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IT security co-ordinator

Also called Information security analyst, cyber security specialist.

IT security co-ordinators protect their clients' computer systems and data from illegal access, theft and misuse.

Potential salary
£35,000 starter to £76,000 experienced per year
Typical hours
37 to 40. Working pattern: on call on a rota.
Career area
Digital and data
Where they might work
You could work at a client's business or in an office.
A typical task
assess risks to IT systems and develop procedures to minimise them
Subjects that may help
at least 1 A level, or equivalent, for a foundation degree
Typical route
You can study for a foundation degree, degree or postgraduate course in:
Interest area used here
Asking questions and research, Organising information and detail

Career actions

What you might do

  • assess risks to IT systems and develop procedures to minimise them
  • use manual and automated methods to test IT defences and find weak spots
  • monitor and record incidents and suspicious activity in real time
  • investigate security breaches, assess damage and fix flaws
  • manage security system maintenance and upgrades
  • advise organisations on how to improve their IT security
More tasks (1)
  • test emerging technologies, like AI, that could be used to reinforce security measures

Could this suit me?

Consider which of these skills and ways of working appeal to you.

  • the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
  • complex problem-solving skills
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • the ability to use your initiative
  • the ability to remain calm and work under pressure
  • excellent verbal communication skills
More skills
  • excellent written communication skills
  • maths skills
  • to have a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications

Routes into this career

University route

  • You can study for a foundation degree, degree or postgraduate course in:
  • computer science
  • cyber security
  • software engineering
  • maths
  • business information systems
  • Courses with industry placements or summer internships can help you to develop your skills and industry contacts.
  • Your university careers service can help you find work experience, internship and placement opportunities.
  • You'll usually need:
  • 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 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. Relevant, but not a complete security qualification.

  • Computer science

    Alternative route. Cybersecurity content and experience matter more than the general title.

  • Cybersecurity

    Common route. A relevant academic route alongside experience and professional certificates.

Explore university routes

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
  • You may be able to start in a junior or assistant role by doing a Software and Data Level 2, or Hardware, Network and Infrastructure Level 2, Foundation Apprenticeship.
  • You can apply for a foundation apprenticeship if you're aged 16 to 21.
  • If you're aged 22 to 24, you can apply if you:
  • have an education, health and care (EHC) plan
  • are in care or have been in care
  • are in prison or have been in prison
  • You'll usually need:
  • no specific qualifications or experience to apply for a foundation apprenticeship
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship
  • equivalent entry requirements
  • guide to apprenticeships

Other routes

  • You could do take a college course before applying for a trainee IT position with a company.
  • Courses include:
  • computing
  • networking and cyber security
  • maths
  • psychology
  • T Level in Digital Support and Security
  • Entry requirements for these courses vary.
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level
  • equivalent entry requirements
  • funding advice
  • guide to T Levels
  • search for courses
Career progression
  • With experience, you could work towards professional registration in a particular IT security specialism, such as:
  • security systems management
  • testing
  • architecture and design
  • You could also:
  • move into security consultancy
  • work for the police, security services or specialist law firms who investigate computer crimes

Registration and requirements

pass enhanced background checks

Subjects that may help

Subject guidance

  • 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 postgraduate study
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level
  • no specific qualifications or experience to apply for a foundation apprenticeship
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

What you could do next