How to Become a Cyber Security Professional

What Is Cyber Security?

Cyber security is the practice of protecting computer systems, networks, and data from digital attacks. These attacks may seek to steal sensitive information, hold data hostage with ransomware, or simply cause disruption. The job means understanding how systems work, where they are vulnerable, and how attackers think. Day-to-day, you might be monitoring network traffic for suspicious activity, testing systems to find weaknesses before criminals do, investigating breaches to understand what happened, or advising organisations on how to strengthen their defences. The field splits into several specialisms: some people focus on building secure systems, others on detecting threats, and others on responding to incidents. The technical side involves firewalls, encryption, intrusion detection systems, and extensive log analysis. But there is also a human element: training employees not to click on phishing emails, writing security policies, and explaining risks to executives who do not speak tech.

Why Does Cyber Security Matter?

The numbers tell the story. According to the UK government's Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2025, 43% of businesses and 30% of charities experienced a cyber attack or data breach in the past year. That translates to roughly 612,000 UK businesses and 61,000 charities. The consequences range from monetary losses and operational disruption to reputation-related damage and regulatory penalties. For critical infrastructure (i.e. hospitals, electric grids, transport systems) the stakes are even higher. A successful attack could put lives at risk. Cyber security professionals exist because the alternative is worse. Without them, organisations would be flying blind, hoping they are not the next headline. The work is not glamorous, but it is essential.

Is Cyber Security a Good Career?

The short answer is yes. The longer answer involves some genuinely encouraging numbers and a few honest caveats.

• Strong demand and persistent skills shortages. The UK cyber security sector employs around 67,300 people directly, with another 143,000 in related roles across the wider economy. Despite this, the ISC2 Cybersecurity Workforce Study found that nearly two-thirds of organisations report staff shortages. There simply aren't enough qualified people to fill the available roles. That imbalance works in your favour if you are entering the field.
• Competitive salaries. Entry positions typically pay £35,000 to £40,000, depending on the specialism and location. With a few years of experience, that rises to £50,000–£72,000. Senior roles can reach £85,000, while leadership positions like CISO go beyond £140,000. London pays a premium, but regional roles are increasingly competitive as remote work becomes more common.
• Industry is growing. The UK cyber security sector generated £13.2 billion in revenue last year: a 12% increase on the previous year. The number of cyber security firms rose to 2,135, with 74 new businesses starting up in the past year alone. This is not a shrinking field.
• Remote work is realistic. Most cyber security work is done on a computer: monitoring dashboards, analysing logs, testing systems, and writing reports. The pandemic proved that much of it can be done remotely, and many employers have not returned to on-site work. Entirely remote and hybrid roles are common, especially in consulting and managed security services.
• Clear progression paths. You might start as a security analyst or support technician, progress to specialised roles like penetration tester or incident responder, and eventually move into management or consultancy. The UK Cyber Security Council offers professional registration across four levels, from entry through to Chartered Cyber Security Professional, a recognised marker of expertise.
• The work keeps evolving. New threats appear constantly. Attackers adapt, technologies change, and regulations update. If you enjoy learning and dislike repetitive work, cyber security will keep you busy. The flip side: you cannot coast. Continuous education is a must.

How Do I Get Into Cyber Security? A Step-by-Step Guide

There is no single path into cyber security. Some people come through university, others through apprenticeships, and others transition from adjacent IT roles. What matters is building the right combination of knowledge, practical skills, and credentials.

