Quick start: cyber security in 5 steps
Start with self-learning by exploring free tutorials and resources on cyber security, focusing on computer systems, network security, and cyber threats.
Study a cyber security degree to gain in-depth knowledge and hands-on experience in areas like protecting sensitive data, managing cyber attacks, and securing networks.
Build key skills in computer programming, cloud security, and operating systems to develop the technical abilities crucial for the cyber security industry.
Get practical experience through internships, challenges, or projects, defending networks and securing digital assets in real-world scenarios.
Seek entry-level roles like Cyber Security Analyst or IT Security Administrator, where you can apply your skills and expand your knowledge in the field.
What is cyber security?
Cyber security safeguards systems, networks, and data security from digital threats. It includes a range of methods to prevent unauthorised access, data breaches, malicious code, common cyber threats like phishing, and other forms of cybercrime. Cyber security ensures the safety of digital information and the smooth operation of security systems, whether for individuals, businesses, or governments.
In an ever-evolving digital world, cyber security specialists safeguard against digital attacks using various technologies and practices, including firewalls, operating systems, encryption, multi-factor authentication, and real-time threat monitoring.
Cyber security can be broken down into several key areas, including:
Network security: protects the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of a network and its data by preventing unauthorised access or malicious attacks.
Application security: focuses on safeguarding computing software and applications from vulnerabilities that cyber criminals could exploit.
Information security: protects physical and digital information by ensuring that personal data is safe, confidential, and accessible only to authorised users.
Disaster recovery: ensure an organisation can continue operating and recover quickly after data breaches or any other disaster.
What do you do in cyber security?
If you work in cyber security, your primary responsibility is protecting computer systems and data from cyber attackers. Your daily tasks will differ depending on your specific role, but they often include managing risks, securing networks, protecting databases, and responding to security incidents.
You'll also monitor computer security for vulnerabilities and ensure internet services and access controls remain safe from breaches.
Common tasks in cyber security
Monitoring networks: continuously tracking network security for vulnerabilities or unusual activity that could signal a potential cyber attack.
Implementing security measures: setting up firewalls, strong passwords, encryption networks, and multi-factor authentication to protect sensitive information and prevent unauthorised access.
Ethical hacking: proactively identifying and fixing weaknesses before malicious hackers.
Incident response: acting quickly to limit the damage and restore security after data breaches.
Security auditing: regularly assessing an organisation’s computer security practices to align them with industry standards and are current with the latest threats.
Educating staff: cyber security often involves training others in networking and best practices, such as recognising phishing emails or using strong passwords.
Whether preventing attacks or responding to incidents, a career in cyber security is fast-paced and offers a variety of challenges and learning opportunities.
How to get into cyber security
Study a degree
The most common path into cyber security is by studying a degree. You'll develop the technical skills to understand and address cyber threats through labs, projects, and simulations.
At LIBF, we offer flexible online degrees to suit your needs. Our Cyber Security with Foundation Year prepares you for a BSc in Cyber Security, covering key areas like network security, computer programming, encryption, ethical hacking, and digital forensics. For those seeking advanced learning, our MSc Cyber Security focuses on cyber governance, risk management, and data protection, with electives in software development and cryptography.
Gain certifications
Self-learning is a valuable way to build foundational skills in cyber security. By exploring free online tutorials, resources, and virtual labs, you can deepen your understanding of key areas like cryptography, network security, and risk management at your own pace.
Certifications like CompTIA Security+ and Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) complement self-study by providing focused expertise and demonstrating your commitment to employers. These qualifications help you stay current with industry trends while developing specialised insight.
Practical experience
Gaining real-world experience is essential in cyber security. Internships, entry-level roles, or freelance projects give you hands-on exposure to industry challenges, helping you apply skills in areas like network security and application security. You'll also develop communication skills by working with teams to protect systems and resolve threats.
Hackathons, open-source projects, and capture-the-flag events offer opportunities to strengthen your expertise while staying current with the latest technologies. Practical experience enhances your technical expertise and prepares you to tackle evolving internet cyber threats.
What topics does a cyber security degree cover?
A degree in cyber security provides a comprehensive understanding of protecting systems and network infrastructure from threats. Here are some of the core topics you’ll cover:
Core technical topics
Network security: prevent an organisation’s network architecture from attacks using tools such as firewalls, VPNs, and intrusion detection systems.
Incident response and recovery: rapidly respond to cyber attacks and personal data breaches to limit damage and restore security.
Operating systems: understand operating systems and gain expertise in Windows and Linux environments, essential for securing a system at its core.
Cyber defence, response, and recovery topics
Ethical hacking: or 'penetration testing', is testing a system's security by attempting to hack it. You'll aim to find vulnerable digital assets before cyber criminals can exploit them.
Cryptography: use encryption to protect sensitive data, and keep personal information safe in transit and at rest.
Digital forensics: investigate how an attack happened. Learn techniques to trace hackers and recover lost or stolen data.
Governance, risk, and security topics
Risk management: assess potential threats and vulnerabilities within a system and implement measures to reduce those risks.
Security governance and policy: study cyber security's legal and ethical aspects, including developing and implementing security policies that follow industry standards and regulations.
Cloud security: Learn to secure cloud platforms, implement encryption, and manage access to cloud-based services.
Understanding cyber security roles
Cyber security analyst vs cyber security engineer
Though both roles are essential, cyber security analysts and engineers focus on different security aspects. Analysts are reactive, dealing with threats as they happen, running security checks, managing incident responses, and maintaining computer security.
