Cyber Intelligence Officer

Typical Salary

£31,500 To £50,000

Typical Hours

35 to 40 a week

evenings / weekends occasionally

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

College / 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

2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

Apprenticeship

You could do a higher or degree apprenticeship in:

cyber security
cyber intrusion
network engineering

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

Routes into this Career

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 MI5's Intelligence and Data Analyst Development Programme.

Skills And Knowledge

You'll need:

knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
complex problem-solving skills
the ability to use your initiative
the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
telecommunications knowledge
to be thorough and pay attention to detail
persistence and determination
maths skills
to have a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications

Day To Day Tasks

In this role you'll often be:

identifying common weaknesses in IT networks
using digital resources to gather information and evidence
using computer forensics to identify attackers, their motivations and techniques
analysing threats to major security systems
monitoring new and evolving threats and assessing their potential impact
keeping databases of threats and hackers
producing threat assessment reports with recommendations for protective action
developing relationships with other organisations to safely share security knowledge
updating your skills and knowledge

Working Environment

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

Career Path & 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.

Volunteering Opportunities

Volunteering Opportunities are not listed for this job.

Tips & Information

Further information

You can find out more about working in digital security from the National Cyber Security Centre and Security Service MI5.

Restrictions & 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.