Cyber intelligence officer

Cyber intelligence officers gather information about where threats to information technology (IT) systems come from and how they work.

• Starter salary£25,000 a year
• Experienced£50,000 a year
• Typical hours35 to 40 a week

What you'll do

In this role you may:

• identify common weaknesses in IT networks
• use digital resources to gather information and evidence
• use computer forensics to identify attackers and their methods
• analyse threats to major security systems
• monitor new threats and assess their impact
• keep databases of threats and hackers
• produce threat assessment reports and recommend actions
• develop relationships with other organisations and share security knowledge
• update your skills and knowledge

Working environment

You could work in an office or at a client's business.

Skills and knowledge you'll need

You'll need:

• complex problem-solving skills
• the ability to use your initiative
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• knowledge of digital communications
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• persistence and determination
• maths skills
• excellent verbal communication skills
• to have a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications

How to become a cyber intelligence officer

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role
• a graduate training scheme

University

You can do a degree or postgraduate qualification in one of the following subjects:

• computer science
• computer or cyber security
• mathematics
• network engineering and security

You could take a postgraduate course in computing or cyber security if your first degree is not in a related subject, or if you have a lot of industry experience.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
• a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

Apprenticeship

You could apply to do an apprenticeship, such as:

• Cyber Security Technologist Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship
• Digital Forensic Technician Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship
• Protective Security Adviser Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship
• Cyber Security Technical Professional Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship
• Advanced Digital Forensic Professional Level 7 Degree Apprenticeship

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship
• a degree in a relevant subject

Work

You could start work with an IT security firm, for example as a support technician after doing GCSEs or A levels, then work your way up while studying for further qualifications on the job.

Other routes

If you have a degree or relevant work experience, you could apply for the MI5 Intelligence and Data Analyst Development Programme .

Restrictions and requirements

For public sector work, you may need to go through UK Security Vetting . This includes:

• a counter terrorist check
• a security check (SC) - for access to information classified as 'secret'
• developed vetting (DV) - for access to information classified as 'top secret'

For private sector work, you may not need to be vetted unless you're working on government systems.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could become a specialised cyber security lead and then head of cyber security.

You could also work as a freelance security contractor.

Guides for this industry

• IT & Technology: pay, interviews and getting started →

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Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0