Information Security Officer

Skills and abilities: Strong knowledge of IT, with attention to detail and logical approach to work. A patient, objective, and proactive style with an appreciation of confidential data. 

What you’ll be doing: There are commonly various roles dealing with separate aspects, and it is likely you will develop a broader understanding of many of them. Typical day-to-day responsibilities include:

• Identifying risks, assessing system vulnerability, and minimising risk
• Designing new security measures or upgrading existing security
• Ethical hacking, simulating security breaches, and planning for disaster recovery
• Tackling viruses, spyware, Trojan horses, ‘phishing’, and ‘pharming’
• Investigating and correcting breaches, and maintaining security standards
• Preparing technical reports and procedural documentation

Career progression: You may be required to complete a background check, or pass a security course to begin working for some organisations. Options to become a certified or accredited information security practitioner may enhance your prospects. You could develop into senior roles such as Security Manager, or move into consultancy. Common employers include financial institutions, police forces, security services, or specialised law firms conducting forensic investigation.