Ethical hacker
Help protect company networks and computers from malicious attacks by carrying out security testing using 'hacking' techniques.
About the job
Salary
Source: LMI for All
Weekly
£930
Average
Monthly
£3,720
Average
Yearly
£48,360
Average
13,700
people are currently employed
High growth
800 more jobs in 5 years
These figures refer to this job and similar ones with comparable skills and qualifications. They only apply to Scotland. Source: Oxford Economics
What it's like
You’d be employed to protect networks and computers from attacks from unethical hackers, who illegally access computers with the intention of accessing confidential information.
Delivering security testing using advanced software, you’d attempt to ‘penetrate’ a company’s systems in much the same way as a hacker – with the goal of uncovering any weak areas in the system.
You would:
find and suggest patches for weaknesses in the system
ensure that the system is firewalled
put security protocols in place
Conducting advanced penetration tests, you’d need to be familiar with the company’s infrastructure and would have the ability to assess the risks to the organisation, inserting measures to control vulnerable areas.
By simulating breaches to network security and developing measures to lock down risks, you'd make sure that confidential, financial or reputational damage information didn't fall into the wrong hands.
Hours
Environment
Travel
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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.
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.
Here are some of the skills you'll need to do this job:
- taking responsibility
- ethical
- taking initiative
- attention to detail
- researching
- observation
- problem solving
- written communication
- working with technology
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
Foundation Apprenticeship: Hardware and Systems Support
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.
There are different routes to this role or similar roles in cybersecurity. You'll need the ability to identify, assess and deal with complex information security risks. You'll also need to build relevant experience and qualifications to demonstrate this.
You can gain skills and qualifications in the work place through options such as Modern Apprenticeships or Graduate Apprenticeships (combining work and college/university study) in:
Information Security (SCQF Level 6 / SCQF 8)
Cyber Security (SCQF 10 / SCQF 11)
Apprenticeships are advertised as job vacancies and, like any vacancy, entry requirements will vary. Relevant experience and qualifications, such as National 5s or Highers, will be helpful but may not be essential if you can show you would be the right person for the job.
Any qualifications or experience that show a genuine interest in and practical understanding of technology, business ethics and security, such as a Foundation Apprenticeship in IT: Software Development (SCQF Level 6), Cyber Security Fundamentals Award (SCQF Level 4) or Cyber Security National Progression Award (NPA SCQF 4, 5, and 6).
To be able to pass any security checks or assessments, i.e. no criminal record.
This is a quickly evolving and expanding area of work, so on-going training will be needed.
Industry recognised certificates in ethical hacking or cyber security may be included as part of a course or work-base learning programme or an employer may be willing to support the right employee to gain certification.
Examples of relevant industry qualifications you may see in job adverts include:
Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)
Global Information Assurance Certificate (GIAC)
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