Cyber security consultant
Advise organisations on ways to strengthen their cyber defences.
Also known as: IT security consultant
About the job
What it's like
Half of all businesses reported a cyber security breach or attack over a 12-month period in 2023/24. That's according to the UK Government's Cyber security breaches survey 2024.
As the world grows more reliant on technology, organisations are vulnerable to harmful and criminal activity in cyberspace. There is a need for people who know how to prevent and respond to cyber threats. Could you be the person they turn to?
You'll use your expertise to identify weaknesses in digital systems, software and networks. You'll recommend and help put in place solutions to reduce the risks posed by cyber threats. You'll be an expert in a variety of tactics used by cyber criminals such as phishing, malware or denial of service (DDoS) attacks.
This role is perfect for problem-solvers. You'll need a curious mind, a passion for technology and the ability to think creatively.
Your tasks might include:
testing existing cyber security measures to identify vulnerabilities
advising on ways to fix weaknesses and strengthen security
responding to cyber attacks to minimise financial and reputational damage
carrying out risk assessments and developing security strategies
collaborating with IT teams, developers and other cyber security professionals
giving advice to other people on best practice for security
Explore more information about this job
Here are some useful links to learn more about this career:
National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) – learn about NCSC-certified degrees
National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) – discover the CyberFirst Girls Competition
UK Cyber Security Council – explore careers information and routes into the cyber industry
Cyber Games UK – test your cyber skills by playing online games!
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Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
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Financial and professional services -
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Digital technologies
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- attention to detail
- making decisions
- analysing
- working with technology
- resilience
- problem solving
- cooperating
- ethical
- written communication
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
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Foundation Apprenticeship: Software Development
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Maths (Mathematics)
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Physics
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Computing Science
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Applications of Mathematics
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Business Management
You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.
Discover what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
This is a role where you'll need a deep understanding of cyber security. You'll likely need a degree in a relevant subject and experience in cyber security roles.
Employers will value your skills and knowledge more than just qualifications. However, getting a qualification can be a great way to grow your understanding and equip yourself for roles in cyber security.
Check out the UK Cyber Security site. They list common entry routes and qualifications that can help in this career. Here are some routes you can take to become a cyber security consultant.
University
A Cyber Security degree will increase the number of roles you can apply for.
To get into a relevant course, you'll likely need at least:
four Highers at BBCC or three Advanced Highers at BBB
National 5s in English and Maths at C
Some courses will ask for Maths, Computing or a science subject at Higher or Advanced Higher. If you have an HNC or HND in a relevant subject, this might also get you into a degree course.
Degrees in other subjects are also useful for a career in cyber security. For example:
Computer Science
Software Engineering
Systems Engineering
If you want to continue studying at postgraduate level, there are courses in Cyber Security. You'll need at least a 2:2 honours degree in a relevant subject to apply.
College
A college course could provide work experience and help you progress to further study or even into a full-time role. Common qualifications you can get at college include:
National Progression Awards (NPA)
National Qualifications (NQ)
National Certificates (NC)
Higher National Certificates (HNC)
Higher National Diplomas (HND)
What you need to enter a Cyber Security course will differ depending on the level of study. For an HNC or HND, you'll likely need either:
at least one Higher at C, preferably two
a relevant NC or NQ
a relevant Access course or NPA
An FA in a relevant subject may count as Higher. Some courses may ask for National 5s or Highers in subjects such as Maths, Computing Science, Physics, Chemistry or English.
Apprenticeships
Foundation Apprenticeships
You can start learning the skills you'll need through a Foundation Apprenticeship (FA). You can take one in S5 or S6 and gain work experience while you study.
You can browse FAs on Apprenticeships.scot. This one in IT: Hardware and System Support is an ideal first step towards a cyber career.
Modern Apprenticeships
If you’re aged 16 or older, a Modern Apprenticeship (MA) will let you work and earn while you study for a qualification. After you qualify, you'd be able to study further or move into a role where you can build experience.
You might find these MAs helpful:
Graduate Apprenticeships
You could also earn a degree level qualification through a Graduate Apprenticeship (GA). Check out this GA in Cyber Security.
Work
There are junior and graduate cyber security roles available. To get into these, you'll likely need a degree or some relevant experience in a cyber-related role. You'll get training on the job and could work towards more senior positions.
Your knowledge and experience are very important in this career. Some of the technical knowledge that a job advert might ask for includes:
threat modelling
security architecture
cloud technologies
Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT)
knowledge of security frameworks and certifications such as ISO 27001, NIST-CSF, and GDPR
These are just a small sample taken from current job postings. There is a vast range of knowledge useful for a cyber security consultant.
Check out the UK Cyber Security Council site. They've gathered a list of learning resources to help you develop your skills.
You might need different certifications for some roles. This shows your knowledge is up to date in certain areas.
Browse a list of recognised industry certifications on the ICS2 site. They're the world's leading member association for cyber security professionals.
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