Cyber security manager
Could you be the go-to expert in a computing crisis? Oversee a team of IT specialists to protect an organisation from cyber-attacks.
About the job
What it's like
As a cyber security manager, you’ll take the lead on an organisation’s online security measures. This means you’ll protect its systems, networks and data from cyber threats and security breaches.
Generally, you’ll manage a team of cyber professionals, including cyber security analysts. You’ll guide them as they develop online security strategies and monitor cyber threats.
Your tasks might include:
managing your team as they handle cyber threats and spot potential incidents
helping people within the organisation to follow online security protocols
investigating and solving cyber security incidents as they happen
analysing vulnerabilities in the online systems and recommending proactive measures to improve them
running cyber awareness sessions for people within the organisation
reporting to senior management on the cyber security status, incidents and improvements
Cyber security managers usually work in a less senior role first. For example, they often start out in an entry-level IT position. They then move into a specialist cyber security role before going into management.
Explore more information about this job
Here are some useful links to learn more about this career:
UK Cyber Security Council – get more information about careers in cyber security management
National Cyber Security Centre – learn more about careers in cyber security
Women in CyberSecurity – where the recruitment, retention and advancement of women in cyber security happens
Chartered Institute of Information Security (CIISec) – access cyber security podcasts and events
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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
- verbal communication
- resilience
- problem solving
- managing resources
- making decisions
- ethical
- building relationships
- attention to detail
- 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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English
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Computing Science
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Engineering Science
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Information and Communications Technology - ICT
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Maths (Mathematics)
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Physics
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Statistics
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Foundation Apprenticeship: Hardware and Systems Support
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Foundation Apprenticeship: Software Development
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.
You’ll likely need a degree or postgraduate qualification for this job. You can work towards this after school by going to university, college or doing an apprenticeship.
Explore the information you need for each route into this career.
University
Most cyber security manager vacancies will ask that you have a degree or postgraduate qualification.
Subjects related to cyber security, IT and computing are very useful, such as:
cyber security
cyber security and networks
computer science with cyber security
computer science
information technology
information systems
Other university subjects which could help you get into this career include:
software engineering
electrical engineering
mathematics
digital forensics
Use the My World of Work course search to find courses.
College
Doing qualifications at college, such as an HNC or HND, could help you get into an entry-level role or move on to more advanced study. Subjects you could do at college include:
cyber security
networking with cyber security
infrastructure with cyber security
computing
business with information technology
software development
digital forensics
Apprenticeships
Modern Apprenticeships (MAs) mean you learn on the job. You get paid and work towards a qualification at the same time.
You might want to consider an MA in areas such as:
Graduate Apprenticeships (GAs) also let you learn on the job. You get paid and study for a degree-level qualification while working.
If you want to build a career in cyber security, check out GAs in:
Getting work experience in a relevant role can help build your profile in the cyber security sector. Search for computing or cyber security opportunities on Volunteer Scotland. Find more volunteering through The UK Cyber Security Council and Scottish Tech Army.
As you progress in your cyber security career, it’s a good idea to become a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP). To get CISSP accreditation, you need to sit an exam once you’ve worked in the industry for at least five years.
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