4 entry level cyber security jobs you should consider

Cyber security is one of the UK’s fastest-growing career fields, offering strong salaries, genuine job security and a wide variety of roles to explore. If you’ve decided that cyber security is a good career path for you, the next step is finding the right entry point. There are several routes available, and the best fit will depend on your existing skills, interests and career goals.

It’s worth noting that not all entry level cyber security roles require coding knowledge. While some are technically focused, others lean more towards governance, risk management and policy, meaning there’s a realistic starting point for a broad range of backgrounds.

The following four roles are among the most common options for those looking to land their first position in the sector.

1. SOC analyst (Tier 1)

A Tier 1 security operations centre (SOC) analyst is one of the most common starting points for budding cyber security professionals. Working within a SOC, their primary role is to monitor systems and networks in real time, identifying and triaging potential security threats as they arise. 

Day-to-day tasks typically involve reviewing alerts generated by SIEM platforms, investigating suspicious activity, logging incidents and escalating confirmed threats to senior analysts or specialist responders. SOC analysts are often the first people to spot an active threat, and many positions involve shift work to provide round-the-clock coverage.

Skills and qualifications you’ll find useful for this job include:

• Understanding of networking protocols and traffic analysis
• Familiarity with SIEM platforms (Splunk, QRadar, Microsoft Sentinel)
• Ability to read and interpret security logs and alerts
• Knowledge of common threat types and indicators of compromise
• CompTIA Security+
• ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity (CC)

From here, SOC analysts commonly progress to senior SOC analyst, then into SOC manager or head of security operations roles. Some also transition into specialist areas like threat intelligence or incident response.

2. Information security analyst

An information security analyst takes a broader view of how an organisation protects its data and information assets. Where a SOC analyst is focused on real-time threat detection, this role is more concerned with the policies, controls and risk management processes that form the foundation of a strong security posture. 

Tasks typically include conducting risk assessments, reviewing and updating security policies, supporting internal audits and helping ensure compliance with frameworks like ISO 27001 and Cyber Essentials. It’s a role that suits methodical, detail-oriented people who enjoy understanding how security fits into the bigger picture of business operations.

Key skills and qualifications include:

• Understanding of information security frameworks and standards
• Risk assessment and reporting
• Security policy review and development
• Knowledge of data protection regulations including GDPR
• BCS Certificate in Information Security Management Principles (CISMP)

From here, analysts typically progress to senior information security analyst, then into information security manager roles. With the right experience, this path can ultimately lead to head of information security or CISO positions.

3. IT security technician

An IT security technician is a hands-on role focused on the practical side of keeping an organisation’s security infrastructure running effectively. It’s a natural fit for anyone with a background in IT support or network administration who wants to move into cyber security. Day-to-day work typically involves configuring and maintaining firewalls, managing endpoint protection, applying security patches, handling user access controls and troubleshooting security-related issues.

What distinguishes this role from others on this list is its emphasis on implementation rather than analysis or policy. Security technicians are the people who make sure defences are properly installed, configured and kept up to date.

Useful skills and certifications to have on your CV include:

• Firewall and endpoint configuration and maintenance
• Patch management and system hardening
• Active Directory and user access management
• Familiarity with Windows and Linux environments
• CompTIA Security+
• Microsoft Security, Compliance and Identity Fundamentals (SC-900)

This role provides a direct route into security engineering. From there, professionals often move into cloud security specialist or security architect positions as they gain experience and deepen their technical expertise.

4. GRC analyst

Governance, risk and compliance (GRC) analysts help organisations meet their regulatory, legal and policy obligations in relation to cyber security. It’s a role that sits on the strategic side of the sector rather than the technical, making it a strong entry point for people from non-technical backgrounds such as law, risk management, audit or project management.

Responsibilities typically include supporting compliance audits, maintaining risk registers, mapping organisational processes against regulatory frameworks and helping prepare documentation for certifications like ISO 27001 or Cyber Essentials. 

Unlike hands-on technical roles, the focus here is on ensuring an organisation can demonstrate that it’s meeting its security obligations rather than implementing the defences directly. With this in mind, skills and qualifications specific to this role include:

• Knowledge of regulatory frameworks such as ISO 27001, NIST and Cyber Essentials
• Understanding of UK data protection regulations including GDPR
• Strong written communication and documentation skills
• Audit preparation and evidence gathering
• BCS Certificate in Information Security Management Principles (CISMP)

GRC analysts typically progress into compliance manager or senior risk analyst roles, with a longer-term path towards head of compliance or chief compliance officer positions.

The cyber security sector has an entry point for almost every skill set and background. Choosing the right starting role can set you on a path to a long and fulfilling career in one of the UK’s most in-demand fields.

Ready to get started? Browse the latest entry level cyber security jobs on CyberSecurityJobsite.com.