​The cyber security sector has been growing at a rapid rate in the past years, with the world exponentially becoming more digital. Businesses and governments around the globe have been increasingly demanding better IT infrastructure and overall digitalisation, or even cloud-based solutions for their ongoing operations. This urgent need to adopt new technologies has translated into a rise in cyberattacks, with cyber criminals refining their methods to harm - and steal from - organisations and individuals.

Numerous surveys and studies have shown how the cyber security field is not going anywhere: according to Mordor Intelligence, the UK cyber security market is still expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 11.45% from 2022 to 2027. The demand for cyber security professionals can therefore be expected to grow at a similar - or greater - rate. If you have ever considered a career in cyber security, now is the time to get into it as the industry isn’t showing any signs of slowing down.

The below article will aim to answer some key questions in relation to the cyber security field. If you are keen to learn more about what is cyber security, the most popular cyber jobs in London and most importantly how to get a job in cyber security, make sure to read the below.

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Cyber Security: the Basics You Need to Know

Before diving into any of the specifics, we must cover the basics. What exactly is cyber security and what is its main goal?

In short, cyber security can be described as the practice of protecting networks, systems and programs from external digital attacks. It encompasses a wide range of activities which involve defending computers, servers, mobile devices, electronic systems, networks and data from malicious attacks.

Cyber security as a whole works to protect both public and private networks from unauthorised access or disruption while also ensuring the integrity of data stored on these networks. In addition to this defensive role, cyber security professionals are also responsible for monitoring activities across a network in order to detect any suspicious activity or potential threats early on. It is important for businesses to have robust cyber security measures in place as it can help them avoid costly data breaches and other types of cybersecurity disasters.

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What are the Most Popular Cyber Security Jobs in London

As mentioned earlier, cyber security was - and still is - a quickly growing field, and London is known to be one of the top cities in the world for cyber jobs. There is a wide variety of positions available within the sector, ranging from entry-level roles to more complex and specialised ones. Some of the most popular cyber security jobs in London include Penetration Tester, Information Security Analyst, Cyber Security Engineer, Information Security Manager, Cyber Security Architect, Network Engineer and Chief Information Security Officer.

From the above list, Penetration Testers are responsible for analysing computer networks to identify vulnerabilities and threats. They will use various tools to simulate attacks on the system in order to test its security measures.

Information Security Analysts will analyse data collections and systems to identify any potential risks or threats as well as develop strategies for dealing with them.

Cyber Security Engineers are responsible for developing and maintaining effective information security systems that protect organisations from cyber-attacks.

Information Security Managers coordinate activities related to securing data across an organisation, while cyber security architects design secure systems that offer protection against malicious attack vectors such as malware, hacking or phishing attempts. ​

Network Engineers provide technical support in the areas of networking hardware installation and maintenance, configuration of routers and switches as well as troubleshooting network issues.

And last but certainly not least, the Chief Information Security Officer - CISO for short - is the most senior cyber security position within a given company. This senior-level executive staff member is in charge of overseeing and spearheading the information and cyber security strategy for the company.

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What to Do to Secure a Job in Cyber Security

If you wish to secure a job in cyber security, it will be essential for you to start by getting the necessary qualifications and certifications. As detailed in our article “Top Qualifications For a Successful Career in Cyber Security”, there are multiple avenues one can take to kickstart a career within the field. ​

On top of getting the appropriate accreditations and qualifications, candidates who wish to secure cyber security jobs need to constantly stay up-to-date with industry trends and try to build a network of cyber security professionals. The latter enables one to get a better sense of what’s happening within the field, and to build connections with professionals who could potentially support in finding a cyber security job.

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The Key Skills Needed For a Cyber Security Job

A successful career in cyber security requires a broad range of skills, from technical knowledge of hardware and software to the ability to think strategically.

Technical knowledge is essential for any role in the industry, as it is important to be able to install, configure, maintain and troubleshoot computer systems. This also includes being able to analyse data networks and identify any potential security risks or threats. Additionally, candidates should understand the principles of cryptography and encryption as these techniques are often used to protect sensitive data. ​

Other key skills include problem-solving abilities, strong communication skills and attention to detail. Problem solving is vital due to the complex nature of cybersecurity threats and their solutions require creative thinking. Additionally, communication skills are important in this field since professionals need to be able to explain technical concepts in a way that non-technical audiences can understand. Finally, attention to detail is essential as even small errors in this area can have serious consequences such as data breaches or attacks on networks. ​

In addition, employers will look for individuals who are up-to-date with current trends and tools in cyber security, especially when hiring for more specialised cyber jobs such as Penetration Testing or Incident Response. It is also important that prospective hires have some knowledge of digital forensics; they should know how digital evidence can be used in investigations related to cybercrime or cybersecurity incidents. Candidates should also be prepared for certifications such as the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) exam which tests an individual’s practical understanding of information security topics such as access control systems and risk management strategies.

Finally, cyber security professionals need strong business acumen so they can work with other departments within organisations effectively; they must be able explain their recommendations clearly while taking into account business needs and objectives. All these skills combined make up the core competencies needed for a successful career in cyber security today.

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Connecting With Cyber Security Recruitment Firms in London

After getting the right accreditations or qualifications and after successfully demonstrating the core skills needed within cyber security, candidates who wish to pursue a career within the field will have to begin their job search and ensure they are getting their foot through the right door. ​

For this, specialised cyber security recruitment firms can help. A headhunter can help you find a job, even more so if the role you are after is niche and highly-specialised - like in cyber security. London is known to be the home of thousands of recruitment agencies, with a large number of them being specialist firms.

If you do not know where to begin with your cyber security job search, one of the first things you should do is look up on LinkedIn or Google the best cyber security recruitment firms London has to offer. Each firm will have different specialist teams which will oversee a specific set of roles; you should spend some time identifying the cyber security recruiters who focus on areas which match your skill set. Once this is done, connect with them on LinkedIn, introduce yourself and share your resume so that they can better assess your background and your aspirations. Even if they do not have cyber security jobs which would match your current requirements, cyber recruitment consultants will usually keep you in mind for future roles which would land on their desk.

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Discover Rutherford’s Latest Cyber Security London Jobs

As stated above, one of the key steps one can take to secure a cyber security job in London is to reach out to a specialist recruiter who oversees the sector. At Rutherford, we have an entire team of cyber security recruiters who strictly focus on this rapidly growing field. Whether you are looking for entry-level cyber security analyst jobs or senior roles such as CISO or Head of Information Security, reach out to one of our specialist cyber security recruitment consultants today to get some more bespoke guidance on how to secure your next professional move within the space.

For more information, get in touch with the Rutherford team, have a look at our cyber security jobs or send us a general enquiry at enquiries@rutherfordsearch.com

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