The demand for qualified cyber security specialists is outpacing the current workforce, which means now is the perfect time to start a career in cyber security!
According to the 2024 ISC2 Cybersecurity Workforce Study, there is a global workforce gap of over 4.5 million staff, an increase of nearly 20% from 2023 despite overall growth of 0.1%. The UK Cyber Security Council also reports that 33-51% of all UK businesses have a basic or advanced cyber security skills gap.
Due to the high demand for skilled cyber security staff, organisations need to recruit qualified professionals to protect against cyber attacks and other forms of cyber crime. Any business can become a victim of cybercriminals, whether they are a small independent busines or a global corporation.
The only differentiating factor between organisations is the impact a cyber attack could have. Institutions such as those in control of military assets, financial data, or national security interests need higher levels of cyber security, as a cyber attack could cause serious damage to real people.
But the reality is that in this digital age anyone can fall victim to cybercrime. In 2024, 50% of all businesses experienced a cyber security attack or breach. Medium and large businesses suffered even more, with over 70% falling victim to some form of cybercrime (Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2024). This further highlights the importance of plugging the cyber security skills gap.
All of this provides an opportunity for newly qualified professionals to start a cyber security career and make a real-world impact in the fight against cyber-crime.
If you’re interested in joining the cyber security sector, now is the time.
UK salaries range from around £30,000 for some graduate roles to well over £100,000 for more senior level positions, with an average salary of over £50,000 for a cyber security professional (glassdoor.co.uk).
With cyber criminals becoming more advanced as the technology they use also advances, more cyber security measures are needed to ensure the safety of our data, systems, and assets.
Just as skilled tradespeople will always be required to maintain infrastructure and homes, so too will cyber security professionals be needed in an increasingly digitalised world. This offers job security that rivals that of many other sectors.
With an abundance of roles to choose from in a huge range of workplaces, you’re spoilt for choice.
You could become any of the following and more – you’re in charge of your career!
You could even work with new technologies, gaining access to them before they’re released to the public, and you’ll be regularly tested with new puzzles and problems to solve.
Since cyber security affects all types of businesses, the chances are high that you’ll find the perfect role or nice to interest you throughout your career.
With such varied work in an ever-changing landscape, few cyber security professionals have reason to complain about being bored in their role.
It’s not just staff numbers that are needed to bolster the cyber security workforce, but skills too. Employers are looking for professionals with the cyber security skills and qualifications they need to plug the gaps in their organisation.
So, how do you take advantage of this situation if you want a successful cyber security career?
According to the ISC2 Cybersecurity Workforce Study, 86% of cyber security professionals said that they found cyber security certifications valuable and 90% of professionals that gained certification before their first cyber security job found it either valuable or very valuable.
This was found to be the case regardless of gender, race, or region, evidencing the significance placed upon certification to demonstrate cyber security skills, regardless of background.
One of the best ways to start a cyber security career is to gain a recognised cyber security qualification to demonstrate that you have the skills and knowledge that organisations around the world need.
Our MSc Cyber Security Technology (Online) doesn’t just teach you cyber security theory; it equips you with the skills that employers are looking for. This online masters degree is designed to provide you with an entry point to the cyber security sector, teaching you the specialist skills and knowledge needed to enter the industry, fill the skills gap, and meet cyber security challenges head on.
If you’d like to change careers and join the cyber security industry but don’t have demonstrable cyber security experience, our part-time MSc Cyber Security Technology (Online) is the perfect way to get your foot in the door without needing to take time out of your current employment. You can still earn a living and meet your personal commitments whilst earning a Masters degree that could unlock your future.