1. 1
   Get to know the landscape. Cyber security is broad. Before diving in, spend some time learning about the different roles. Security analysts monitor systems and respond to alerts. Penetration testers try to gain unauthorised access to systems to find vulnerabilities. Forensic analysts investigate incidents after they happen. Security architects design secure systems from the ground up. Network engineers focus on infrastructure security. Every role needs its own set of abilities and certifications. Once you figure out which direction interests you, it becomes much easier to map out your next steps.
2. 2
   Develop foundational IT knowledge. Most cyber security roles assume you already understand how computers and networks work. That means knowing how operating systems function, how data moves across networks, how applications are built, and how users interact with systems. If you are coming from a non-technical background, start here. You do not need to become a developer, but you should be comfortable with the command line, basic scripting, and network concepts such as TCP/IP, DNS, and firewalls. CompTIA A+ and Network+ certifications cover these fundamentals and are widely recognised.
3. 3
   Learn core cyber security concepts. Once you have the IT basics, start learning security-specific knowledge: threat landscapes, common attack vectors, defensive tools, and security systems. Understand how malware works, what phishing looks like, how attackers take advantage of vulnerabilities, and how organisations defend against these threats. Free resources from the National Cyber Security Centre are a good starting point. The NCSC, part of GCHQ, publishes practical guidance on everything from password policies to incident response.
4. 4
   Get hands-on practice. Reading about cyber security is not the same as doing it. Build your own home lab using virtual machines to experiment safely. Get hands-on with tools like Wireshark for network , Nmap for network scanning, and Metasploit for penetration testing. TryHackMe and Hack The Box both offer interactive challenges modelled after real-world scenarios. Capture the Flag events are a fun way to sharpen your skills while competing with others. The more you practice with these tools, the more confident you'll become in real job scenarios.
5. 5
   Consider formal education. You don’t have to have a degree, but it can help; especially for getting past initial CV screening at larger organisations. BSc programmes in cyber security, computer science, or network engineering provide structured learning and often include work placements. Many are accredited by BCS (The Chartered Institute for IT) or the Chartered Institute of Information Security. If you already have a degree in another field, you can often switch over by doing a one-year MSc in cyber security, as it is faster. The NCSC certifies certain degree programmes that meet government-recognised standards.
6. 6
   Earn proper certifications. Certifications signal that you have specific, verified skills. CompTIA Security+ is a great way to get started, as it teaches you the basics most entry-level roles expect. If you want to understand how hackers operate, the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) digs into attack tactics. For those who’ve been in the field a while, the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) is highly respected, but you’ll need five years’ experience first. Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) is aimed at those moving into management. Pick certifications that match your target role and experience level and do not collect them randomly.
7. 7
   Explore apprenticeships. Apprenticeships let you earn while you learn, combining on-the-job training with formal qualifications. You’ll find apprenticeships like the Cyber Security Technologist (Level 4), Digital Forensic Technician (Level 4), and Cyber Security Technical Professional (Level 6 Degree). Big names (e.g. BAE Systems, Barclays, and several government departments) run these programmes. You typically need GCSEs and A-levels (or equivalent), though requirements vary. CyberFirst, run by the NCSC, also provides courses, bursaries, and apprenticeships for those aged 11 to 19.
8. 8
   Obtain practical experience. It’s that classic catch-22: entry-level jobs ask for experience, but how do you get it if you’re just starting out? One way is through internships—companies like Deloitte, Tesco, and Rolls-Royce run summer programmes that last a couple of months. Another option is to get your foot in the door with an IT role, such as help desk support, network administration, or IT technician. These roles let you build your hands-on knowledge of security issues. Volunteering for security-related tasks in your current job, even informally, counts too. Some people start freelancing, offering basic security assessments to small businesses. Any documented experience helps.
9. 9
   Work towards professional registration. The UK Cyber Security Council offers professional titles that validate your expertise: Associate, Principal, Senior, and Chartered Cyber Security Professional. Each reflects increasing levels of competence, scope, and professional development. To get Chartered status (ChCSP), you’ll be asked for substantial real-world experience in your specialism, a strong ethical foundation, and evidence that you can keep your skills current. Professional registration is not required to work in cyber security, but it distinguishes you in a crowded field and signals credibility to employers and clients.
10. 10
    Start applying. Job descriptions in cyber security often list intimidating requirements. Apply anyway if you meet most of them, as hiring managers expect some on-the-job learning. Tailor your CV to each role, emphasising relevant projects, certifications, and transferable skills. Highlight any hands-on experience, even from home labs or CTF competitions. Meet people in the field by going to industry events, connect on LinkedIn, or check out local meetups. The first role is the hardest to get; once you have experience, opportunities multiply.

Resources and Further Reading

• National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) – Part of GCHQ, the NCSC publishes practical guidance for organisations and individuals. Their website includes threat reports, best practices, and a list of certified degree programmes. Essential reading for anyone entering the field.
• UK Cyber Security Council – The professional body for UK cyber security. They oversee professional registration, from Associate through to Chartered status, and maintain standards for competence and ethics. Worth exploring if you want to understand the career path.
• CyberFirst – An NCSC programme for young people aged 11 to 19. Offers courses, competitions, bursaries, and apprenticeships. If you are starting early or know someone who is, this is a well-funded entry point.
• CompTIA Security+ – The standard entry-level certification for cyber security. It covers network security, threats, risk management, and cryptography. Vendor-neutral and widely recognised by employers. A sensible first certification for most people.
• TryHackMe – An online platform with guided, gamified cyber security training. Covers everything from beginner basics to advanced penetration testing. Hands-on labs let you practice in realistic locales without setting up your own infrastructure.
• Hack The Box – Another practical platform focused on offensive and defensive security. More challenging than TryHackMe, aimed at people preparing for penetration testing roles. Includes machines to hack, challenges to solve, and a competitive community.
• ISC2 (CISSP) – The organisation behind the Certified Information Systems Security Professional certification. CISSP is among the most respected credentials in security, though it requires five years of experience. The website also offers free entry-level certifications for those just starting out.
• r/cybersecurity – Active Reddit community discussing careers, certifications, tools, and daily life in cyber security. Useful for honest opinions on different firms, qualification routes, and what the job is actually like. The wiki has useful resources for beginners.
• ISC2 CC Practice Test – Our free 100-question practice exam for the ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity (CC) certification. Handy for testing yourself before you invest time in harder certifications.