With the threat of cyber attacks on the rise, Information Security staff are increasingly in demand to protect IT and computing systems. Also referred to as Cyber Security, professionals that operate in this technical field are often supplied by recruitment agencies that specialise in filling IT or internet job vacancies.
Information security job overview
Professionals that work within information security are responsible for deterring the unauthorised access or use of sensitive data. This data can be digital or physical. Software attacks and intellectual property theft are common cyber threats for most businesses, however Cyber Security jobs more frequently arise in larger firms due to the sensitivity of the data involved. Jobs in Information Security can include titles such as Ethical Hacker, Computer Forensic Analyst, or Risk Manager.
Qualifications, skills and salaries
Information Security is a growing sector and this has led to an increase in the number of university courses targeted at the field. While a general IT qualification can aid candidates in finding a job, employers may prefer job seekers with a specific degree in Cyber Security, Network Engineering, or Forensic Computing. It is possible to enter the role from a more entry-level position and an agency may look to recruit from professions such as that of IT Support.
Skill development is encouraged for candidates that want to improve their career prospects. The Chartered Institute of Information Security (CIISec) offers learning and qualifications for everyone from entry-level Security Practitioners to Senior Managers.
Recruiting Information Security Professionals
A skill shortage within Information Security means that recruitment agencies are constantly in demand to source staff for hard to fill jobs. Conversely, this means that there is an abundance of career opportunities for qualified candidates looking to break into the industry. Graduate schemes are common within the field and university leavers may find prospects within IT firms, Financial institutions or Public Sector authorities.