IT security co-ordinator

IT security co-ordinators protect their clients' computer systems and data from illegal access, theft and misuse.

Also known as: Information security analyst, cyber security specialist

• Starter salary£35,000 a year
• Experienced£76,000 a year
• Typical hours37 to 40 a week

What you'll do

As an IT security co-ordinator, you could:

• assess risks to IT systems and develop procedures to minimise them
• use manual and automated methods to test IT defences and find weak spots
• monitor and record incidents and suspicious activity in real time
• investigate security breaches, assess damage and fix flaws
• manage security system maintenance and upgrades
• advise organisations on how to improve their IT security
• test emerging technologies, like AI, that could be used to reinforce security measures

Working environment

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

Skills and knowledge you'll need

You'll need:

• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• complex problem-solving skills
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to use your initiative
• the ability to remain calm and work under pressure
• excellent verbal communication skills
• excellent written communication skills
• maths skills
• to have a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications

How to become a iT security co-ordinator

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role
• applying directly

University

You can study for a foundation degree, degree or postgraduate course in:

• computer science
• cyber security
• software engineering
• maths
• business information systems

Courses with industry placements or summer internships can help you to develop your skills and industry contacts.

Your university careers service can help you find work experience, internship and placement opportunities.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• at least 1 A level, or equivalent, for a foundation degree
• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
• a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

College

You could do take a college course before applying for a trainee IT position with a company.

Courses include:

• computing
• networking and cyber security
• maths
• psychology
• T Level in Digital Support and Security

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level

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

Work

You can start work with an organisation, for instance as an IT support technician or network engineer . With further on-the-job training, for example through The Chartered Institute for IT (BCS) , you may be promoted to an IT security role.

You can also search the UK Cyber Security Council resources for certification courses and training providers linked to different types of security roles.

Direct application

You can apply directly for work as an IT security co-ordinator if you have experience in IT project management, network engineering or cyber intelligence.

Foundation apprenticeship

You may be able to start in a junior or assistant role by doing a Software and Data Level 2, or Hardware, Network and Infrastructure Level 2, Foundation Apprenticeship.

You can apply for a foundation apprenticeship if you're aged 16 to 21.

If you're aged 22 to 24, you can apply if you:

• have an education, health and care (EHC) plan
• are in care or have been in care
• are in prison or have been in prison

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• no specific qualifications or experience to apply for a foundation apprenticeship
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

Restrictions and requirements

You'll need to:

• pass enhanced background checks

Career path and progression

With experience, you could work towards professional registration in a particular IT security specialism, such as:

• security systems management
• testing
• architecture and design

You could also:

• move into security consultancy
• work for the police, security services or specialist law firms who investigate computer crimes

Career tips

You can explore different roles in IT security , using the UK Cyber Security Council's careers framework.

Guides for this industry

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

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