Getting into cyber security

With the continued growth in the use of information technology, the threat of a cyber attack has never been greater. On the back of this there is a  large demand for professionals to manage and mitigate the risk of such attacks. Known as cyber security, this is how individuals and organisations reduce the risk of cyber attack.

The sector has a large number of vacancies, offering positions that require a wide variety of skills, not just technical ones.

Research was undertaken to identify the subjects studied by people working in cyber security roles.

GCSE:

Around 80% of people obtained GCSEs in English and Maths, just over 50% in Physics and 16% in Computer Studies. Other subjects studied include:

• Art
• French
• Music
• Biology
• General studies
• Physical Education
• Business studies
• Geography
• Physics
• Chemistry
• German
• Religious Education
• Design & Technology
• Graphic Design
• Science
• Economics
• History
• Technical Drawing
• English Language
• Latin
• Textiles
• English Literature
• Mathematics
• Triple Science
• Food Tech
• Modern Studies

A-Level:

Around 40% of people obtained A-Levels in Maths and 20% in English. Around 28% studied for an IT qualification and 8% Computing. Other subjects studied include:

• Art
• General Studies
• Physics
• Biology
• Geography
• Politics
• Business studies
• Law
• Psychology
• Chemistry
• Mathematics
• Sociology
• Electrics
• Music
• Statistics
• English Language

Degree:

Around 12% of people obtained a degree in Cyber Security, 24% in Computing and 8% in Security Management. Other subjects studied include:

• Business with Marketing
• Electronic engineering
• Physics
• Combined Honours
• Geography
• Politics
• Electrical engineering
• Multimedia and digital entertainment computing
• Zoology
• Electronic & communications engineering
• Music & Media Technology