In contrast, engineers take a proactive approach by building and maintaining security systems to protect data. This includes firewalls, encryption, and application security measures to prevent attacks. While analysts handle daily operations, engineers design the infrastructure to withstand ongoing threats.
Information security vs cyber security
Information and cyber security aim to protect data, but their focus differs. Information security covers digital and physical data protection, such as securing documents, controlling access to protected areas, and ensuring personal data remains confidential in all formats.
Cyber security specifically targets digital threats, focusing on protecting networks, systems, and digital information from hacking, malware, and phishing attacks. While these fields overlap, cyber security is strictly focused on safeguarding digital environments.
Cyber security vs software engineering
Software engineers create the systems and applications organisations use, while cyber security experts protect those systems. Software engineers focus on writing and maintaining code to ensure systems function properly.
Cyber security experts, on the other hand, safeguard a system from attackers by identifying vulnerabilities and implementing protective measures. Through encryption, firewalls, or other application security strategies, they prevent unauthorised access and attacks. While software engineers build the infrastructure, cyber security experts protect it.
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Expected salaries in cyber security
According to the IBM X-Force Threat Intelligence Index 2024, the average data breach cost for UK businesses is £3.4 million, driven by rising threats and evolving cyber risks. This highlights the increasing need for robust cyber security measures and skilled professionals.
Demand for cyber security talent continues to soar, compounding the rising cost of damages. In 2025, there will be 3.5 million unfulfilled cybersecurity jobs globally, underscoring the critical shortage of qualified professionals in the industry, according to Esentire's 2023 Official Cybersecurity Jobs Report.
That's why cyber security specialists are in such high demand, as organisations struggle to safeguard sensitive data, protect against attackers, and mitigate the financial impacts of breaches.
Expected cyber security salaries
Security operations manager: £45,446
Identify, analyse, and mitigate malware threats, developing tools to prevent a future attack from viruses, ransomware, and other harmful software.Cyber security analyst: £47,865
Monitor a system for threats, run vulnerability tests, and respond to incidents to protect personal data and ensure network security.IT security specialist: £48,019
Oversee cyber security policies and manage security services, ensuring computers comply with regulations and organisations are prepared for malware threats.Security consultant: £51,770
Assess an organisation’s cyber security resources, identify weaknesses, and suggest improvements and training to ensure compliance and protection against an attack.Penetration tester: £52,822
Simulate cyber attacks to identify system vulnerabilities and provide recommendations for strengthening critical defences before a real cyber attack occurs.Cloud engineer: £53,394
Secures cloud platforms by managing encryption, access control, and digital assets to protect organisations from unauthorised access.Cyber security architect: £80,183
Design security infrastructures to protect networks and personal data and work with leadership to align security measures with business goals.Chief information security officer (CISO): £162,555
Leads the organisation’s cyber security strategy, overseeing teams, training and access management to protect computer security services from threats.
Salary information from uk.indeed.com is accurate as of October 2024.
Cyber security degree entry requirements
The specific entry requirements for cyber security degrees may vary depending on the course level and provider. At LIBF, we welcome domestic and international students and offer flexible entry options to help you achieve your goals.
Typical entry requirements include:
Previous qualifications
A-levels (or equivalent) in subjects like mathematics, computing, or physics are common for undergraduate degrees. These provide the technical foundation to understand core areas like network and data security. Postgraduate applicants usually require undergraduate studies in a related field, such as IT, computer science, or network security.
Previous experience
Hands-on experience in IT, programming, or network architecture is valuable but only sometimes essential. Experience gained through internships, projects, or entry-level roles demonstrates your implementation skills in real-world cyber security challenges, including securing network infrastructure and solving other security issues.
Technical skills
Familiarity with programming languages like Python, Java, or C++ is highly beneficial. Knowledge of operating systems, network infrastructure, and encryption technologies will give you a personal advantage, as these skills are crucial in tackling cyber security threats and securing access to digital environments.
What similar subjects are there to cyber security?
If you’re interested in cyber security, you may want to explore related fields that complement your skills or offer alternative career paths. Here’s a look at some similar subjects:
Computer science
Computer science covers the study of algorithms, programming, and systems architecture. It provides the technical foundation for cyber security, with expertise in everything from coding to developing secure infrastructure across various technologies.
Explore computer scienceSoftware engineering
Software engineers design and build secure systems, developing the infrastructure that cyber security professionals protect. This field helps you understand how to secure software and networks against threats like malware and hacking.
Explore software engineeringData science
Data scientists analyse large datasets to detect patterns and anomalies, which can be key to identifying a potential cyber attack. They work with cyber security teams to develop predictive models that detect unusual network activity and prevent cyber attacks.
Explore data scienceArtificial intelligence (AI)
AI plays an important role in automating cybersecurity processes. AI systems help detect vulnerabilities, analyse network traffic, and identify malicious code, providing intelligent, automated solutions to evolving cyber threats.
Explore artificial inelligenceStudy cyber security with LIBF
At LIBF, you can study cyber security 100% online, with flexible degree options that fit around your life. Whether you're starting or advancing your skills, we offer foundation, bachelor's, and master's courses. Explore key topics like network security, risk management, and data protection – developing the expertise needed for diverse cyber security careers.
Tailor your studies with electives like cloud security, cryptography, and digital forensics. You'll also have 24/7 access to expert support – ensuring you're always connected while studying at your own pace.
