data from unauthorised access, theft and misuse.

Average salary (a year)

£38,480 Starter

to

£45,760 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

38 to 40 a week

You could work

on call

How to become an IT security co-ordinator

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role

University

You could do a foundation degree, degree or postgraduate award in a subject like:

  • computing
  • information systems
  • project management
  • business management

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • at least 1 A level for a foundation degree 
  • 2 to 3 A levels for a degree
  • a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

More information

Apprenticeship

You could do a computing apprenticeship. For example a cyber security technologist or cyber intrusion higher apprenticeship, or a degree apprenticeship for digital and technology solutions professionals.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

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

More information

Work

You could start work as an IT support technician after GCSEs or A levels and train on the job while taking qualifications.

More information

Professional and industry bodies

You could join an organisation like The Institute of Information Security Professionals, which gives access to professional development opportunities.

Further information

The Chartered Institute for IT has more details about careers in computing.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • analytical thinking 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
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • complex problem-solving skills
  • excellent written communication skills
  • this job requires a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications.

Restrictions and requirements

You'll need to:

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

In this role you could be:

  • assessing risks to systems, and developing plans to minimise potential threats
  • designing new security systems or upgrading existing ones
  • testing and evaluating security products
  • planning for disaster recovery in the event of security breaches
  • simulating security breaches (penetration testing)
  • using ethical hacking methods to find security flaws
  • investigating breaches and carrying out corrective action
  • making sure procedures meet network security standards
  • preparing reports and technical documentation for managers and users

Working environment

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

Career path and progression

With experience you could move into network management, IT project management or security consultancy.

You could work for the police, security services or specialist law firms, carrying out forensic investigation of computer-based crimes.

Training opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Cyber Intrusion Analyst Apprentice - 17032

  • Wage : £18,000.00 Annually
  • Location: Oxford OX4 2JY

GSK Cyber Security Apprenticeship

  • Wage : £16,500.00 Annually
  • Location: Brentford TW8 9GS
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Network Engineering (Systems Administration) - BSc Hons Degree - Top up

  • Provider: BLACKPOOL AND THE FYLDE COLLEGE
  • Start date: 10 September 2019
  • Location: Blackpool

Pearson BTEC Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Computing (Network Engineering)

  • Provider: Bradford College
  • Start date: 02 September 2019
  • Location: Bradford
Find courses near you

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