Cyber security graduate jobs

Cyber security, also known as information technology security or computer security, is the practice of protecting digital programs, systems and networks from cyber-attacks. The aim of cyber-attacks is to access, steal or destroy sensitive data, hardware or software belonging to either individuals or organisations. In doing so, attackers hope to extort money from the users affected and/or disrupt the services those users provide.

Cyber security roles are centred around the implementation of preventative and counter-offensive solutions to such cyber security threats. The increasing reliance on technology, on both a personal and professional level, has led to an increase in the volume and sophistication of cyber security attacks. The awareness of this heightened threat has led the cyber security industry to experience rapid growth over the past decade, and it is now estimated to be worth hundreds of billions globally.

The new and continued growth of the cyber security industry is great news for graduates interested in careers in security. With cyber attacks posing a real risk for businesses, employers are looking to invest in the future of their in-house cyber security teams by rolling out junior security jobs in cyber. Alongside this, there is also a growing number of cyber security agencies that have provided an increased amount of cyber security opportunities for graduate job seekers. At Give a Grad a Go, we’re proud to work with some of the most impressive cyber security institutions to bring you the best graduate security jobs.

Keen to kickstart your cyber career but still need clarity about what kind of tasks are involved in cyber graduate jobs? The responsibilities of cyber roles can range from designing security infrastructure to performing digital forensics. The specific duties involved in a graduate cyber security role will depend on the employer, job type, and seniority level. For most grads entering the world of cyber security, entry level jobs will be the main focus of job applications, so let’s look at what some of the most popular entry level security jobs entail…

Junior Security Analyst – In cyber security analyst jobs, you will be responsible for analysing a business’ security systems, identifying vulnerabilities, correcting system flaws and scanning for any suspicious activity.

Graduate Penetration Tester – The job of a penetration tester entails ethical hacking, which is the process of attempting to hack into a computer system at the request of an individual or organisation in order to test the efficacy of their security systems.

Trainee Security Architect – As a trainee, your role will entail helping the senior security architect to plan, design and build cyberinfrastructure that meets the security policies and protocols of the individual or organisation you are working for.

Forensic Specialist – Digital forensics graduate jobs revolve around mitigating damage once a system breach has occurred. The job of the forensic team entails the recovery of data, reconstruction of damaged hardware, and investigation into what/who is responsible.

If you’re a technically skilled graduate with coding capabilities and the ability to work well under pressure, you should definitely consider applying to cyber security grad jobs.

At Give a Grad a Go, we understand that pay transparency is important to graduates seeking jobs in cyber security. Specifying a clear salary range on a job description enables graduates to identify whether the role is competitively paid and whether their is any room for negotiation. Salary details also provide an insight into the perceived seniority and value that the role poses in the eyes of the prospective employer. With this in mind, let’s give closer inspection to some of the highest salaries in cyber…

In cyber security, the highest paid roles are the most senior roles. This includes roles like Security Director, Chief Information Security Officer and Senior Security Specialist that can all see upwards of six figure salaries. Junior roles for graduates, in contrast, usually offer salaries within the range of £25,000 – £35,000 and will depend on the expertise and experience of the successful candidate. For graduates with specialised industry experience who are looking to move on from their first junior role in cyber security, applying to mid-level positions is a great way of achieving a higher salary.

While being paid competitively for your first job in cyber security is important for your own standard of living, it’s also important to prioritise finding a job that offers a great working environment. At Give a Grad a Go, we ask all our partner employers to shout about the culture, benefits and progression opportunities available at their company, so that graduates can learn about more than just the job salary.

Check out our specialist jobs board to find more detailed job descriptions of the graduate cyber vacancies that we have on offer – register to our website to apply today!

Graduate security jobs require a specific skill set that includes technical expertise, problem-solving abilities, and a strong understanding of information security principles. Here are the key skills that are often sought after in candidates for entry level cyber security jobs:

Cybersecurity fundamentals: A solid understanding of core cyber security concepts, including confidentiality, integrity, availability, authentication, and non-repudiation.

Networking knowledge: Proficiency in understanding network protocols, architecture, and security protocols. Knowledge of TCP/IP, DNS, firewalls, VPNs, and other networking components is important.

Operating systems: Familiarity with various operating systems, including Windows, Linux, and macOS. This includes understanding system administration, security settings, and common vulnerabilities.

Security tools: Knowledge of security tools such as intrusion detection systems (IDS), intrusion prevention systems (IPS), antivirus software, encryption tools, and vulnerability scanners.

Attack techniques: Understanding of common cyber threats, attack vectors, and hacking techniques used by malicious actors.

Coding and scripting: Proficiency in at least one programming language (such as Python, Java, or C++) and scripting languages (such as Bash or PowerShell) for tasks like automating security processes and analyzing data.

These are just a few of the technical skills that may be required of those in UK cyber security jobs. You will also be required to have various soft skills, including but not limited to communication skills, organisational skills and problem-solving capabilities.

The skills required for a role will always be specified in the cyber security job description – so be sure to read job ads closely to discern whether your skillset is a match.

Yes, cyber security graduate schemes can be an excellent option! These cyber security jobs for graduates are designed to provide grads with a structured pathway to enter the cyber security industry. Here are some reasons why cyber security graduate schemes can be a good choice:

Structured learning: Graduate schemes offer a structured learning and development path that covers essential cyber security concepts, tools, and skills. This can help you build a strong foundation for your career.

On-the-job training: Many graduate schemes provide on-the-job training, allowing you to gain practical experience while working on real-world cyber security projects and tasks.

Mentorship: Graduate schemes often pair participants with experienced mentors who can provide guidance, answer questions, and offer insights into the industry.

Exposure: Cyber security is a diverse field that includes areas such as penetration testing, threat analysis, incident response, and more. Graduate schemes often expose participants to different aspects of cyber security, helping you identify your strengths and interests.

Industry-recognised certifications: Some graduate schemes include training and support for obtaining industry-recognized certifications like CompTIA Security+, Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), and more.

Career progression: Successful completion of a graduate scheme can lead to various opportunities for career progression within the organisation. This might include moving into more specialised roles or taking on leadership positions.

While cyber security graduate schemes offer many benefits, it’s important to carefully research the programmes you’re interested in to ensure they align with your career aspirations. Look into the entry requirements, company reputation, and the types of roles you might transition into after completing the scheme.

Additionally, consider whether the specific skills, training, and opportunities offered by the scheme align with your long-term goals in the cyber security field.