It Security Co-ordinator

Typical Salary

£35,000 To £60,000

Typical Hours

38 to 40 a week

on call

How To Become a It Security Co-ordinator

You can get into this job through:

a university course
an apprenticeship
working towards this role

College / University

You could do a foundation degree, degree or postgraduate award in:

computing
information systems
project management
business management

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 postgradu

Apprenticeship

You could do a cyber security technologist or cyber intrusion higher apprenticeship, or a cyber security technical professional degree apprenticeship.

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 as an IT support technician after GCSEs or A levels and train on the job for further qualifications.

You could apply directly to work as an IT security co-ordinator if you've got several years' experience in IT management, network engineering or cyber intelligence.

Other Routes

Other Routes are not listed for this job.

Skills And Knowledge

You'll need:

analytical thinking skills
the ability to use your initiative
the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
broadcasting and telecommunications knowledge
to be thorough and pay attention to detail
excellent verbal communication skills
complex problem-solving skills
excellent written communication skills
to have a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications

Day To Day Tasks

In this role you could be:

assessing risks to systems, and developing plans to minimise potential threats
designing new security systems or upgrading existing ones
testing and evaluating security products
planning for disaster recovery in the event of security breaches
simulating security breaches (penetration testing)
using ethical hacking methods to find security flaws
investigating breaches and carrying out corrective action
making sure procedures meet network security standards
preparing reports and technical documentation for managers and users

Working Environment

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

Career Path & Progression

With experience you could move into network management, IT project management or security consultancy.

You could work for the police, security services or specialist law firms, carrying out forensic investigation of computer-based crimes.

Volunteering Opportunities

Volunteering Opportunities are not listed for this job.

Tips & Information

Professional and industry bodies

You could join the Chartered Institute of Information Security for professional development opportunities.

Further information

You can find out more about working in IT and digital security from The Chartered Institute for IT and National Cyber Security Centre.

Restrictions & Requirements

You'll need to:

pass enhanced background checks