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Sector Outlook
What do Sony Pictures, Inland Revenue, AOL, JP Morgan Chase and Ebay
have in common? They have all experienced major security breaches of their
data. Cyber security is a major concern to banks, business and governments
as they seek to protect personal data, intelligence information and computer
networks from hackers, espionage and cyber criminals. With the ever
increasing and changing threat, the UK government will have spent £860
million by 2016 to keep us safe online.
The industry in the UK is currently wor th £2.8 billion and is overseen by GCHQ
which provides technical authority on cyber security. The industry is growing
rapidly with 20% of UK cyber business coming from abroad. The biggest
sales come from the defence sectors followed by government and financial
institutions which have the most demanding and complex security needs. New
areas of growth in the industry are in cloud security and with medium to small
businesses. The UK has a world class selection of knowledge and companies
in the cyber security sector, such as: Deloitte, KPMG, QinetiQ, IBM, BAE
Systems and Sophos.
The range of jobs available is varied, from forensic computer investigation
through to training in online safety. As a result, employers are looking for people
from technical and non-technical backgrounds, who can show they have the
potential to develop. Key qualities needed for those interested in the field include
the ability to think outside of the box, being a natural cynic, and passion for
complex problem solving. With 60% of business stating that demand for recruits
is increasing, there is no better time to enter this sector. Degree entrants usually
are qualified in IT, Cyber Security of Forensics and to increase your chances there
are also MSc programmes available in Computer and Forensic Security. If you do
not have a degree, employers may offer higher apprenticeships in cyber security
allowing you valuable training and experience in the industry whilst getting paid.
The key hubs for security careers include London, M4 corridor, Severn Valley and
Hampshire although GCHQ are looking to develop 8 security clusters nationally.
Cyber Security