Cyber security
The security sector
Protection of bank account details, having water-tight internet transactions right through to reports of identity theft has made security a major issue for commercial organisations, governments and police authorities across the globe. Outwitting the hackers is a constant challenge. Individuals with the skills and ingenuity to test systems to the limit but with an ethical approach and lots of personal integrity would be suited here.
- Information Security Specialist - job profile
- Forensic Computing University of Kent Careers Service website. An excellent list of contacts and information sources.
Computer security/computer crime
The following organisations may be able to provide information about career opportunities and potential employers:
- The Information Assurance Advisory Council A broad-based group concerned with minimising threats to the UK’s IT infrastructure. Website lists member-organisations, which include private companies, government agencies and academic research centres. Useful for general research into the topic.
- Chartered Institute of Information Security
- The Centre for the Protection of National Infrastructure (CPNI) Government body responsible for co-ordinating the response to threats to the IT infrastructure.
- National Cyber Security Agency
- The National Crime Agency co-ordinates the investigation of crimes against IT systems (e.g. hacking) and crimes involving the use of IT (e.g. fraud, blackmail, human trafficking). Most of the unit’s investigative staff are serving police or customs officers but civilian technical and administrative staff are also employed.
- SOCA affiliated to the Child Exploitation and On-line Protection Centre
- TechUK The main trade association for the UK IT industry. Provides the secretariat for SAINT; the Security Alliance for Internet and New Technologies as well as a Security and Privacy Group. Member listing (over 800).
- The Serious Fraud Office Investigates major fraud of all kinds and employs its own specialist IT staff. Current vacancies pages:
Other types of employers recruiting security personnel
- GCHQ careers
- IT Software developers producing encryption software
- Specialist consultancies in Information security
- Professional Services firms providing technology security services
eg. Technology Assurance and Advisory teams at Deloitte - IT end-users where encrypted data is needed, e.g. finance companies
Further information
- The British Computer Society Information Security Specialists Group
- Postgraduate courses in cyber security and related areas - search the Prospects website
