Cyber security architect
Design systems that protect businesses and organisations from cyber threats.
Also known as: security architect
About the job
What it's like
Architects made Edinburgh Castle, one of Scotland's iconic landmarks, an intimidating fortress. Cyber security architects do something similar in the modern technological world. They help organisations and businesses fend off cyberattacks and other threats. You'll be the mastermind bolstering their digital defences.
You'll do this by designing, creating and looking after cyber security systems. You'll need to think ahead to outsmart hackers and scammers. Being able to spot future threats is key. It'll help you build systems that can protect against them.
You might work with the Scottish Government, safeguarding public services from cyber attackers. But all organisations need security solutions to protect their networks and keep customer data safe. It's a career that can take you into any industry.
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:
designing security architecture such as firewalls, access controls and encryption
thinking of and communicating security strategies
identifying and fixing weaknesses in existing systems
collaborating with IT teams, developers and other cyber security professionals
designing and running simulations to test security systems
looking out for suspicious activity and taking action to stop breaches
giving advice to other people on best practice for security
Hours
You'd likely work 35 to 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday. In some roles, you might work on a shift basis, including evening and weekend work. Cyber security incidents can happen at any time and need a quick response. This means you could be on-call for an organisation. Some workplaces will offer a flexible approach to your working hours.
Environment
You'd work in an office, or from home at times, and spend long periods sitting at a desk.
Travel
You may have to travel to different places to meet with clients.
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.
Engineering and manufacturing
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.
Top specialised skills
These are the top specialised skills that have been found in job vacancies across Scotland. From March 2024 to March 2025.
- it security architecture
- security solutions
- security controls
- cyber security
- cloud security
- sherwood applied business security architecture
- disaster recovery solution
- the open group architecture framework (togaf)
- nist 800-53
- control objectives for information and related technology (cobit)
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- written communication
- working with technology
- verbal communication
- taking responsibility
- making decisions
- innovative
- ethical
- developing a plan
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:
Computing Science
Maths (Mathematics)
Applications of Mathematics
Physics
English
Biology
Foundation Apprenticeship: Hardware and Systems Support
Foundation Apprenticeship: Business Skills
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 built up through years of experience. You'll likely have to develop this knowledge in other relevant roles and work your way up to an architect position.
Employers will value your skills and knowledge more than just qualifications. But you may need a degree for some jobs. Regardless, 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 architect.
Apprenticeship routes to a cyber career
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.
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.
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.
Work
There are trainee cyber security roles available that you don't need experience for. You'll get training on the job and could work towards more senior positions.
Use our job search to explore roles in Scotland.
To become a cyber security architect, you might need to supplement your on-the-job learning. Getting qualifications and industry certifications could help you progress to your end goal.
Your knowledge and experience are very important in this career. Some of the technical knowledge that a job advert might ask for includes:
data loss prevention
cloud technologies
DevOps and DevSecOps
endpoint, network and infrastructure threat protection
secure networks, flow monitoring and application control
These are just a small sample taken from current job postings. There is a vast range of knowledge useful for a cyber security architect.
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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