Cybersecurity, also referred to as computer security, can be an equally obscure and enticing concept. Cyber security has grown more crucial than ever with the rise of technological advancements and opportunities for occupations using computers, but what exactly is it? And even better, how do you enter the field? Lucky for you, the official Cyber Security Technician apprenticeship was cleared for delivery in 2020, and we’re here to break down everything that you need to know.
What is Cyber Security?
Cyber security is the practice of protecting individuals and organisations against the possibility of a cyber-attack. This involves safeguarding the hardware and operating systems of digitally connected devices such as smartphones, laptops, tablets, and computers, as well as the services accessed through them, from online theft or damage, sometimes known as “cyber threats.” As you might expect, as the internet becomes more effective, more businesses and individuals are storing vast quantities of data online, much of it containing sensitive or confidential information. As a result, the demand for new talent in cyber security is as great as ever, especially given the volume and level of sophistication of cyber threats and malicious behaviour. Individuals and organisations in cyber security are tasked with protecting systems and devices against any unlawful access to computers and network systems.
Requirements & Responsibilities for a Cyber Security Apprentice
The Cyber Security Technician apprenticeship is dedicated to providing apprentices with all of the education and experience necessary to enable them to provide first-line cyber security support to protect stakeholders and their data. Cyber Security Technicians are individuals who monitor and detect possible threats to security and escalate as appropriate in order to support stakeholder business operations through the application of cyber security procedures and controls, all of which apprentices will learn throughout their course. The apprenticeship will teach you how to process security requests, maintain organisational security and control, and ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and accessibility of digitally stored information.
So what does this look like day-to-day? In their capacity as employees of a cyber security company, apprentices collaborate with a team while working under supervision, communicating with a variety of internal and external stakeholders, including colleagues, customers, and internal and external suppliers, to support a cyber security function, such as a Security Operations Centre or Network Operations Centre. Apprentices are given specific cyber security duties to complete, giving them the chance to learn the various set procedures and standards essential to the position. Patching software, updating software, applying access control, setting up firewalls, and configuring security incident and event management (SIEM) and utilising protection technologies such as Anti-virus, Anti-malware, Anti-spam are some examples of tasks apprentices may be asked to perform.
Though this might sound like a huge responsibility, you may be surprised to find that the average entry requirements for this role is typically a completed level 2 apprenticeship or passed five GCSEs, though additional requirements may be set by individual employers. Level 2 English and Maths will need to be achieved, if not already, before apprentices take the end point assessment (this is the final exam all apprentices have to complete to gain their qualification), however, apprentices are given support and the opportunity to achieve this during their course.
Where Can The Apprenticeship Take You?
Beyond gaining valuable practical experience and learning from theory in your course as well as on-the-job training, completing the Cyber Security Technician apprenticeship is a valuable job prospect and start to your career. Besides gaining an industry-recognized qualification, apprentices are able to earn a salary throughout their course completion, and the apprenticeship provides various opportunities for career progression beyond the initial role. According to Glassdoor.com, the average salary for an apprentice within Cyber Security in the UK is £25,448, with the average salary for a Cyber Security Specialist reaching as far as £56,655. Completing an apprenticeship in Cyber Security can prove quite lucrative, and even if the financial aspect doesn’t particularly interest you, the skills learned within the apprenticeship are all relatively transferable within the industry, as the course is designed to give apprentices a strong foundation, from which they can launch the rest of their career in whichever direction they please. Popular job choices post-apprenticeship completion include Access control administrator, Cyber security administrator, Incident response technician and Junior information security analyst, among many others.
How Will You Be Examined?
Apprentices will need to complete a knowledge assessment in order to demonstrate that they understand the knowledge covered within the apprenticeship. This assessment(s) entail the knowledge, skills and behaviours assessors would expect a Cyber Security Technician apprentice to possess, given the successful completion of the apprenticeship, such as the key processes, procedures and principles of cyber security, as explored throughout the course. Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship, students will be awarded the Level 3 Apprenticeship Qualification as a Cyber Security Technician.
To Conclude…
As you can see, anyone interested in a career in cybersecurity should start with the level 3 Cyber Security Technician apprenticeship. Together with a thorough education in the knowledge and abilities needed for the position, the foundational skills covered in the apprenticeship will open up a wide range of work prospects and financial opportunities, enabling you to enter a field with promising chances for advancement.
If you enjoyed exploring this apprenticeship, or perhaps want to have a look at something new, take a look at some of our Latest Blog Posts.
All images supplied via Pixabay.