Cyber intelligence officer
Cyber intelligence officers gather information about where threats to information technology (IT) systems come from and how they work.
- Potential salary
- £25,000 starter to £50,000 experienced per year
- Typical hours
- 35 to 40 a week. Working pattern: evenings / weekends occasionally.
- Career area
- Digital and data
- Where they might work
- You could work in an office or at a client's business.
- A typical task
- identify common weaknesses in IT networks
- Subjects that may help
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
- Typical route
- You can do a degree or postgraduate qualification in one of the following subjects:
- Interest area used here
- Asking questions and research, Organising information and detail
What you might do
- identify common weaknesses in IT networks
- use digital resources to gather information and evidence
- use computer forensics to identify attackers and their methods
- analyse threats to major security systems
- monitor new threats and assess their impact
- keep databases of threats and hackers
More tasks (3)
- produce threat assessment reports and recommend actions
- develop relationships with other organisations and share security knowledge
- update your skills and knowledge
Could this suit me?
Consider which of these skills and ways of working appeal to you.
- complex problem-solving skills
- the ability to use your initiative
- the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
- knowledge of digital communications
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- persistence and determination
More skills
- maths skills
- excellent verbal communication skills
- to have a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications
Routes into this career
University route
- 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
- You could take a postgraduate course in computing or cyber security if your first degree is not in a related subject, or if you have a lot of industry experience.
- You'll usually need:
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
- a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study
- equivalent entry requirements
- student finance for fees and living costs
- university courses and entry requirements
University courses that could lead to this career
These are course families, not published offers. A link does not mean the degree is sufficient on its own.
- Computer Networks
Alternative route. Security work usually needs more than a networks degree.
- Computer science
Alternative route. A computing degree can help. Security clearance and specialist training are separate.
- Cybersecurity
Alternative route. A relevant degree. Clearance and employer training decide the role, not the course title.
Apprenticeship or vocational route
- You could apply to do an apprenticeship, such as:
- Cyber Security Technologist Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship
- Digital Forensic Technician Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship
- Protective Security Adviser Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship
- Cyber Security Technical Professional Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship
- Advanced Digital Forensic Professional Level 7 Degree Apprenticeship
- You'll usually need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship
- a degree in a relevant subject
- equivalent entry requirements
- guide to apprenticeships
Career 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.
Registration and requirements
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'
Subjects that may help
Subject guidance
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
- a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship
- a degree in a relevant subject