Cyber security analyst
Protect businesses and organisations from cyber threats using cutting-edge technology.
About the job
What it's like
Picture yourself as a digital defender of Scotland's businesses and organisations. You'll be on the front line, analysing suspicious activity and stopping cyber attacks.
Every day is different. You could be coming up with creative solutions to fix vulnerabilities. Or you might work with colleagues to develop robust security protocols. Ethical hacking is another important task, you'd try to breach security systems to identify weaknesses.
This role is perfect for someone who thrives on a challenge and enjoys puzzles. You'll need a keen eye for detail, a logical mind and to be handy with technology. Ready to make a real difference in the world? Cyber security could be your calling.
Your tasks might include:
investigating suspicious activity and security breaches
using analytics tools to spot emerging threats and vulnerabilities
implementing security solutions
monitoring and looking after security systems
working with IT teams to improve cyber resilience
simulating security breaches to improve protocols
advising colleagues on best practice to reduce risk
creating contingency plans in the event of security breaches
exploring ways technologies such as artificial intelligence can reduce cyber threats
Explore more information about this job
Here are some useful links to learn more about this career:
National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) – learn about NCSC-certified degrees
National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) – discover the CyberFirst Girls Competition
UK Cyber Security Council – explore careers information and routes into the cyber industry
Cyber Games UK – test your cyber skills by playing online games!
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Browse courses in Scotland related to 'Cyber security analyst'
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Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
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Financial and professional services -
Digital technologies -
Engineering and manufacturing
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- written communication
- working with technology
- verbal communication
- resilience
- researching
- problem solving
- ethical
- attention to detail
- analysing
- adaptability
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
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Computing Science
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Maths (Mathematics)
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Applications of Mathematics
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Physics
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English
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Biology
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Foundation Apprenticeship: Hardware and Systems Support
You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.
Discover what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
A degree is not always needed in this career but many employers will value one. You might need a degree for senior roles. For some employers, your experience and knowledge will be more important.
There are lots more qualifications you can get to help you build skills and bolster your CV. Check out the UK Cyber Security site. They list common entry routes and qualifications that can help in this career. Here are some routes you can take to become a cyber security analyst.
Apprenticeship routes to a cyber career
Foundation Apprenticeships
You can start learning the skills you'll need through a Foundation Apprenticeship (FA). While you're in S5 or S6, you'll gain work experience while you study.
You can browse FAs on Apprenticeships.scot. This one in IT: Hardware and System Support is an ideal first step towards a cyber career.
Modern Apprenticeships
If you’re aged 16 or older, a Modern Apprenticeship (MA) will let you work and earn while you study for a qualification. After you qualify, you'd be able to study further or move into a role where you can build experience.
You might find these MAs helpful:
Graduate Apprenticeships
You could also earn a degree level qualification through a Graduate Apprenticeship (GA). Check out this GA in Cyber Security.
College
A college course could get work experience and help you progress to further study or even into a full-time role. Common qualifications you can get at college include:
National Progression Awards (NPA)
National Qualifications (NQ)
National Certificates (NC)
Higher National Certificates (HNC)
Higher National Diplomas (HND)
What you need to enter a Cyber Security course will differ depending on the level of study. For an HNC or HND, you'll likely need either:
at least one Higher at C, preferably two
a relevant NC or NQ
a relevant Access course or NPA
An FA in a relevant subject may count as Higher. Some courses may ask for National 5s or Highers in subjects such as Maths, Computing Science, Physics, Chemistry or English.
University
A Cyber Security degree will increase the number of roles you can apply for.
To get into a relevant course, you'll likely need at least
four Highers at BBCC or three Advanced Highers at BBB
National 5s in English and Maths at C
Some courses will ask for Maths, Computing or a science subject at Higher or Advanced Higher. If you have an HNC or HND in a relevant subject, this might also get you into a degree course.
Degrees in other subjects are also useful for a career in cyber security. For example:
Computer Science
Software Engineering
Systems Engineering
If you want to continue studying at postgraduate level, there are courses in Cyber Security. You'll need at least a 2.2 honours degree in a relevant subject to apply.
Work
There are trainee roles available that you don't need experience for. You'll get training on the job and could work your way towards more senior positions.
Knowledge and experience is very important in this career. Check out the UK Cyber Security Council site. They've gathered a list of learning resources to help you develop your skills.
You might need different certifications for some roles. This shows your knowledge is up-to-date in certain areas.
Browse a list of recognised industry certifications on the ICS2 site. They're the world's leading member association for cyber security professionals.
Find the right course for you
Browse courses in Scotland related to 'Cyber security analyst'
